Early Access Video: Make a Chopping Block Bench
Added 2020-08-22 11:00:03 +0000 UTCFriends:
This week, we're continuing on with our back-to-basics projects. I'm always thinking about work-surfaces and this week, I got the idea to make a chopping-block for the shop. But then, I thought of some simple hacks to turn this simple device into a solid and portable bench.
The final results are very promising and this thing doesn't take up much room. If you've been struggling with a tiny workspace, this might be just the thing.
Happy Saturday!
--Rex
(Oh in the video I say the premium plane video is next week, but clearly we already did that one. Things just got mixed up. Man, I'm tired.)
Comments
I'm actually going to be making me one of these looking for some oak or hickory logs I have access to both
Kevin Esses
2020-09-27 18:22:46 +0000 UTCRex, great idea, I build one a couple of weeks ago, using some 2" oak plank i cut a last year and a chunk of un-split firewood (also oak), coated everything heavily in boiled linseed oil. Since this is an outside bench, I added a nail and a couple of washers on each leg to eliminate water absorption through the legs by getting them off the ground. This is an awesome design for chopping and pounding you do not want to do on your regular bench.
Mikkel
2020-09-25 14:13:10 +0000 UTCMake that "or" above!
Charles A Berg
2020-09-08 11:28:04 +0000 UTCOne advantage of Japanese saws is their high reflectivity. One can see, directly, whether one is sawing perpendicular to the wood, ors not, etc.
Charles A Berg
2020-09-08 11:26:36 +0000 UTCYou know you have to do one on Kanna planes because you're the plane guy right.😉
e.d.
2020-08-29 01:26:58 +0000 UTCMe too! Makes it easier to figure out what I'm doing!
Rex Krueger
2020-08-28 22:29:49 +0000 UTCIt's one thing to be able to do it and another quite different one is actually doing it. Take the credit. Congrats on the milestone!
Tsani Rósenov Sábev
2020-08-28 07:13:38 +0000 UTCI love how you're connecting all the episodes. Its almost like a cliffhanger after each one. I like being able to follow a progression.
e.d.
2020-08-25 13:26:56 +0000 UTCOh, I think lots of people could do what I did here. It's not a new idea, but you're very kind.
Rex Krueger
2020-08-25 12:13:15 +0000 UTCI'll sleep when I'm dead!
Rex Krueger
2020-08-25 12:11:35 +0000 UTCJust spend the whole week outside with this block. It was glorious!
Rex Krueger
2020-08-25 12:11:11 +0000 UTCThat's a good point! I do sit on mine, although it's a wee bit high.
Rex Krueger
2020-08-25 12:10:47 +0000 UTCI've chopped on my bench....don't do it.
Rex Krueger
2020-08-25 12:10:24 +0000 UTCI think that split style is much better if you need to hold more things or carve. I'd kind of like one of those, too.
Rex Krueger
2020-08-25 12:10:05 +0000 UTCDon't worry, it works and I'm going to prove it!
Rex Krueger
2020-08-25 12:09:21 +0000 UTCInteresting that you mention that. I have a thin slab that I put on my bench for chopping. Works great.
Rex Krueger
2020-08-25 12:08:57 +0000 UTCClearly I need to up my hardware game!
Rex Krueger
2020-08-25 12:08:06 +0000 UTCI do get a little befuddled when I'm low on sleep.
Rex Krueger
2020-08-25 12:07:41 +0000 UTCYou can get away with a smaller one if you use legs.
Rex Krueger
2020-08-25 12:07:25 +0000 UTCI never heard of that before! What a great idea.
Rex Krueger
2020-08-25 12:07:07 +0000 UTCI'm very glad you feel it's worth it! We're happy to have you!
Rex Krueger
2020-08-25 12:06:46 +0000 UTCYou're both totally right. I even have a couple of my own tricks for this.
Rex Krueger
2020-08-25 12:04:41 +0000 UTCDo it! I just made a mallet using only this as the bench. Went very smoothly.
Rex Krueger
2020-08-25 12:04:12 +0000 UTCLuckily, it's not that hard...usually.
Rex Krueger
2020-08-25 12:03:33 +0000 UTCThat's a good idea and worth trying!
Rex Krueger
2020-08-25 12:03:17 +0000 UTCYou guys up in the Frozen North sure make a nice board. Way better than that Whitewood crap.
Rex Krueger
2020-08-25 12:02:33 +0000 UTCNext video, fire-hardening spear points!
Matthew Leigh
2020-08-25 12:02:31 +0000 UTCYup, that video is in the can and Nate will edit it today!
Rex Krueger
2020-08-25 12:02:00 +0000 UTCIt's old, that's for sure!
Rex Krueger
2020-08-25 12:01:19 +0000 UTCYou could always find a workaround using his instant shave horse. https://www.patreon.com/posts/free-plans-shave-31340946
Tsani Rósenov Sábev
2020-08-25 08:51:11 +0000 UTCThis is a cool way to get started in wood working for the cost of a 2x6 and a piece of fire wood. Only Rex could take a chunk of a tree and turn it into a functional work bench. Now if he can add a shaving horse attachment to the $30 bench we will have the trifecta of bench building. Thank you Rex for your ever expanding ideas for working wood.
Matt Evans-Koch
2020-08-25 07:03:50 +0000 UTCI actually made a bench somewhat like this although less log more thick branch (pre-Rex) if you want to go true rustic I used pilot holes and whacked some straight branches in the holes, but now I think I’ll make that into a simple sitting bench and try this out! A LOT sturdier than my little guy... Rex take a nice long nap. You’ve earned it buddy.
