Early Access Video: How to use a Sawbench
Added 2023-10-07 11:00:04 +0000 UTCFriends:
Today's video was months in the making. Sawbenches are invaluable in the shop, but there's a lot to know about making and using them. Next week, we're going to build BOTH the benches in this video. But first, we need to learn how to use them.
Today, we're looking at a bunch of labor-saving ways to use a saw bench. I'll cover technique, ergonomics, and speed. You'll do all your clamping with just body-weight and work "free" so the wood can be shifted in an instant.
You might not think you need one of these, but you may be surprised.
As usual, we're finishing up the plans now and they'll be available for FREE on Wednesday.
Also, we're almost ready to open Scholarship Applications. I'm just waiting for some technical details to get sorted out. I'll have an update early next week.
Happy Saturday!
--Rex
Comments
Thank you for the reply Rex. I built the Paul Sellers bench many years ago and there is considerable space under. Unfortunately, it has been filled with stuff that needs serious review for keep or throw away status. Now to get to work.
Matt Evans-Koch
2023-10-11 20:52:03 +0000 UTCThe Lightweight Traveler is a full workbench. It's big enough for planing and assembly. Sawbenches are almost as versatile, but they lack the surface area for a full project. Could you make a longer one? You bet.
Rex Krueger
2023-10-11 11:52:27 +0000 UTCIt's funny that you mention electric tools. Last week, I framed in a new part of my shop with a carpenter friend. We pulled out my new sawbenches so cut the lumber and they worked fine. Even my friend the carpenter liked them.
Rex Krueger
2023-10-11 11:51:16 +0000 UTCMost of the alternatives are either much harder to build, like a split-tip design (see James Wright and Stumpy for those designs), or they're far narrower, so you have to use 2 all the time. The English design is broader than some others so it really supports your work.
Rex Krueger
2023-10-11 11:49:51 +0000 UTCI can't review all of them, but I've carefully made both of these designs so the legs are NOT in your way. I promise you won't hit them. I also generally can't see the legs when I'm sawing, so following the leg isn't a problem.
Rex Krueger
2023-10-11 11:48:25 +0000 UTCYou're both correct, the English and Swedish sawbenches are mediocre with Japanese saws. For those, I suggest the Japanese sawhorses that I've built before.
Rex Krueger
2023-10-11 11:47:01 +0000 UTCI'm going to show this in the next video, but these sawbenches both fit UNDER most English-style workbenches. I don't know what you have, but you might have storage space already.
Rex Krueger
2023-10-11 11:46:06 +0000 UTCWe're trying something new here. I'm glad you approve!
Rex Krueger
2023-10-10 19:59:25 +0000 UTCI'm delighted that you like it! I'll have the build ready in a few days.
Rex Krueger
2023-10-10 19:59:04 +0000 UTCYou're probably right. I've been experimenting.
Rex Krueger
2023-10-10 19:58:38 +0000 UTCPerfect! Good luck with the move!
Rex Krueger
2023-10-10 19:58:21 +0000 UTCHow does this compare to the travelers workbench? Will you make a green wood staked saw/workbench?
Alexander May
2023-10-09 11:48:30 +0000 UTCI like using my hand saws, the saw bench will work well for the project without pulling out cords and electric tools. Awhile back I saw a segment on The woodwright shop. Roy Underhill called it a French saw bench. Ripping on this bench is easy. I plan to make one with the plan from you.
Ted Foust
2023-10-08 23:59:20 +0000 UTCI second this! These seem to only be good for push stroke saws
Sam Bender II
2023-10-08 03:01:39 +0000 UTCWhat were the other designs you looked at and how did you land on these two? Could you add more commentary, as Madeleine asked, about the splayed leg design and what the alternative would be for a ripping notch?
Doug Cummings
2023-10-08 02:35:52 +0000 UTCThere are a lot of saw benches out there. Could you analyze the different designs and their advantages and disadvantages? I was impressed by one argument that the splayed leg design makes it harder to rip cut straight down because the legs get in the way and your eye tries to cut parallel to the leg.
