This old woodworker couldn't stop chuckling as you went through your tool inventory. More is not always better (except for clamps), but enough is wonderful.
A decent sized band saw with a ripping/resawing blade will be a lot less stressful for breaking up thick boards like that. Way less worry about the board grabbing the blade, and way less dangerous if it does somehow jam. Not to mention a smaller kerf if you're really trying to get every inch out of the board.
One of the many things I love about being a life long carpenter is seeing your earlier work and remembering how it felt at the time to be working at the cusp of your skill set and realizing how far you've come...and far you have to go.
About 20 years ago, I machined a pair of Vise screws for a Shaker workbench a friend of mine was building. Turned both out of some Lignum Vitae he had kicking around because of it's hardness and oily grain structure. That was a fun project machining and threading wood on a metal lathe. My Grandfather once told me the one thing to never be afraid of was learning something new, especially a new skill set, it's how to stay young and useful.
So much of this is SO educational. Today I learned of Timber Bind. I've worked in UDFA timber management and always want to learn more about commercial species and wood work.
I've decided to dive into the furniture building world, by building a Crib. I figured no better way to learn then trial by fire and doing it on the most important piece of lifechanging furniture possible. that and the threat of a woman scorned is a thorough motivator to getting it right. excited to see it come together and prove to myself (and my wife) that I can actually do this :)
I can't tell you how much I enjoy and look forward to your videos. I've been waiting for this one for a while and can't wait for the next part. Keep up the good work and thanks for the content.
I’m one of those who expressed interest in those plans and am excited to see the final result! Do you think you’ll release plans for your practice bench as well? I have the same planer and agree it’s great to have movable tabletop space all at the same height. Especially when working on longer boards and cuts. As always, Ken’s handiwork amazes me to think of what he crafted with so little tool set. It really shows you can make something beautiful without needing much more than your hands, head, and heart. Thanks for the inspiration and series and I cannot wait to honor Ken with building my own bench of his one day.
I so enjoy all of your segments. I know how to build boats, but not houses. I have learned so much from you. I am finally able to put my first real workshop together, and will build this bench. As a way to give back, I will gift to you a 24” Leigh dovetail jig if you would be interested in having it. Somehow I ended up with two of them, when just one is more than enough. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills.
Superb craft content as usual accompanied by a wonderful philosophy to ‘go create and be inspired by others who make incredible artefacts’. Really looking forward to all the Shaker bench episodes. Lovely to see Ken overseeing your progress. His knowledge and expertise will be invaluable. Many thanks for continuing to provide inspiring content on so many levels - it really is appreciated!!!
Excited that you are finally getting this project started, Scott! I have buckled up for the ride which I am certain will yield an heirloom piece at the end of the journey.
yep, keep up the good work. The difference between buying it and building it is all the extra sawdust... or if you do it by hand, the extra planer shavings, and the distinctive smell and feel.
I've been looking forward to this series since you announced it. I think you're going to love it and from what I can see on your "practice" bench, the results should be very good.
I am looking forward to this series. I still have to build mine. I don't intend to build a similar one but substantial and flat and heavy is fine for me. I have more than enough tools to do it. So, I need to get started! Thanks.
This is not what I'm planning on building for myself, but my brain said what the heck as I scrolled and saw your video of how to build a work bench. I swear for the last week,ibe been contemplating how and where and what materials I'm going to use for a work bench. I don't have a shop, just a leaky garage that needs a whole new roof, but the house isn't mine ,yet and I'll just suffer through it for now. But I've always liked having a heavy work bench with a big old vice on it,.. my vice was stolen along with a load of pole clamps etc lol, and I finally found the perfect old vice on market place the other month, I have it all tuned up and it's waiting for a work bench. So 2x6 with 4x4s for legs and that's that...I love my old wood saved from 100 year old or more barns and buildings as well. Anyway my bench is going to have to be outside in the back yard, and so e sort of roof . I guess it's just a coincidence but it seems to me that my devices van read my thoughts, cause I didn't search work benches or talk to myself about them either. Strange crazy world we live in. That'll definitely be a very nice piece of furniture once your done with it.👍
I've been workin' on the woodworking skillset for over 40 years... To me that's the beauty of woodworking, a man can spend his life learning the various aspects.. Enjoy! It's all about the journey.
Looking forward to watching this video series and watching you transition into woodworking. For the health of you and your viewing audience, I'd sure like to see you wearing a respirator!
