Early Access Video: The Joiner's Bench
Added 2020-01-25 12:00:03 +0000 UTCFriends:
This is a big one for me. It combines historical research, woodwork archaeology, a major project and my ongoing quest to make craft-work accessible to the largest number of people.
You've read about it and you've seen the pictures, but finally, I give you the Joiner's Bench.
I believe that this bench is part of a forgotten little niche in woodworking history. It's a descendant of the Nicholson bench, but it's screwed together and can be made in two short days.
Really. I did it in 3 and I was filming, which makes things take FOREVER.
The Low Roman Bench was an important step in our journey. It got a lot of people woodworking, but now it's time to climb to our feet and stand at a bench that's sturdy and tough while still being compact.
Let's all go find some Southern Yellow Pine and Douglas fir and get building!
--Rex
Comments
It's not hard!
Rex Krueger
2020-05-28 15:03:19 +0000 UTCRex what a great discovery! I am going to have to try to make one at some point!
The Super-wrench Garage
2020-05-24 21:08:12 +0000 UTCYou don't need to be good to build this bench. You build it and you use it to GET GOOD!
Rex Krueger
2020-04-13 23:47:37 +0000 UTCOkay so I know that I am late to the party, but I love this video and this bench! I have never been a good wood worker but I am trying to get started. I am going to try to make this and the Roman bench also. Thank you so much for the free plans.
Mephusto
2020-04-11 00:40:25 +0000 UTCAny possibility of this?
John Austin
2020-03-29 17:45:45 +0000 UTCGood day Rex. My Wife and I love your channel and I’ve already started the $30 workbench and looking at starting my mallet today. I’m hoping to support the channel but, being located in Canada, the monthly method is not something I’m interested in as I get charged a fee every time I use for US charges on top of the exchange amount. If I do one time amount for say 2 years, I will be charged the admin fee only once.
John Austin
2020-03-29 17:45:20 +0000 UTCI wasn't trying to! I really do just believe in people.
Rex Krueger
2020-03-20 23:03:51 +0000 UTC"...any monkey can do a half lap joint..." ... "Any MONKEY can do a half lap joint" ... "ANY MONKEY CAN DO A HALF LAP JOINT!!" -Me, as I'm cutting half lap joints for this joiners bench. You got into my HEAD Kreuger!
Paul Thoma
2020-03-19 22:45:12 +0000 UTCWell, I did hit it with a hammer and then I chiseled out what was left.
Rex Krueger
2020-02-17 11:22:22 +0000 UTCHey Rex, this is cool. Beginner question: could you explain how you removed the waste from the notch (approx 9:28 in the video). Looks easy when you do it. :)
Ranga Sankaralingam
2020-02-16 17:41:01 +0000 UTCYeah! Don't use treated wood indoors. Doubling up the 2x4s to make the posts is fine. No problems there. And the Brits are lucky. Your 2x4s are ACTUALLY 2x4. I wish ours were.
Rex Krueger
2020-01-31 12:11:41 +0000 UTCUnderstood, thanks for the clarification! Loved the build!
Dan
2020-01-30 13:31:17 +0000 UTCAll my videos are unwatchable for a few hours on Wednesday for the Premiere. You get early access on Saturday morning and then you have 4 days to watch every video before anyone else does. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Rex Krueger
2020-01-29 19:24:05 +0000 UTCSame here. Looks like we’re going to have to wait till 1:30
Urmamjeff The third
2020-01-29 15:44:31 +0000 UTCHaving issues watching the video, says it has not premiered yet.
Dan
2020-01-29 15:42:08 +0000 UTCMost likely shortages due to one, or both, of the world wars when timber was needed for the military. And, of course, no longer having an empire to exploit! it's still an issue, I have a good timber merchant locally, but was just doing a quick pricing up exercise for building from a diy store. For a start, biggest we can get is 2x8's so more boards for the top, and the 4x4's for the legs will have to be made up with a pair of 2x4's unless you use 4x4 treated fence posts, probably not a good thing indoors.
Pinkmouse
2020-01-28 21:20:55 +0000 UTCThose are VERY good questions. I think the benches shrunk as timber grew more scarce in Britain. There's also purpose. If you're doing little stuff, then a little bench is fine. I went with the biggest timbers that were still cheap. We'll see how it works in the long run.
Rex Krueger
2020-01-28 11:27:43 +0000 UTCThe free plans will be up by Wednesday. When I do the Premium Plans that I will charge money for, you will also get those for free.
Rex Krueger
2020-01-28 00:52:26 +0000 UTCLooks wonderful. Some of he other benches you showed had some of the bench top made from wood that is thick, perhaps even thicker than the 2x10 you used. Then all of a sudden they were ~1/2 as thick. I guess it could be for economy, but I don't think so. What's that about? Why didn't you do that?
