First Bench Build- A Video Documentary Thread

[Mike Baker 2]

Hi!
I am building my first work bench. It is an outdoor build, and the bench will remain outdoors; my shop will be my back yard. See this thread for more information.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?254745-Outdoor-bench-questions&highlight=
(http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?254745-Outdoor-bench-questions&highlight=)

I have a new Youtube channel on hand tool wood working, focusing on my amateur status, where I'm documenting the build.
This thread is intended to share that process through video. It will be a multi part series, and I will post each video as I shoot them. This will be warts and all; as little editing as possible, every mistake included. Hopefully as I learn, others can learn with me, and I can learn from my viewers and folk here.
The first posting will actually be the second video in the series. The first one is cutting the boards to length; not too exciting, there.
So, without further a-do.....


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsT5_EE6XQQ&feature=youtu.be

[David Eisenhauer]

Thanks for sharing Mike. We like bench builds and I bet there is (collectively) a ton or two of warts in our own work. Don't never stop.

[Mike Baker 2]

Thanks, David. I love working with my hands, and I'm just starting in this. I'm in it for the long haul. Loads of fun!

[Pat Barry]

I use my workmate quite often. It does a pretty good job for what it does. I liked how you put your foot on it to help with your planing efforts although it does show the advantage of a big heavy workbench like you will have when you are done.

[Mike Baker 2]

Thanks, Pat. I have built around 10 guitars/basses on that Workmate. I've replaced the top 3 times. It has been a good friend, and taken a lot of abuse. But yeah, I need a real bench for what I'm going to be doing.
BTW, it makes a great saw bench, and I will most likely use it for that purpose.

[Mike Baker 2]

Hi, guys! Bench build is coming along. Here is the next installment.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBlFQDOEawQ&feature=youtu.be

[Mike Baker 2]

Video 4


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG0U0QazOuE&feature=youtu.be

[Rush Paul]

Mike, I've just watched your first 4 videos and wanted to say: "Thank you!" I admire that you have been willing to share your experience "warts and all" so we can learn from your experience. I'll be working through my first bench build effort later this year once and it has been a huge encouragement to see someone else doing this with just basic hand tools. Paul Sellers makes this look so effortless because he brings so much experience and skill to what he does. You have been an inspiration and I thank you.

[Mike Baker 2]

Rush, thank you!
That is one of the reasons I'm posting it, so that people who are new like me will see it, maybe see it can be done, and jump right in.
As for Paul Sellers, I dearly love his attitude and his skill, but yeah, he's been working with hand tools for something like 50 years. I bet he could make woodworking with a sharpened spoon look effortless.
Thanks for watching and for commenting.
Much appreciated.

[Mike Baker 2]

BTW, I see this is your first post. Welcome to Sawmill Creek. If you like woodworking, this is a great place. And there are several great gentlemen here with plenty of knowledge and a willingness to share.

[Rush Paul]

Thanks, Mike. Yes, this is my first post. I've been lurking for awhile, but it was your post and your attitude that prompted me to join in the conversation.

[Mike Baker 2]

Awesome. Keep posting!

[David Eisenhauer]

Said it before, will say it again - hardest part of a bench build is to just get started. Mike has started and is on his way. Will it go quick? slow? difficult? easy? Who knows, but it has been started. Somehow, some time, it will be finished.

[Mike Baker 2]

Said it before, will say it again - hardest part of a bench build is to just get started. Mike has started and is on his way. Will it go quick? slow? difficult? easy? Who knows, but it has been started. Somehow, some time, it will be finished.

Boy, you said a mouthful there! It is going slower than expected, but faster than it might, if you take my meaning. Once I got started I realized it was going to take a while, but I'm pleased that it is going as quickly as it is.
The top was the easy part, logistically. Simply plane the boards, laminate, and plane flat. I'm in the process of planning out the base now. Going to use a combination of half lap joints and mortise and tenon, I think. Should be fun.

[Mike Baker 2]

Hello folks! Here is the 5th installment. "Fine Tuning the Top"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xlc1zOvJKeQ&feature=youtu.be

Would like to thank everyone who watches and comments here.

[Mike Baker 2]

Just an FYI for those who are following.
My sister is coming in for a visit from Texas tomorrow, so I will be taking a break for about a week. Be back after she heads back home.
Thanks for watching and commenting.

[Mike Baker 2]

Some pics of the top so far.

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[Pat Barry]

I don't envy the task of trying to flatten that top on that little workmate! Just a thought for you - maybe work better to slap together and use a couple saw horses - bet it will be more stable that way and make the planing a whole lot easier.

