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Product Description
Product Description
Every workbench should be able to easily work the edges, faces and ends of boards. But most benches built during the last 100 years fail on at least one of these tasks. This book dives deep into the historical records of the 18th and 19th centuries and breathes new life into traditional designs that were fantastic to use. These old-school benches are simpler than modern benches, easier to build and perfect for both power and hand tools.The reader will learn the fundamental rules of good workbench design that have been largely forgotten. The book explains all of the complex vises and ways of holding work so the reader can understand what they do. And it shows you how to use this knowledge to design a workbench any reader will love, using two venerable designs as basic skeletons. Unlike other books on the topic, this one isn't a tour of unusual or beautiful workbenches. Instead it's essential reading for anyone who likes to get their hands dirty in their workshop.
About the Author
Christopher Schwarz is the editor of Popular Woodworking and Woodworking Magazine and is a long-time amateur furniture-maker and hand-tool enthusiast. Chris joined the staff of Popular Woodworking in 1996. He teaches handwork at various woodworking schools.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is probably the best book on this subject. To be quite honest I can not see how it can be improved further. The author, who, I think, is also the editor of Fine Woodworking magazine, clearly researched his subject and, more importantly, put into practice his findings before writing this book. Firstly he looked into the history of woodworking workbenches and examined their development over the years and clearly identifies what works and what doesn't. Secondly he approached his subject in a critical manner rather than readily adopting the accepted wisdom. Thirdly he made his presentation in a very clear and constructive manner. Fourthly he does take the reader through each and every step of the process and provides a full explanation along the way. Finally he wrote the book in such a way so as to useful to complete novices and seasoned practitioners alike. He doesn't confuse the reader with technical terms and complicated practices. The book is primarily aimed at the American market and therefore some of the terms and measurements may appear alien. But he does use them sparingly and only where absolutely necessary. For example he uses imperial measurements rather than metric and terms such as "lumber" instead of "timber". All in all this is an excellent book which could stand as an example as to how a practical book should be written. It is highly recommended and without any reservations whatsoever.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Looking to build a workbench for furniture/cabinet making I bought 3 books on workbench design etc. By far the best is Schwarz's. It's packed full of sensible, insightful advice based on his long experience and is extremely readable. Well organised structure. Argued reasons for his recommendations. Excellent photos and diagrams. Practical suggestions re workbench usage. Designs and construction guidance for the English and French (Roubo) workbench. His enthusiasm and down-to-earth realism leap out. I'm really looking forward to bulding a modified version of the Roubo. Having scanned the web, I did spot that the Roubo leg vice & guide may be better raised off the floor and may need a runner under the guide.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I bought two books on bench design, the other gets straight to the business of building a specific bench, but Schwarz's book is much more philosophical, almost a "Zen and the art of workbenches", talking about WHY you should need a bench, how it can be specific to the things you want to make , and how to tune it.
Schwarz details two benchtypes and how to build them, the "English" pattern and the Continental" pattern - he then critiques the designs, after his own years of use.
Leavened with a lot of humour and anecdote, and bristling with valuable information -tables of wood hardness and strength, I think this book provides, well, a benchmark in design for anyone wanting to make a really good base for their craft.
Schwarz details two benchtypes and how to build them, the "English" pattern and the Continental" pattern - he then critiques the designs, after his own years of use.
Leavened with a lot of humour and anecdote, and bristling with valuable information -tables of wood hardness and strength, I think this book provides, well, a benchmark in design for anyone wanting to make a really good base for their craft.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A must read if you plan to build or buy a workbench
You can tell the author's heart is very much attached to the topic. The book tells you not just everything you need to know about benches, what to look for and how to build one. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Christof
Inspiring, engaging and informative
This is really a wonderful book. I have been using woodworking benches for a long time for large- and small-scale work and still have learned so much from this book. Read more
Published 4 months ago by JoMolly
Where are the English Craftsmen Books?
This is an excellent book, whether your interest is in the history or the actual structures and their developments, why-o-why are the best books of this type,... Read more
Published 8 months ago by esox
Inspireing
I don't have anything to compare the book with, but its a good well written book on the subjekt - It has inspired me alot and made me think about what excatly I need for my work.
Published 9 months ago by Moelbak
Detailed and relevant
This is a very detailed book on the subject but fortunately most of it relevant if you want to build yourself a great workbench that is capable of holding all shapes and sizes of... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Snoots
clarity and precision
A well written and interesting book by Chris Schwartz which should encourage even the most inexperienced to build a useful addition to their workshop.
Published 17 months ago by Peter Leddy
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