Build the Lightweight Traveler Workbench!

Build this portable, inexpensive workbench from only 2 boards!

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Tools and Materials in This Build (affiliate):

Other Projects from This Video:

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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

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0:00 Intro
1:15 Building Cheap
2:55 Battens
3:55 Moving onto the Legs
5:55 Simple Tools
6:30 Sizing
8:07 Installation
12:44 Using the Bench
15:52 Outro

[gosonegr]

Quick tip for everyone who lives in Mediterranean zones. You won't find forniture quality wood easily to make the wedges, but any firewood seller have olive wood, holm or mediterranean pine, just ask for a split they have left, those woods are hard as a nail but since the trees are usually small and have a ton of knobs, are not used to make forniture and the wood is cheap

[jsmxwll]

One work holding option that I don't see mentioned very often, but works well on low benches that are relatively narrow is just a strap of some sort. Make a loop, stick your foot through it and step down. I used to use that a lot when I had to do chisel work sitting on a half sawhorse. Easy to quickly adjust your work as well.

[thefatalcarrot]

This channel is amazing.

Not knowing where to start and at a crucial moment (I have only a small amount of money, a house that’s begging for repairs, and little history with wood working) I do what seems sensible and start my research. Then, falling ass-backwards into finding this place via the YTube algorithm, I now know exactly what I need to get started.

For the work you’re creating here, thank you.
(I’ll be ordering your book directly).

[Noname-lxhn]

Rex: enables the people of the world to start affordable woodworking with the Roman bench and woodwork for humans
World: increases lumber prices
Rex: ... ... ... o_o
Makes an even smaller cheaper Workbench to help people to get started anyway
World: -_-

[BenjaminKibbey]

I love that this is, essentially, a full woodworking station that uses about as much lumber as the average sawhorse (at least in terms of cost). This really is a fantastic idea and one of the most truly useful woodworking videos I've ever seen.

[miki]

Rex. I've been watching you for years, and I'm so excited for your book. I've seen the admiration you have for other woodworking books and bet this means so much to you to be sharing your experience. You're part of this history now. It's been a pleasure to be along for the ride.

[CandidZulu]

Two and a half decades ago when I still lived in an apartment, I wanted to have a machinist vice so I could work on guns et c. Problem was a normal bench makes the noise worse, and takes up a lot of room. So I went out and got a big stack of pine shelves and some threaded rod (I wanted to be able to dissemble this heavy bench when moving). I then made a bench from this with a small plinth for the vice to a comfy height. It had three contact points to the floor, with big rubber feet on them. It worked great and did deaden noise from filing and hacksawing very well. The only problem is that it's easy to be tempted to lay small sharp tools near your crotch, which can be dangerous. It is though, the best way to work when doing checkering! The bench you show here looks fenomenal!

[WhyDontYouBuildit]

Being a good woodworker and a good teacher require two completely different skillsets, and it's rare to find someome who's excellent at both. Obviously you're one of them, so I have no doubt that the book is going to be great.

[ensignj]

I like how fast you do your vids. Doesn’t waste my time.

[Dikkeboomstam]

I can't believe the roman workbench was already so long ago
time goes fast man

The timing of the book couldn't be better!

[dhavalmysore]

I've watched this video and a few other "beginners/basic" build videos by you, and I just realized this - you are the "Primitive Technology" of woodworking!!! You show people how to build from basic things and build their way up. Unlike some youtubers who are like "here's how to get started for less than $1, 000", like that's cheap lol.
Btw, if you have never seen or heard of Primitive Technology, go check out his channel (and turn on captions) and he is the original and amazing "wilderness" primitive builder from New Zealand.

[nicolemitchell]

I just went and preordered your book. Under $16… you’re a champ! I also noticed your book is a #1 bestseller in a couple of categories! And it’s not even released yet. Congratulations can’t wait to get my copy! I’m sure it will be worth the money even with the $15 postage to australia

[Emil-Hermansson]

Nicely done! Glad to see that powered drill, no need to pretend that a brace drill is more accessible or better than a electric. Love the simple tools used. Keep it up!

[jamestarbet]

Luckily I was able to build my bench a year ago at decent prices. Its a modification of your low Roman bench, and I use it as a basic portable bench. I left off the legs, instead using two collapsible sawhorses to raise it up, but am still able to sit on it. A pair of grooves were cut on the bottom side to hold the top steady, matching the sawhorses.
Finally I left one of the top boards long, for the same reason you did here. Thanks for the education Rex!

[tass]

Ordered! Noticed it's already"best seller" on Amazon. Congratulations and I hope it brings you lots of wealth:)

[chrispayne]

My absolute favorite part of this video is finding out the my favorite woodworking youtuber is writing a book about woodworking. You can count me in on buying that book for sure 💯👍🏼

[MrMikeEdie]

Finally got round to making this. Tired but very pleased (pity YT doesn't do photo comments).
2 points: I'm glad it's one plank thick as it seems heavy enough to carry. Secondly, I'd add that the hardest bit is getting the round tenons just the right shape. Too big and they dont fit thr holes. Too small and they'll be too loose. Finally managed to get them right (and without glue so far).
Thank you for this fabulous video, I'm using my new bench already.

[chadmontgomery]

I love this little bench! I actually have a nice traditional roubo workbench. However, we are currently renovating our house, and my family and I are living in a very small rental house for about 6 months. This workbench has been the perfect solution for me to get my woodworking fix while away from my "real" shop. Thanks for the great design!

[williambuckner]

Rex, thank you for making this video and for the plans that go with it. I made this bench (my first adult woodworking project - it's been a minute since wood shop in middle school). I cannot begin to tell you how handy this bench is. It is so useful around the house and the barn, it has replaced my makeshift work surface using sawhorses or the pickup truck gate when I'm at the barn. I thought about making a second one, but this is so portable that I don't see the need right now. I'm about to embark on the quick-stack bench for a full-sized option. Cheers!