Oh yeah! I've been looking for this series of videos for quite some time. I think I first heard of the possibility to build this workbench during the tour of Mr. Jordan's home.
When you started ripping the thick board I think a lower tooth count ripping blade would do much better. Bigger Gullets. Enjoy your videos a lot with coffee or beer. Keep up the Good Work.
I have eight pairs of Kant Twist clamps and occasionally need a third one, of a particular size, because the smaller one is too small and the larger one gets in the way.
from tree to finished product.(nevermind the first 300 years to grow the tree) most people just dont understand why high end furniture is soo expensive
Fix that mis-hung double door in the background (behind the table saw). Saw Bind, Had an Uncle killed by kick back, He stayed late at the mill to finish an order, kick back got him, it was assumed a splinter flew off hitting him in the gut, punched his lungs, He was found the next morning, long dead. Always be careful, never work alone, so many of us do.
Assess the hazard and remove yourself from it. Kickback happens in a particular direction. That's the wrong place to be. A slightly larger push stick and standing on the other side of the fence helped me. When I was using a grinder, on steel, someone put a gas can where the sparks would be headed. That's a 'nope' and time to relocate the work , the hazard or both, along with someone who put the gas can in a metal fab shop anyway. I miss my dad too.
I am kind of surprised that you are daunted by the prospect of making a piece like this. If you can pour concrete, and weld steel, you can learn fine woodworking.
If your seriously considering building something like this I’d advise you to find log someone wants gone and pay to mill it then let it air dry, you will save thousands of dollars on material
I'm in the middle of a much smaller cabinet which is no less taking my skills to the next level. I'm always learning, and it's good for me to watch someone like you who is much further ahead in the process. I'm in for the series.
The only tools you need are hand plane, chisels, hand saws and a hammer. Build your self some small dovetail boxes and tenon boxes to practice which are just a days work.
I can't remember where I heard it, and it may not even be a shaker saying, but it was something like "do your work as if you have a 100 years to live, or might die tomorrow". Stuff to ponder, for sure.
@essentialcraftsman Scott what is the newspaper article above you around 6:20? as I would like to read it! Keep up the phenomenal work your doing with this channel I cannot stop watching it.
A shop full of power tools is nice but it reduces the project to a series of machine operations. If the object is the end product that is the fastest way to the goal. If the object is learning skills and the pleasure of the journey then hand tools win. Not fast, but it certainly introduces a whole new skillset.
Defects add character. They allow you to tell a story every time someone comments on them. I don't mind them at all as long as they do not detract from structural integrity. Same with people.
To be honest, you only need a few different hand saws, a decent chisel, marking gauge, and yes, clamps. Also, if done in a true fashion, no nails or screws needed either. Don't need any electronic tools at all. Although I'm not against the use of power tools, any many times, they're helpful to get a job done faster. However, you really and truly want to understand and learn, do with it nothing but hand tools. You'll learn more that way and understand things far better as well. Any power tool can do a job, a craftsman building with hand tools... teaches skill and understanding. I'm not bashing you at all, just suggesting that when you build this workbench, build a 2nd using only hand tools. As I said, you'll learn and grasp a better understanding. Cheers :)
11:04 this guy is compfortable with variations in jargon, thats a much bigger part of maturity for tradesmyn than you might think. And then if you consider the folks who get truely bent out of shape about it are assholes.
For me, the first 4.5 minutes of this video were painful to listen to. I kept hearing you say- you NEED this tool and that tool to make the bench. Well, if you have a lot of money, you could use those tools instead of developing the skills. But if you don't have the money- you can still make great things. The time it will take Scott to learn how to accurately set up, get dialed in, and actually use that dovetail jig, he could have spent the same amount of time to develop the skill to hand-cut his own. And once he did that, the dovetail jig would be of no use to him. Many people think they can't make nice things unless they have the tools first. NOT so, you don't need all those tools. Yes they can make things easier (sometimes), but basic skills with a few inexpensive hand tools will get the job done. "Let out the clutch" - should mean NOT going into debt and spending a fortune on machines. Letting out the clutch is to just start, with whatever you have or can afford! I have all the tools he showed (and more) and many sit idle (money wasted) because the skills I developed not using them made them superfluous.
4:28 "If we start with what we have, we're going to get further before we die than if we don't start." A very helpful reminder to those of us who have a tendency to procrastinate that the first step in any project is to start (planning, designing, preparing, then executing), and we don't necessarily have to have every tool imaginable to do quality work. I'm a tool junkie too, and lots of those tools are rarely used. But I've found that the biggest challenge is to get started using the tools that I have. Thanks for the wisdom, Scott.