Duncan
2020-01-28 00:39:49 +0000 UTCDude, there's nothing "sad" about that! A one-care garage is plenty! I'm very happy for you!
Rex Krueger
2020-01-28 00:36:15 +0000 UTCGreat build video as usual. I like the innovative approach for group build. Sadly, I am moving and putting all my stuff in storage for a few months to make the 'big move' easier. Happily, my new place has a single car garage that Wifey has approved as my work shop. : )
Mark Fannin
2020-01-27 17:36:50 +0000 UTCAre posting the plans up here?
Frank Corey
2020-01-27 15:03:15 +0000 UTCI think you could install a dowel between the aprons at the left end (assuming you're right-handed) and then just hang them there. For what it's worth, I keep mine lined up on the wall and it's the best system I've ever used; easy to grab, easy to see what's missing. Food for thought.
Rex Krueger
2020-01-27 11:36:36 +0000 UTCI'm very interested in people modifying this bench, so go for it. I'll be using hold-fasts, too, so you might be interested in some of the solutions I come up with for that. But a slab is also a great idea.
Rex Krueger
2020-01-27 11:34:45 +0000 UTCI'm really delighted that I've made it easier for you to get started! As to the thin planking, it could just be that many times, they only had two big boards for the top and needed to fill in the middle. Could be it had a function I don't understand. I admit, I'm pretty curious about it, too.
Rex Krueger
2020-01-27 11:33:27 +0000 UTCGlad you think so!
Rex Krueger
2020-01-27 11:31:47 +0000 UTCInteresting. I think you should post that on the Community tab. Maybe everyone can have a look.
Rex Krueger
2020-01-27 11:31:28 +0000 UTCGreat start!. Thanks fro breaking it down into steps. I am looking forward to the videos about adding a vice. Maybe you will talk about refurbishing/rebuilding found vices. I have one where the jaws do not close parallel. The hardware is expensive but I have no idea how to fix it.
Doug Hackett
2020-01-27 04:54:45 +0000 UTCAwesome
Drew Nelson
2020-01-27 03:53:30 +0000 UTCThis bench has me intrigued. I was looking forward to building the low Roman in the spring when my apartment garage isn't a meat locker. But now you show me this and plans are changing! I only just watched the video my first question is... in the pictures of the older benches, why are there two stout boards on either side of the bench and then the recess in the middle? What purpose does having a gutter in the bench serve? Thanks for what you do Rex! I toyed with woodworking ever since I was a kid, but your videos have made woodworking accessible and has given me the motivation to take it on as the craft rather than just doing the occasional hobby project. Thanks!
Josiah Peters
2020-01-27 02:38:25 +0000 UTCThe aprons are 2x6... big enough to mount a vice on. The top is four 2x8. 10s were too expensive I had teenagers.
James Boatright
2020-01-27 01:18:38 +0000 UTCWell, we just bought a house (getting the keys tomorrow), and it has a small workshop on the property. Even though the house is in excellent shape, it will be a while before I get to making anything as I have to paint the interiors and have a couple of other projects to do before we move in. After that, a workbench will be among my early projects and this one looks good, though I may make at least the first 1.5 feet of the top out of laminated 2x4's. I use holdfasts, so I need the depth.
Yohann_M
2020-01-26 23:14:12 +0000 UTCI can't wait to build this (hopefully soon). The only feature I would be curious about is clamp storage. I can usually find an easy and efficient way to store my tools, but clamps (esp in the 18-36" range) become very unwieldy to store. What would be a good way to integrate some clamp storage into this bench? Ideally, without having to clamp them to a board, which is a pita when you have to unscrew half a dozen F-clamps that are all right next to each other.
Patrick Joyce
2020-01-26 20:28:06 +0000 UTCPaul Sellers actually has an old video where he discusses the simplest bench as being made from 2x12s. Two for the top, two for the sides, and 2x4s for legs. No laminations, just fasteners. That's what made me go to the wood scrap pile and build my bench.
William Allen
2020-01-26 16:41:34 +0000 UTCIt's not that I don't have a bench. I do have one (6ft by 2ft), but it's always fun to build something like this. It's just a pity that I don't have room for it. My shed is already filled with a lot of stuff (not all woodworking).
Frans van Ballegooijen
2020-01-26 15:21:46 +0000 UTCCool!
Mark L
2020-01-26 13:49:07 +0000 UTCYup. I added five "beams"(? i dont remeber the exact noun here) on a 2,5m / 8' long workbench and i screwd the benchtop on them, no glue here because i'd like to use good hardwood instead of construction grade fir i used. Holdfasts holds quite well, but not so well as a vise does. The more the benchtop thickness is the more holdfasts will hold. Richard maguire has a trick here: using a file the woodworker can rough the holdfast surface and this simple thing greatly increases gripping power.
carlo pieracci
2020-01-26 13:18:50 +0000 UTCRichard is the MAN. I've watched all of his YouTube videos. Did you add material under your top? How well does it hold holdfasts?