Joshua Gentges
2020-08-24 15:56:51 +0000 UTCThis is terrific! Back when I was working from home I used to sneak down to my basement between Zoom calls to get some work in, I found myself wishing a had a smaller bench I could take outside to work with during nice weather.
Mike M
2020-08-23 12:26:29 +0000 UTCMate, this is great. The legs alone are going to be of great benefit to other things that can be built. For example, shorten the legs for stools around the fire. Thanks again for some great innovation!!!
Stuart Woodcock
2020-08-23 08:09:55 +0000 UTCAnother surprisingly useful video. I bought a hewing hatchet head this summer and made a handle, and had been thinking "I dont want to chop directly *on* my lovely #joinersbench, should I make a chopping block?" Obviously you heard me wondering, and made this video.
Paul Thoma
2020-08-23 03:27:25 +0000 UTCI have one similar that I made from a log split down the middle. It is nice for setting down and working on things. With the log split you can use hold fast on holes set in about 4 inches. Also it allows chopping against the face grain so the hatchet doesn't tend to stick in the log. I like the legs design you made more than my round mortise, if I do another one I think that is the leg pattern I would use.
Randy Boze
2020-08-23 02:29:47 +0000 UTCI was just scratching my head over how to incorporate a functional workbench into my tiny tiny space and it felt like such a massive hurdle, but this makes me so much more confident that I’ll be able to work. Thanks so much for putting in the effort to make woodworking more accessible. It really makes a difference. Excited to see whenever you’re able to use it!
Leo Burgueño
2020-08-22 21:51:19 +0000 UTCI like your design of the bench. A little more modern, less rustic. Another fine video. An option for someone already has the low Roman bench would be to a 4-6" slab of tree trunk, seal it as you did on yours (you might want to mention that in your intro notes or do a quick edit if you plan on re-editing the ending) and put a handle on the side to make it easily portable. It can be placed on the bench over the legs for maximum solidity when needed and tucked away when it's not.
Michael Bennett
2020-08-22 19:17:00 +0000 UTCRex, there are a couple of great construction industry "lag screw" fasteners that are engineered and easy to use, as well as available at the big box stores. Simpson, which makes most of the joist hangers and other steel mechanical fastener plates for framing also makes "SDS" screws with 1/4" shanks and 3/8" drive hex heads. I have long used these for both permanent fastening and constructing scaffolding and like structures. These screws have better sheer value than the cad plated lags, have a self drilling tip, and are easily driven with a 3/8" hex driver, also on the racks at the big box., and your hand brace, or a battery drill if you prefer. Timberlock also makes great, engineered long wood screws with self drilling tips and integral washers in lengths from 3 to at least 9":. Once you try these you will never go back. Thanks for my weekly Saturday morning video, always enjoy them, Griz;)
John Griswold
2020-08-22 16:09:22 +0000 UTCRex, you have been working hard and I appreciate your work. At least you have a good excuse for your confusion ;)
Jerry Kingzett
2020-08-22 15:01:50 +0000 UTCPretty neat, I was already looking for a new log to keep on the side of the house for chopping.
Kevin Lundquist
2020-08-22 14:27:34 +0000 UTCI'm gonna second this. Pre-drilling is an important skill, both for screws and nails (well, cut nails anyway).
TwoRavens
2020-08-22 14:21:01 +0000 UTCYou might be able to get some extra stability by hanging a bucket of gravel from the bottom. And old photographers trick is to hang the camera bag from the bottom of the tripod. Some tripods even have a building hook for doing so.
Jessica McIntosh
2020-08-22 14:04:11 +0000 UTCRex, as always when I have time to dive into your patreon account I am never disappointed on your content.
The Super-wrench Garage
2020-08-22 13:59:44 +0000 UTCThis is great! I could definitely see the use of this even in an otherwise well equipped/benched workshop. One thing I was thinking of when you were pre-drilling the lag bolts. Have you gone through drill bit sizing for pre-drilling in the woodwork for humans series yet? I remember having to talk my wife through it when she was doing a project, and thought it might fit well in one of your videos.
David Bumpus
2020-08-22 13:26:51 +0000 UTCI enjoyed this video, Rex. One of the projects I want to do soon is the 3 tool mallet and I have some birch log firewood I bought for the mallet head and some other stuff, so this log bench is great because it’s elevated with the legs and has work holding capacities. I think I need to get out there and do some log hunting!!
Sean O'Neill
2020-08-22 12:56:16 +0000 UTCNice! Time to find a Log...
Kevin S Thomas
2020-08-22 12:56:13 +0000 UTCHave you thought about modifying, or adding something to the log to help with cutting angles. Lots of people cut a "V" into the top of the log to help support their work when making spoon blanks.
Jesse Woodring
2020-08-22 12:42:18 +0000 UTCIrving is my local sawmill. You got Canadian construction lumber in your 2x6 there. I will most likely make my joiners bench out of this type of material.
Shanni Marmen
2020-08-22 12:17:21 +0000 UTCGreat video. When are we going to see you use the Chopbench? Next week, then? And take a nap ;^)
Thomas Hverring
2020-08-22 11:21:24 +0000 UTCThe next entry in the Workbenches Through History series - 19th century, Roman and now prehistoric
Matthew Leigh
2020-08-22 11:14:24 +0000 UTC
