Four Workbench Building Mistakes (that we all make).

Avoid these common mistakes and make your first workbench last for years.

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Build the Quick-Stack Workbench

My most recent bench design is portable! The Quick-Stack bench breaks down into 6 manageable pieces that can be easily moved or stored when you're not working. When you need your bench, you can assemble it in 3 minutes and the only tool you need is a mallet.

*When you buy the course, the complete plans are included for FREE.

This course will guide you step-by-step in the process of putting together your bench. Make sure you grab the plans to follow along with:

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Build the English Joiners Bench!: (Links Below)

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Build your own Vises!
Leg Vise

Build a Traditional Twin Screw Vise

Add a Planing Stop & Holdfasts to your Bench

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Get all the plans to build your own:
- Joiner's Bench
- Leg Vise
- Planing Stop & Holdfast
with the Complete Joiner's Bench Bundle!

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Become a member of this channel!

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Wood Work for Humans Tool List (affiliate):
*Cutting*
(Winner of the affordable dovetail-saw shootout.)
(Needs tune-up to work well.)
(Works out of the box)
(My favorite affordable new chisels.)
(I use these to make the DIY specialty planes, but I also like them for general work.)

*Sharpening*

*Marking and Measuring*
(For marking and the built-in awl).
(Excellent, inexpensive marking knife.)

*Drilling*

*Work-Holding*

Follow me on Instagram: @rexkrueger

[MarcAus]

My biggest mistake is watching a dozen workbench videos and not even starting a workbench build.

[TheCaptainmaim]

Rex, I built your version of the English Joiner's Bench least year, and it's been great. If anyone is considering a bench for hand tools, I was a complete beginner and built that bench with minimal swearing.

[JohnBurns-sw]

I've (literally) hundreds of YouTube on making workbenches. Out of all of them, this one has been the most thoughtful and helpful. I have a unique need in my workbench and, by clearly explaining the "why" of things, I'll be able to modify one of the hundred designs successfully (or at least know what will be a problem down the line). Thank you Rex, and God bless.

[jonway]

I also built Paul Seller's inspired bench as a novice. I had the plans and watched his series step by step as I progressed through the build. Building it taught me quite a bit by having the hands on experience and the understanding of how the joinery works and functions.

[dustinharber]

My first workbench was 2 matching dressers placed back to back with some plywood placed on top and then covered with some second hand laminate flooring to make the surface smooth and uniform. It worked amazing and if I still had the same space for a setup with my bench in the middle of my shop, I'd still be using it. My new workshop space is significantly smaller and I've gone with a kitchen base cabinet against the wall with a top made out of 2 pieces of reclaimed maple that are jointed, planed and finished with a laquer of some sort. This video and others like it are great but sometimes you just have to go with what you can achieve for the budget and space. Don't feel bad if you can't make some amazing fancy workbench with traditional or semi traditional jointery.

[BibleMoth]

0:23 Overview/breakout of main issues
2:29 Problem 1: Joinery
8:56 Problem 2: Work holding
11:57 Problem 3: Sizing
14:20 Problem 4: Adaptability

[LaggedDeath]

Your point about the way wood can compress, through time and wear, in joints based on metal fasteners, is really important, completely true, and generally underappreciated. I'm so glad you're explaining this.

[kodi]

POV: By now you've watched around 50 videos of how to build a work bench, yet you're still sitting here and wondering how the hell you're gonna do it owning only a drill and a hand saw + 10 dollars on your bank account.

[ShortGrump]

I don't know what makes your content different from others (which are good too, don't get me wrong), but your videos seem so relatable, simple, and chill to watch. I know this is 3 years too late, but I've been putting your videos on the background but everything you say has me saying "Yes!" I do woodworking as a small hobby/outlet and by no means an expert, but I've noticed a couple things here and there that works for me. Hearing you echo those points (like having a whole new finish to your bench lol) is ionno, relatable. Learned a lot from this video! Glad you're still at it 3 years later hahaha

[BobMuir]

Brilliant Rex truly brilliant! It can take a long time to stop fighting the old, traditional, way against the new and wonderful. I can’t begin to tell you how much time effort and money has been wasted on the new! Love your openness.
Bob
England

[johnarnold]

I made your joiners bench about a year ago. It is still rock solid and by far the best bench I have ever had. Ive seen so many benches on YT since then and nothing comes close to yours. The greatest thing I've ever made.

[donmahan]

Rex, I made a work bench 35 years ago using half lap joinery. It has stood the test of time including 5 major moves. One of the key features I used was a ladder like superstructure to support the 2.25 inch plywood top. I glued hardboard to the top and replace it every 10 years or so and banded the edges with poplar. Great video.

[propertystuff]

Candidness about mistakes is what makes this channel authentic. Thank you!

[MMMS]

Happy you often talk about pragmatic approaches to woodworking. I’m in that same „transitioning out of power tools” phase and want to build a real bench for handtools too. I have an annoying space in a Chicago basement and want to be able to disassemble the bench, bit somewhere you get lost overthinking long term, pragmatic approaches, and everything else. Can’t wait to start this after finishing my kids bunk beds.

[mobaumeister]

With the half lap joint it’s better to offset the two bolts so that they aren’t in line, this way you avoid wood splitting and also have greater strength.

[khogg]

For those new to joinery, mortise and tenon isn’t as intimidating as it may seem. I recommend you jump right in. The process of refining your skill is a fun adventure.

[jaystang]

I was just at my “bench” thinking about how counter productive it is. When I built it I had power tools, but quickly realized I HATE all the racket.. so very early on I moved to all hand tools, and have been “improvising” work holding as I go, not realizing what a GIGANTIC problem is really is.. every build, I need to whip up some other half baked idea on how to hold a component.. my solution? Lay on the couch and watch Rex justify EVERYTHING wrong with my bench..

[CalmBeforeTheStorm]

Rex, I'm currently building my first workbench. This video gave me a lot to think about, as I know I've absolutely made some of the same mental mistakes by assuming new technology would *have to* prevail over something older. Thank you for preventing me from making at least a few mistakes I know I'd be cursing years after I made them!!

[joelskolnick]

My present bench has limitations for long boards as you've noted in this video. I've had to use long pipe clamps to accommodate those long boards which is cumbersome. I agree with your comment about building bench for long boards. I'll integrate that in my next bench. My bench top is made of two sheets of 3/4" plywood making for 11/2" thickness. I like the idea of adding a masonite top.

[trumpetguy]

My bench was my first project. It's the portable moravian workbench brought back in to popularity by Will Meyers. I love it and I learned a bunch of joinery.