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Two Centuries of Workbench Wisdom in One Book! With this book, your very first workbench will do everything you need it to do--possibly for the rest of your woodworking career! Encompassing years of historical research and real-world trials, Christopher Schwarz boils down centuries of the history and engineering of workbenches into basic ideas that all woodworkers can use. Learn how to design your own world-class workbench Learn the fundamental rules of good workbench design that have been largely forgotten Learn how to build an inexpensive and practical bench that hasn't been in widespread use for over 100 years Learn how to properly use any workbench These old-school benches are simpler than modern benches, easier to build and perfect for both power and hand tools. Beginning woodworkers can build either of these benches. The technical drawings are clear and show every detail. Using the step-by-step instructions, you will be amazed at how easily these workbenches can be constructed.… (more)
User reviews
Since I come at woodworking from my interest in medieval history, I tend to favor the period furniture reproduction type of projects and that’s a lot of what he does. Also, what woodworker isn’t also interested in collecting tools? Add to that the workbench “thing”. It’s the largest and most facinating tool in a woodworker’s arsenal and it’s the one big item that almost every woodworker has to make for themselves.
I made my current workbench several years ago when I determined it was time to move from the door on saw horses version that seems to be some sort of universal starting place for hobbyist woodworkers. It’s fine. I still use it every time I am in the shop. It’s got a lot of things going for it: it’s long (10′), it’s against a wall that faces west under a large window, it’s heavy, really heavy. And all was good as I persued the hobby.
Then, through the pages of his two magazines and his blog, Chris introduced me to a new tool, the hand plane. Suddenly, my workbench was obsolete. I didn’t figure this out right away, but over the course of struggling to learn the hand plane I discovered that the surface that couldn’t be high enough was too high. The massive bench that could easily dampen vibration from power tools was weak to the racking forces of a large guy pushing a #7 plane. Hrm.
So, I need to make a new workbench. Then, just as I make that determination, Chris’ writing reveals his almost unhealthy obsession with workbenches. The thing that he brings to the conversation is the “why” certain features are as they are. We have noted the different styles of workbenches in other books, but now we are getting some information on historical benches and methods of work that places these benches and features in context.
Even though I had read a lot of the material contained in this book before, the whole discussion, put all in one package was very valuable. I love the many historical etchings and photographs. The more the better.
I firmly believe that there is no perfect bench. I think this is something Chris Schwarz has already come to grips with. What your bench needs to look like depends on not just what sort of projects that come off it, but how you work as well. This book will help you understand what sorts of things a bench can do and help you sort through the options in designing and building your own.
This was one of the few books I have ever pre-ordered from Amazon and I waited impatiently for it to show up. It was work the wait, an excellent book. Don’t miss out on the version with the CD, it contains drawings and a PDF of the book. Highly recommended.