Customer Reviews

Making Workbenches: * Planning * Building * Outfitting

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an excellent book for learning all of the parts that go into a workbench. There are even some workbench plans for tops, bases, and vises in the book. Although there could be more plans, there is enough information in the book to take one of their plans and adapt it for your own bench. Many different benches, tops, bases, and vises are discussed and pros and cons are given for each. If you are just setting up a shop or are tired of your old workbench and want to save some money by making your own, this is definitely the book for you.

Book is OK. Only About two chapters, 20% of it deals with making workbenches. The rest is about how to use the bench, how to buy and use tools. Probably not worth the money

This book is well written but it doesn't cover all aspects of wood workbench design and construction. It covers a simplified design that allows for a "traditional-looking" bench with a pattern of 3/4" holes over the top and front apron for anchoring work to the bench. I was hoping for coverage of the construction of a traditional european wood workbench using classic joinery and hardware. Unfortunately, it was not the case.

Worth the money for the beginner (me) woodworker seeking to understand the functions of the various parts of the bench. Details wood selection and reasons for the selection. The sections on how to use the bench are particularly useful in determining the design of a bench you make youself or in selecting a ready made from a woodworkers supply.

This book, unlike the others, gives you a step by step description of how to assemble the bench. I have some other books, and they go into the different types of benches very well. They also have some blueprints for specs of the different types. This book by Sam Allen makes it easy to understand, for us novice bench builders, how the whole thing comes together. Just one blow up diagram of his, instantly explains, how each section, from the top, the front edge, the tool tray, legs etc, all come together. Until now benches appeared to me to be made up from a lot of 4 inch stock. Not so, only certain areas are. Anyhow, this is a great book to get in your quest for the ultimate bench, and the price is wonderful for something so well illustrated. Buy it you won't be sorry.

The first 4 chapters are useful background. The remaining 6 chapters appear to be publisher fluff. Chapters 3 and 4 which are the blueprints of a workbench are inadequate and while not incomplete, certainly not clear. Photos are all black and white with horrible contrast. Aspects that should be exceeding sharp for construction clarity is a muddy gray. This is a idea book, not a 'how to'.

Allen has a knack for making difficult concepts easy to understand. His style is clear, concise and crisp. The illustrations, which are many, greatly help the reader understand. My woodshop experience has been greatly enhanced by this volume.

A workbench is more than a flat surface used to bang boards together in lieu of the floor. It is an incredible tool. This book provides many helpful insights on how to utilize this tool in your own shop. I found the chapter on the variety of vises and hold-downs especially useful, and even included manufacturers. The book is well written, well illustrated and interesting. Not to mention the two distinct bench plans and associated variations. Surprizingly enough, I had a difficult time putting it down. It has helped me to get truely excited about spending quality time in my shop. I would highly recommend this book and have recently purchased the wood joiner's handbook by the same author.

I decided to get a copy of this book after growing tired of my old wobbly lightweight workbench. The instructions on making a cabinetmaker's bench was thorough and easy to follow (except for the shoulder vise)and made my own modifications to the plan. The result is a rack-free heavyweight that looks just as good as any other benches posted on the web. The book allows you to use your imagination in customizing your own workbench (I made mine larger and added drawers underneath). I purchased the tail and front vise from lee valley and used white Ash for the top. Highly recommended book!

I was looking for ideas to help me build my own workbench. This book helped. Nice pictures and covered enough designs for a start.