![Watch me BUILD this beautiful WORKBENCH…[2 Month Timelapse]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ob-nEWnTTWI/mqdefault.jpg)
This old woodworker couldn't stop chuckling as you went through your tool inventory. More is not always better (except for clamps), but enough is wonderful.
Right, I'm pretty sure the Shakers didn't have any hand power tools, maybe some water powered big stuff of course
Especially when it's the right one for the job.
A decent sized band saw with a ripping/resawing blade will be a lot less stressful for breaking up thick boards like that. Way less worry about the board grabbing the blade, and way less dangerous if it does somehow jam. Not to mention a smaller kerf if you're really trying to get every inch out of the board.
A 24 tooth ripping blade will help a lot with 3" rips through oak, hope that helps!
One of the many things I love about being a life long carpenter is seeing your earlier work and remembering how it felt at the time to be working at the cusp of your skill set and realizing how far you've come...and far you have to go.
“Let out the clutch”.
Thanks for the inspiration.
God bless you and your family.
God bless Ken and his loved ones.
I'll never build this project, but I enjoy things like this, and I look forward to the next video and the entire series. Thanks!
Let out the clutch. Nice
Great to see Mr Kenny there to be sure you don’t screw up his plans. 😊
About 20 years ago, I machined a pair of Vise screws for a Shaker workbench a friend of mine was building. Turned both out of some Lignum Vitae he had kicking around because of it's hardness and oily grain structure. That was a fun project machining and threading wood on a metal lathe.
My Grandfather once told me the one thing to never be afraid of was learning something new, especially a new skill set, it's how to stay young and useful.
Please do more of these sir. I never had woodshop in high school but if I did and you were my teacher I know what my career would have been
You're an inspiration! I'm 62 and enjoy wood and metal working. I could never move into a condo because I can't do without my shop.
So much of this is SO educational. Today I learned of Timber Bind. I've worked in UDFA timber management and always want to learn more about commercial species and wood work.
I've decided to dive into the furniture building world, by building a Crib.
I figured no better way to learn then trial by fire and doing it on the most important piece of lifechanging furniture possible.
that and the threat of a woman scorned is a thorough motivator to getting it right.
excited to see it come together and prove to myself (and my wife) that I can actually do this :)
I love your videos, and they way you honor your dear friend Ken. Thanks for passing on your knowledge and wisdom.
I can't tell you how much I enjoy and look forward to your videos. I've been waiting for this one for a while and can't wait for the next part. Keep up the good work and thanks for the content.
I don't have the drive to build this workbench myself, but am definitely looking forward to watching the series.
Finally! I’ve been waiting for this series for awhile! Great work, Scott!
Those larger rips are much safer on a band saw if you have access to one. Looking forward to these videos!
I’m one of those who expressed interest in those plans and am excited to see the final result! Do you think you’ll release plans for your practice bench as well? I have the same planer and agree it’s great to have movable tabletop space all at the same height. Especially when working on longer boards and cuts.
As always, Ken’s handiwork amazes me to think of what he crafted with so little tool set. It really shows you can make something beautiful without needing much more than your hands, head, and heart.
Thanks for the inspiration and series and I cannot wait to honor Ken with building my own bench of his one day.
The tools on top of the new sawstop! 😮
It's called a masterpiece because it is what you build to demonstrate your mastery of the craft. Demonstrate to your peers, that is.
I so enjoy all of your segments. I know how to build boats, but not houses. I have learned so much from you. I am finally able to put my first real workshop together, and will build this bench. As a way to give back, I will gift to you a 24” Leigh dovetail jig if you would be interested in having it. Somehow I ended up with two of them, when just one is more than enough. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills.
Can’t wait to see the manual and lhd build series!
Looking forward to this bench project!
I love this whole channel. You’re awesome. Thanks for inspiring us.
Superb craft content as usual accompanied by a wonderful philosophy to ‘go create and be inspired by others who make incredible artefacts’. Really looking forward to all the Shaker bench episodes. Lovely to see Ken overseeing your progress. His knowledge and expertise will be invaluable. Many thanks for continuing to provide inspiring content on so many levels - it really is appreciated!!!
Excited that you are finally getting this project started, Scott! I have buckled up for the ride which I am certain will yield an heirloom piece at the end of the journey.
yep, keep up the good work. The difference between buying it and building it is all the extra sawdust... or if you do it by hand, the extra planer shavings, and the distinctive smell and feel.
