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Build a Garden Bench

Video Workshop Series

How to Build a Garden Bench

with Matt Kenney

I actually taught philosophy before I started working as an editor at Fine Woodworking. I built furniture as a hobby and I made my first big project, a crib for my daughter, on a 2 ft. by 10 ft. apartment balcony.

Matt Kenney
Watertown, Connecticut

Then I met Joe Mazurek, a professional furniture maker in Camden, SC. He let me hang out in his shop and taught me almost everything I know about the craft.

In this video workshop, I'll show you step-by-step how to make this elegant garden bench. We'll start with a trip to meet furniture maker Hank Gilpin who'll give some advice on designing furniture for the outdoors. Then I'll take you back to my shop for in-depth instruction on making the bench.

Tight-fitting mortise and tenon joints are key to a sturdy outdoor bench. While I'm a hand tool guy at heart, I'll show a simple method for routing all the mortises using a collection of handy jigs. I'll also demonstrate two ways to cut tenons and give tips for shaping all the curved parts.

Watch the preview episode for free or become a member for access to all 8 episodes.

Produced by: Gina Eide; Video by: Gary Junken; Editing by: Tom Olivares

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