Rex Krueger
2020-01-26 12:59:28 +0000 UTCThank you!
Rex Krueger
2020-01-26 12:57:10 +0000 UTCThose are VERY good questions. I think I'll cover some of them in an upcoming video just for Patrons. But as to the lathe, I wouldn't combine it with my bench. Every time I've tried something like that, I've regretted it. You'll also find some projects where you're turning and doing other work at the same time. You'll need both surfaces. That lathe isn't so big and a dedicated stand made of 2x4 would be easy to build. Hope that helps!
Rex Krueger
2020-01-26 12:56:23 +0000 UTCReally any wood will do for a slab so long as it's not very soft, like white pine. Really, there's no need for oak, or beech. Soft maple and poplar would work if you could find them. Almost anything.
Rex Krueger
2020-01-26 12:49:30 +0000 UTCI'm glad! I think that it's going to be an excellent bench for the money.
Rex Krueger
2020-01-26 12:48:02 +0000 UTCi follwed Richard Maguire on his series about building a nicholson workbench and there's a lot of joinery involved here. Ok, not double dovetails as for roubo workbench , but enough jouner for an apprentice who needs something stable and durable. I wasn't so confident to build that thing, but i did. I did many mistakes, too. but my workbench is still fully functional and stable. The key here is the way we fix luimber to the bench: a vise, hold fasts...battens. Here we haven't a tail vise
carlo pieracci
2020-01-26 12:47:55 +0000 UTCHa! Well, the good news is it only costs about $100, so it's a small investment. And yes, it is bulky as hell.
Rex Krueger
2020-01-26 12:47:35 +0000 UTCIf it's lasted for 25 years, it can't be that bad. Did you also do the big apron boards?
Rex Krueger
2020-01-26 12:46:34 +0000 UTCThere are so many great questions on this bench, that I think I'll do a short video just for Patrons where I explain some things. As to length, which only you asked about; I made it short for space. I think a 5 ft bench is plenty for most people. The Roman Bench is too long.
Rex Krueger
2020-01-26 12:38:26 +0000 UTCThis is a very interesting bench. Paul Sellers uses a bench that appears to be the love child of this bench and your Roman bench. I'm interested in the reason you chose to use a flat plank top rather than a laminated top similar to ones incorporated into Paul's benches and your Roman bench. Was the choice driven by a desire for historical accuracy, budget considerations, or other factors? Also, it appears that you chose to make this bench much shorter than the Roman bench. Was this based on space constraints, or other factors? I'm in the process of cleaning out and shoring up an old one car garage with the intent of relocating my "shop" from an open carport to a space that features four real (if not quite plumb) walls. After watching the bench video, I'm ready to jump into the fray. I'm on the fence about the plank vs. laminated top question and would appreciate your thoughts. Thanks as always for the great content.
Mark L
2020-01-26 03:27:21 +0000 UTCThis is SO much more stable than mine at home. No half laps, no extra stabilizers in the middle, and i didn't rip the last board, it just sticks out. Still, its been a good enough bench for 25 years. Uhm, its got construction adhesive sticking it to the floor.. I wish I had known this much carpentry then. No youtube...
James Boatright
2020-01-26 02:56:03 +0000 UTCIf you're going to that huge extra expense, use a hardwood that will hold up to holdfasts. But why? Other than for appearances.
James Boatright
2020-01-26 02:50:29 +0000 UTCMaking the top out of 2 by fours laminated together is no different then what Rex did for the low Roman bench which is laminated 2x4s so that can work if you want a bench that is heavier on top and somehow sturdier bench top could use bench dogs fine but wouldn't work well with holdfasts, The other way that you could make the top sturdier and heavier would be to use to 2 by tens and laminate them and lay them wide edge down so you get that same 4" thickness of your bench top instead of 12 by 10 like Rex did. That would be a lot less work, but might cost more.
James Boatright
2020-01-26 02:48:15 +0000 UTCI built my bench just over 5' long. I don't really do any large work, like William said, but I also have saw horses that are the same height as my bench for breaking down boards and sheets that are 8'. I like the approach because I can cross cut plywood without having to use a sacrificial surface and I don't have enough floor space to do it there. To make up for the lost weight I added a bottom shelf where I keep my heavy stuff.