Madeleine Yeh
2023-10-08 00:24:17 +0000 UTCHow does this apply to japanese saw?
Tosh N
2023-10-07 22:12:20 +0000 UTCNice video Rex. Looking forward to the build videos. Now I have to find space for a saw bench in my shop. Have a good weekend.
Matt Evans-Koch
2023-10-07 20:57:44 +0000 UTCMortise & Tenon Magazine https://www.mortiseandtenonmag.com/collections/books
Michael Bennett
2023-10-07 20:52:36 +0000 UTCI think I need new glasses. And something to eat. I read the title as "How To Use a Sandwich". - Yes, my eyesight is really that poor. I have retinopathy and have blind spots. I see the first couple of letters and some of the last, and my brain completes the word for me. BTW, I love the idea of putting the plans out before the video. I'm especially receptive to See & Do learning.
Michael Bennett
2023-10-07 20:49:57 +0000 UTCClassic Rex Content! If I wasn´t a Patron, I´d become one now! Absolutely awesome! It´s all there: The examples, the clear information, the tips of the hat to other youtubers/woodworkers as well as the research and the explaining of history. And, of course, everything with an eye on practicability (is this a word? LOL) and affordability! Best woodworking content on yt hands down IMHO!
Helge
2023-10-07 19:55:59 +0000 UTCTry over on Mortise and Tenon's site: https://www.mortiseandtenonmag.com/products/worked-a-bench-guide-to-hand-tool-efficiency-book
Brad Hicks
2023-10-07 18:02:58 +0000 UTCI liked the idea of the Roman bench until now. These are more practical for today's hand tools
Richard C von Brecht
2023-10-07 17:30:54 +0000 UTCI built a saw bench based on a Lost Arts one over a year ago and find it incredibly useful! I will however be building a new one based on your plans when I move to Portugal in the next few months so the timing is great!
Gerald Eddy
2023-10-07 16:18:58 +0000 UTCLost Arts Press?
John Griswold
2023-10-07 14:39:37 +0000 UTCI've recently developed bursitis in my knees, and they're screaming at me just thinking about this, sadly. More bench sawing for me!
Kenneth Carlile
2023-10-07 14:03:13 +0000 UTCI’ve really wanted to build one of these because they’re so versatile. The one thing that’s held me back is that I usually use Japanese saws. Is there a sensible way to use a sawbench like this with a ryoba? Or should I just make the low Japanese sawbenches?
Mark H
2023-10-07 12:41:50 +0000 UTCFantastic. I'm just starting out and this looks like a better start before I make a workbench. I'm looking forward to the plans.
Colin Richardson
2023-10-07 12:28:43 +0000 UTCLove it. I made Chris Schwarz's bench a few years back. Never really knew how to use it. I do now! Thank you, Rex. I don't see the link to the book. I looked on Amazon and it is out of stock. Is there somewhere else to get it?
Amy Holderness
2023-10-07 12:25:55 +0000 UTCStart using knee pads now. You’ll thank me in 10 years when you can still use your saw bench comfortably. Great video.
L Ko
2023-10-07 12:02:43 +0000 UTCNever thought I'd say this but I wish I had a big box store. That said, here in Brazil, I can find wood to make one of those although it won't be as inexpensive or convenient to get it. Off to OLX to see what's available on the reclaimed market.
Sean McGown
2023-10-07 11:35:22 +0000 UTCI couldn't agree more. I've been using my LRB as a saw bench for quite some time. It works, but is way too heavy. Yesterday, I marked out how I will be cutting the LRB down into to two mini-LRBs or two saw benches of the same height. Great timing!
Bill Brisky
2023-10-07 11:15:44 +0000 UTCThe saw bench is like a short Roman style bench. Might have to build one of these as well.
Bruce E Harang II
2023-10-07 11:13:29 +0000 UTCI've seen saw bench designs that are split all the way through so you can rip much farther without moving the piece. Does that version have a disadvantage compared to the ones you decided on?
Daniel Tickle
2023-10-07 11:11:11 +0000 UTC