I've been looking forward to this series since you announced it. I think you're going to love it and from what I can see on your "practice" bench, the results should be very good.
I am looking forward to this series. I still have to build mine. I don't intend to build a similar one but substantial and flat and heavy is fine for me. I have more than enough tools to do it. So, I need to get started! Thanks.
Yaaay, finally some new series content!
This is not what I'm planning on building for myself, but my brain said what the heck as I scrolled and saw your video of how to build a work bench. I swear for the last week,ibe been contemplating how and where and what materials I'm going to use for a work bench. I don't have a shop, just a leaky garage that needs a whole new roof, but the house isn't mine ,yet and I'll just suffer through it for now. But I've always liked having a heavy work bench with a big old vice on it,.. my vice was stolen along with a load of pole clamps etc lol, and I finally found the perfect old vice on market place the other month, I have it all tuned up and it's waiting for a work bench. So 2x6 with 4x4s for legs and that's that...I love my old wood saved from 100 year old or more barns and buildings as well. Anyway my bench is going to have to be outside in the back yard, and so e sort of roof . I guess it's just a coincidence but it seems to me that my devices van read my thoughts, cause I didn't search work benches or talk to myself about them either. Strange crazy world we live in. That'll definitely be a very nice piece of furniture once your done with it.👍
I've been workin' on the woodworking skillset for over 40 years... To me that's the beauty of woodworking, a man can spend his life learning the various aspects..
Enjoy! It's all about the journey.
Practice cannot make perfect. It sure is fun trying!
Looking forward to watching this video series and watching you transition into woodworking. For the health of you and your viewing audience, I'd sure like to see you wearing a respirator!
Oh yeah! I've been looking for this series of videos for quite some time. I think I first heard of the possibility to build this workbench during the tour of Mr. Jordan's home.
When you started ripping the thick board I think a lower tooth count ripping blade would do much better. Bigger Gullets.
Enjoy your videos a lot with coffee or beer. Keep up the Good Work.
Should be a fun project. But 6 will never be enough clamps 😉
I have eight pairs of Kant Twist clamps and occasionally need a third one, of a particular size, because the smaller one is too small and the larger one gets in the way.
Rip blades are worth every penny for those first rough cuts.
The video I've all been waiting for! Lets goooooo
I love that you're a mormon old timer that says FTW keep up the good work
Let the clutch out. I like that. I hope you don't mind if I use it.
Thanks for the awesome content and all the amazing videos!!
from tree to finished product.(nevermind the first 300 years to grow the tree)
most people just dont understand why high end furniture is soo expensive
Watching from Vancouver Island 🏝️ 🇨🇦
Love the channel. Keep it up guys.
Fix that mis-hung double door in the background (behind the table saw).
Saw Bind, Had an Uncle killed by kick back, He stayed late at the mill to finish an order, kick back got him, it was assumed a splinter flew off hitting him in the gut, punched his lungs, He was found the next morning, long dead.
Always be careful, never work alone, so many of us do.
Assess the hazard and remove yourself from it. Kickback happens in a particular direction. That's the wrong place to be. A slightly larger push stick and standing on the other side of the fence helped me. When I was using a grinder, on steel, someone put a gas can where the sparks would be headed. That's a 'nope' and time to relocate the work , the hazard or both, along with someone who put the gas can in a metal fab shop anyway. I miss my dad too.
detailed why's? 'n how's......fine caveats and expectations........excellent channel content, as always. CHARACTER shows through! Hi Ken! Darrell
Do my eyes fool me or do I see less Scott, you've slimmed up. Looking good Scott!
2:38 “I kinda went haywire…” I know that feeling 😂👍👊
Im pretty sure the only two channels I watch are EC and Wranglerstar
Good episode
Nice.
I am kind of surprised that you are daunted by the prospect of making a piece like this. If you can pour concrete, and weld steel, you can learn fine woodworking.
If your seriously considering building something like this I’d advise you to find log someone wants gone and pay to mill it then let it air dry, you will save thousands of dollars on material
Man those rough cuts, Id use a bandsaw all day long.
Really enjoy your channel Scott, looking forward to this series. Is it possible to get a set of plans for the bench? Keep up the good work 👍
pumped
I'm in the middle of a much smaller cabinet which is no less taking my skills to the next level. I'm always learning, and it's good for me to watch someone like you who is much further ahead in the process. I'm in for the series.