[Mike Baker 2]

Thanks, Pat. That part is done, and I'll be moving on to the base next.
There are some gaps in the top, but they only go about 1/4" at their deepest, and most nowhere near that. Just basically below the surface. I will be filling them with epoxy, I think. But the top is flat and done.

[Mike Baker 2]

Part Six.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HrW8aKTkhk&feature=youtu.be

[David Eisenhauer]

Nice sawing Mike and I bet you are glad to see that step in the rear view mirror. I don't mind the hand sawing, but it is good to be done with it.

[Pat Barry]

I agree with your comment about finishing the ends after attaching the top to the base. That will make a huge difference in effort and result. Keep plugging. I enjoy your videos!

[michael langman]

Your bench top is coming out really nice Mike. All the hard work will surely be worth it in the end.
Thanks for the posts and videos.

[Mike Baker 2]

Thanks, gentlemen. I very much appreciate it.
David, you'd better believe it. Definitely glad that part's over.
I have been sawing the legs and cross members. That's going a lot better. Meh, part of hand work. No way out of it.
Pat, I was actually able to push the top off to the side of the work mate and balance one end on the ground, the other on the edge of the workmate. It was stable and solid enough with that one end on the ground that I was able to plane those ends, and true up and square them and the sides to the top. Should have tried that to start with.
Michael, I'm pretty pleased with it, especially for a first one. I have dropped it off of the workmate about three times, and it's holding together, so I'm happy, lol.
Thank you all for watching.

[Mike Baker 2]

Hi, gentlemen. Here's the latest installment in my bench build. It's coming along, slowly.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r_YTVfJ2lU&feature=youtu.be

[Mike Baker 2]

Had the time to work on my bench again. Pulled the tarp off the bench and found a lovely Black Widow to greet me. It met the end of a piece of scrap.
Did not shoot video as I was finishing up the legs and cross members I started in the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgTIQUqebwI&feature=youtu.be

[Rush Paul]

Making good progress, Mike! Congrats. And thanks for continuing to share videos of your progress.

[Mike Baker 2]

Thank you, Rush!
I got all the legs and cross members planed and squared today, except for the two long stringers that go front and back. Thunderstorm rolled in and I had to stop. But I'm almost ready to begin chopping mortises and cutting tenon.

[David Eisenhauer]

Marching on Mike.

[Mike Baker 2]

Thanks, David. Most of the hard labor is done, unless the underside of the top moves before I join the base to it. Cross your fingers...and toes, lol.

[Mike Baker 2]

Also, I am not sure what I'll be cutting tenons with. All I have are standard crosscut panel saws. Might have to hop down to Lowes and pick up the Irwin Ryoba saw they have. I know it's not near as good as a good Japanese one, but I have seen it used very well by several folk on Youtube, one on a bench build similar to this one.
We shall see.

[Pat Barry]

Thankfully I don't have to check my shop for black widow spiders each day, er every other weekend, before I start work.:eek:

[Mike Baker 2]

Thankfully I don't have to check my shop for black widow spiders each day, er every other weekend, before I start work.:eek:
LOL!
Unfortunately, that will be a regular routine here from now on. As long as they stay outdoors.

[Mike Baker 2]

Picked up a nice vise for this bench last weekend. Pretty happy. Posted pictures here.
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?256376-Found-a-pretty-nice-vise-for-my-bench!

[Mike Baker 2]

Cut the tenon for the base this week. Below is the video.
Got to use my new mallet.:D I think I have enjoyed this part of the build the most.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMlBLaDLiRA

[Mike Baker 2]

Cutting Mortises, Part 10.
Getting closer.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZHr7LGwJ9s&t=1789s

Thanks for watching!

[David Eisenhauer]

Moving ahead right smartly I see Mike. As someone else once said, almost need a bench to build a bench. I also see you use the same climate control in your shop as I do. I don't know about you, but my "cool" button is broken here in central Texas.

[Mike Baker 2]

David, thanks. Yeah, the AC in my shop ain't working too well. Last week was 96-98 degrees, not counting heat index. I only worked intermittent;y then. Better this week.

[Rush Paul]

Glad to hear you're taking breaks with the heat, Mike. You're making great progress - stay safe.

[Mike Baker 2]

Thanks, Rush!

[Mike Baker 2]

Part 11. Getting close now!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kMzc9XSZeY&feature=youtu.be

[Nathan Johnson]

We're almost on the same pace here, Mike.
I'm working on the vise install now, and then a shelf and she's done.

[Mike Baker 2]

We're almost on the same pace here, Mike.
I'm working on the vise install now, and then a shelf and she's done.
Sweet! If I can find the time this afternoon I'll be capping both ends in maple and constructing a simple planing stop. After that all that's left is to seal everything with Thompson's.