Product Description

Every workbench should allow the woodworker to easily work the edges, faces and ends of boards, however most benches built during the last 100 years fail on at least one of these tasks. Workbenches is the only book that shows the reader how to design and build a good workbench and most importantly, how to use it in their shop for all sorts of tasks. This book dives deep into the historical records of the 18th and 19th centuries and breathes new life into traditional designs that are simpler than modern benches, easier to build and perfect for both power and hand tools. Two venerable designs are provided as basic skeletons and the knowledge presented shows woodworkers how to design custom workbenches, perfect for their style and method of woodworking.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12181 in Books
• Published on: 2007-11-07
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 144 pages

Customer Reviews

Great book
I read in another reader review :"I believe somebody who wasn't a woodworker, who had no plans whatsoever to construct a workbench, would enjoy reading it." Here I am ! Although I am an occasional woodworker , i devoured the book and now I have a better idea of problems related to designing and building a good bench. The book is very well written ,"light" and deep at the same time. The book started my desire to build my own bench at once..........

Easy to understand and follow
Here is the first book that takes you from shopping to finished project without missing a step. Easy to follow instructions with detailed drawings. Take heed about going through lumber at the big box stores and the length of lumber relative to the bed of your truck! The CD which can be purchased with the book from the publisher and other areas makes it easy to take to the shop. Would have been nice if Amazon had offered the same packaged deal.

Chris Schwarz is a wonderful writer that makes you feel he is there with you while making sawdust. I've almost completed one and still want to make the other two. My shop just isn't large enough.

Don't miss this one
If you are ready to design your next workbench (or even buy it), you need to study this book. If you just want to prepare some pieces from somebody else's cutlist and fasten them together into somebody else's design...well, you actually still need this book, but that isn't its primary purpose. Christopher says that a workbench is first and foremost a three-dimensional clamping surface, and throughout the book he explains which design elements work well for that purpose, and which don't work so well (and why). He explains the value and use of various bench accessories, to help the designer decide which ones to accomodate. There actually are plans for two different styles of bench, but even if the one you design and build doesn't look exactly like either of them you will benefit from studying this book. I have a couple of the other books on the subject, but this is the one that got me through the issues that have been nagging and on the road to getting my own bench designed and built. Don't acquire your next bench without reading it.