Nic Beurskens
2020-01-26 02:18:19 +0000 UTCI'm a fan of big and bulky stuff like that because I am rough on things and that bench looks like it would be perfect in my shop... except for one thing... it's not on casters... So once things return to "normal" at work, I'm gonna build the bench and find the best way to make it mobile for those of us who like to move things around a lot in their shop. Got some overtime money coming in and yeah, you just sold me on what to spend it on.... since the wife won't let me go to Georgia to buy tools :(
The Idle Hands Workshop - Stephen Miller
2020-01-26 01:14:46 +0000 UTCI do like this bench design, I used something similar recently to build a bench for my lathe (found the design on wood working for mere mortals You Tube channel) and was considering options to add a general bench to the garage. Think yours might just do the trick.😁
Wayne
2020-01-25 22:28:24 +0000 UTCI was thinking about a slab for the top. of course, more expense, but what wood might you suggest?
Lawrence Jones Jr
2020-01-25 19:01:02 +0000 UTCMight I suggest you consider a 4ft bench? You really don't need an 8ft bench for most home scale furniture . . . or even for most home trim. Sure, it's nice to have it, but 4ft is enough.
William Allen
2020-01-25 17:47:42 +0000 UTCHi Rex, this is an awesome topic. Thanks for it. I am planning to build my own workbench but originally I had a different idea. I saw everywhere (i.e. on several YT videos) that they use 2x4s (4.5x9 in Australia) gluing together to build the surface. This way the surface will be 4 inch (~10 centimeters) thick. It is much sturdier than your one looks. Having no experience, I am not sure I am right so I would love to read your thoughts. Do you think that sturdiness is something nobody really needs? Or is it needed just in order to hold the dogs more firmly? When does somebody really need such a strong workbench and when is it absolutely useless? The raw material costs a lot for it (at least, here down under) so I would be happy to build a simpler one if you convince me. :) I am also planning half of the workbench foldable. I have a ~1.5 meter long lathe, which I will get only for my birthday in March, but knowing in advance that I won't use it every day, I would like to hide it under the table. Real estate is we all need. :) In order to do that, I would make a 160x40 centimeter area flipable. I will lead a 3/4" steel pipe along the flipable area so that I can hide the lathe under the workbench without moving it away from the workbench. I saw such a trick in a couple of YT videos and I liked it very much. What do you think about this folding technique? Is it too difficult to build it? Is it too expensive? Is it not stable enough? Or you just wanted to keep your workbench as simple as possible? I need all your thoughts before I over-engineer my version. :) Thanks a lot, mate. :)
Csongor Halmai
2020-01-25 17:27:19 +0000 UTCExcellent, as usual! Now to find real untreated 4x4 stock.
Howard Tuckey
2020-01-25 16:57:46 +0000 UTCGreat project. I'm looking forward to seeing where the design is going.
Bill Smithem
2020-01-25 15:39:07 +0000 UTCRegular old pine is good, as is any kind of fir. Really, just avoid "white wood" from the big box if you can. Otherwise, it makes very little difference.
Rex Krueger
2020-01-25 14:05:59 +0000 UTCDid you follow someone's specific plan on yours? How did it turn out? Always interested to hear what other have done.
Rex Krueger
2020-01-25 14:05:12 +0000 UTCI agree entirely. I'm sure to a lot of Brits, this is just "a bench" but most people think of this design as "The Nicholson" and some of the ways people build it are still a little complex for learners. I hope this is a historically accurate bench that's stood the text of time and can still be accessible.
Rex Krueger
2020-01-25 14:04:25 +0000 UTCThank you!
Rex Krueger
2020-01-25 14:02:39 +0000 UTCYeah, space is another constraint I'm still working on. So far, I've been focused on cost and skill, but many excellent potential craftspeople don't have room. I'm going to get on that this year. I hope.
Rex Krueger
2020-01-25 14:02:28 +0000 UTCWood choices reflect residence. Douglas or Southern Yellow are not in my market, but "pine" usually works out. I think you mentioned something like this in the video on the low Roman bench, construction grade lumber will do the job, no second thoughts.
Bas Cost Budde
2020-01-25 12:57:56 +0000 UTCBeautiful project! i already own a Nicholson style workbench built in the hard way. I will copy your solutions for a vise, holdfast etc etc....
carlo pieracci
2020-01-25 12:41:44 +0000 UTCCurious. To me, a Brit, this is THE bench. When I got back into woodworking a few years ago and looked up benches on YT and online, I was staggered by how expensive and complex they were. I learnt woodwork at school on one, my grandad had one in his cellar, (long since gone, unfortunately), and I assumed that's what everyone used. Fact is, we obsess over tools, thinking spending a small fortune on a new megabench will improve our woodworking no end, when frankly, building a joiners bench and spending a little time to say, learn how to sharpen, will produce much better results.
Pinkmouse
2020-01-25 12:37:58 +0000 UTCThanks for the video! Looking forward to the evolution / development of this design. Keep it up.
Robert Bullock
2020-01-25 12:30:31 +0000 UTCGreat project. Love it. If only I had the space to put this bench in...
Frans van Ballegooijen
2020-01-25 12:23:18 +0000 UTC
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