The only tools you need are hand plane, chisels, hand saws and a hammer. Build your self some small dovetail boxes and tenon boxes to practice which are just a days work.
Old woodworkers always say you can never have too many clamps
All woodworkers 😂
...more than i was...
that is the aim.
I can't remember where I heard it, and it may not even be a shaker saying, but it was something like "do your work as if you have a 100 years to live, or might die tomorrow". Stuff to ponder, for sure.
Lovu bro
@essentialcraftsman Scott what is the newspaper article above you around 6:20? as I would like to read it!
Keep up the phenomenal work your doing with this channel I cannot stop watching it.
Best channel on UA-cam!
but but....what about all the hate, strife, gaslighting, lies and division of the fake news and political channels?
No hardware and that smooth? Please detail that as your building, maybe different videos for box, frame and drawers
Also , if I'm hearing right, I'm surprised you never built any furniture with your old saw mill... ? ? We're you just milling and selling? Curious 😊
A shop full of power tools is nice but it reduces the project to a series of machine operations. If the object is the end product that is the fastest way to the goal. If the object is learning skills and the pleasure of the journey then hand tools win. Not fast, but it certainly introduces a whole new skillset.
Shouldn’t you let them dry before building anything?
Hmm, I don't see a lathe anywhere in your shop. That means you are not as much of a tool junkie as I am!
Please get some dust extraction!
Defects add character. They allow you to tell a story every time someone comments on them. I don't mind them at all as long as they do not detract from structural integrity. Same with people.
Any chance you’d post the drawings?
Could you build a Portable plan table with removable wheels?
"Maybe not 60 clamps"... I don't know about that. My maxim is that a man can never have too many clamps.
Impressive saw no doubt, but your lungs will thank you for an air filtration system.
I can lend you my bar clamps if you need them 🤗
How many people are looking up "let out the clutch" 😂😂
To be honest, you only need a few different hand saws, a decent chisel, marking gauge, and yes, clamps. Also, if done in a true fashion, no nails or screws needed either. Don't need any electronic tools at all. Although I'm not against the use of power tools, any many times, they're helpful to get a job done faster. However, you really and truly want to understand and learn, do with it nothing but hand tools. You'll learn more that way and understand things far better as well. Any power tool can do a job, a craftsman building with hand tools... teaches skill and understanding.
I'm not bashing you at all, just suggesting that when you build this workbench, build a 2nd using only hand tools. As I said, you'll learn and grasp a better understanding. Cheers :)
thanks Gen Z's whatsa clutch
checkout your local auction companies. you can outfit an entire shop in a weekend for pennies on the dollar buying tools at auctions
Perfect recommendation, I love a good auction hunt!
I can't get the planer upgrade video to run. Is it posted?
Real men can't have too many clamps.
11:04 this guy is compfortable with variations in jargon, thats a much bigger part of maturity for tradesmyn than you might think.
And then if you consider the folks who get truely bent out of shape about it are assholes.
👍🔨📐
For me, the first 4.5 minutes of this video were painful to listen to. I kept hearing you say- you NEED this tool and that tool to make the bench. Well, if you have a lot of money, you could use those tools instead of developing the skills. But if you don't have the money- you can still make great things.
The time it will take Scott to learn how to accurately set up, get dialed in, and actually use that dovetail jig, he could have spent the same amount of time to develop the skill to hand-cut his own. And once he did that, the dovetail jig would be of no use to him. Many people think they can't make nice things unless they have the tools first. NOT so, you don't need all those tools. Yes they can make things easier (sometimes), but basic skills with a few inexpensive hand tools will get the job done.
"Let out the clutch" - should mean NOT going into debt and spending a fortune on machines. Letting out the clutch is to just start, with whatever you have or can afford!
I have all the tools he showed (and more) and many sit idle (money wasted) because the skills I developed not using them made them superfluous.
4:28 "If we start with what we have, we're going to get further before we die than if we don't start." A very helpful reminder to those of us who have a tendency to procrastinate that the first step in any project is to start (planning, designing, preparing, then executing), and we don't necessarily have to have every tool imaginable to do quality work. I'm a tool junkie too, and lots of those tools are rarely used. But I've found that the biggest challenge is to get started using the tools that I have. Thanks for the wisdom, Scott.
The logic is inescapable - you gotta have a workbench before building kitchen cabinets.
2 turn tables and a microphone
Where it’s at!