Workbenches: From Design And Theory To Construction And Use

by Christopher Schwarz

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. 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.

Genres: Woodwork, Reference, Nonfiction, Construction, Crafts

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Koen Crolla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of various features you might want on your workbench, the situations in which they can be useful, and how to implement them, illustrated through three specific historical workbenches. Worth your time if you're thinking about building your own. Schwarz's judgement isn't universally sound, but most of it speaks for itself.

(What the book is very much not is a historical overview of workbench styles in various places; it also doesn't especially pretend to be, but a number of poor readers have gotten confused and confused much of the Internet woodworking community along with them.)

[Green G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've finished the practical section and it was full of good information and interesting what-ifs. What if you use mostly power tools...think of your bench height, etc. The remander of the book contains plans and instructions to build four different benches. I think that it is well written, with good plans.

It sounds like the author, Christopher Schwarz, would consider the book to be a success if the reader learned enough to be able to choose bench elements that suited their style and made their bench to match their work.

I found Workbenches to be a worthwhile purchase and expect to continue using it for reference.

[Dan Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The level of construction detail for two bench types was a pleasant surprise. While I am unlikely to build either style soon, Schwarz provides plenty of other information that may prove useful in modifying my current bench. Good photos and drawings.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful. Good writing and instruction. I'll definitely be stocking my woodworking shelf with more Christopher Schwarz in the near future.

[William Weatherall · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a really helpful introduction to the subject. It should be one of the first books that a beginning woodworker reads. It will save you a lot of time and money if you listen to its guidance.

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: I read the Revised Edition published in 2015. I don't know what the differences are.
As always, I love Schwartz's writing style. I liked the weaving of historical and other interesting information into what could have been a simple list of how-to steps. I learned so much from the introductory chapters, but I also enjoyed all the great explanations and asides within the bench chapters. Besides, he likes cats. I was surprised, however, at the numerous small editing misses (Schwartz being an editor, as well as this being a 2nd edition). It didn't really bother me, but there were enough of them to notice it.
On a practical level, I can't wait to get started on a workbench of my own. I found the chapters about workbench features and how to choose those that would benefit my work (now and in the future) most helpful and informative. I now feel much more confident that I can select the lumber and build a bench that will last me a lifetime. I also appreciated the appendix, as I learned about bench accessories and the portable bench, which can be used on any solid surface that can take a clamp. As I am currently an apartment-dweller with little extra room, I'm going to try this out. I know it won't have the heft of a real bench, but maybe it'll allow me to perfect my dovetailing and learn other smaller-scale skills. Overall, this book was a wise purchase.

[Christian Klatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This must be the best way to get one's feet wet in woodworking - start by building a workbench! And why not one that you could potentially use for the rest of your life? That was my thinking after sharpening up an old hand plane I inherited from my grandfather and ordering this book; it would be my first step towards making my own furniture.

I enjoyed Christopher's approachable style and concise introduction of the key design features to consider in building a workbench, and I appreciated the explicit step-by-step instructions accompanying each of the profiled benches in this book.

My criticisms are small. I surprisingly still found many typographical errors, even in the 2nd edition of the book. Also, I did not read through this book sequentially given that it is project-oriented, which caused me to jump around the text quite a bit in order to dig out all of the helpful advice it contains such that I could have it all in my head before I started working. To those woodworkers that are less novice, your mileage may vary, but I predict that a thorough read would not be needed to get what you are looking for in this book.

[Πέτρος Παπαγεωργίου · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think anyone wanting to make their own workbench, would do well to get this book. The author looks at pretty much every aspect of design... minor "complaint" the fact that even though I am half English, I got a bit lost in the jargon, not being a carpenter (yet...) I think a couple of pages dedicated to vocabulary and possible differences between American and UK English would help , as well as a page with links for hardware for international (European) readers?
It has certainly helped me see what is wrong with my current workbench and I look forward to building my own...

[Jer Wilcoxen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, fantastic book on designing and building workbenches. Definitely not for the beginner woodworker to use, but definitely should be read by all beginners so they know what's in store for them down the road. Exhaustively researched description of woodworking workbenches. A must have for every serious woodworker's reference library.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fall 2010 - I consider this half a book. It really should be read together with Chris's second book on benches. As a unit they are excellent. The best resource on bench design and construction that I have read. They make you want to build 6.

[Jonathan Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helped me to grasp the fundamental differences between styles of workbenches and their pros and cons. I also had my eyes opened to the benefits of Southern Yellow Pine. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the art of hand tool use in woodworking.

[Kamal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Schwarz's best book. I found the advice given very repetitive, which is too bad because the sections on how to actually build the two featured workbenches seemed very rushed. All-in-all, it is a good resource, but I would rather sign it out from the library rather than purchase it.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basic design of a decent workbench, one based on the mid 18th century author Roubo. Proof that not all French writers of the period were as crazy as Voltaire. A refreshing, down to Earth read for us literal minded types.

[Ron Restorff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on getting your workbench built right, well worth reading wherever you are at in your woodworking. There are also some really clear explanations that make for a-ha moments, such as a clear definition of hardwoods that is the first I have encountered.

[Austin Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Schwarz is a great writer; perhaps a better writer than woodworker, but that only shows how good of a writer he is. Lots of useful information in here, most notably to buy the southern yellow pine 2x12s from the big box stores. I think I’ll pick up a few and make a new saw bent.

[Jeremiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good instructional book on workbenches. Especially helpful during the design process.

[Marc Spagnuolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read before building a workbench.

[Shayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this thorough treatment of the topic, from theory to tips!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instructive and surprisingly humorous. I’m glad I waited to read it until I’d tried a few projects on my simple workbench. I understand the book better now than I would have before.