Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Really it should get 4 1/2 stars..., July 15, 2004
I regularly read all of the major woodworking magazines and this one has begun to grow on me quite a bit. Granted, for the subject matter it is not as highbrow as Fine Woodworking or Fine Homebuilding, nor is it as simple and practical as something like Family Handyman. What this magazine IS is an attempt to provide a balance between the various interests of us homeowner-woodworkers, whether we happen to be weekend warrior newbies or knowledgable home improvement veterans. Simply put, most woodworkers are not only passionate about building woodworking projects but also about improving our homes. I applaud this magazine for doing a good job of "bridging" this span of interest. Now for the nitty-gritty. I find the writing in Workbench to be very good, the photography and illustrations are clear, the shop tips submitted by fellow readers are always a highlight, and by including projects for the home and yard right alongside finer furniture projects, there is always something in every issue for nearly every interest. Also, I don't care who you are or how long you have been doing this stuff, there are always new/more tools to consider and the quality tool reviews found in Workbench are always welcome! Ignore the naysayers and pick up a copy of this one to see for yourself. I highly recommend it!
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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Making Things Better, July 19, 2004
There is no lack of woodworking magazines for the budding (or advanced) craftsman. Each has a particular audience for its contents. For someone looking for the right magazines to subscribe to this can be a confusing process. Especially when the potential reader isn't precisely sure what they want themselves. Workbench Magazine is, as the subtitle indicates, concerned with 'woodworking to improve your home.' The implication that the focus is on carpentry and basic cabinetry rather than complex design and joinery is correct. But don't make the mistake of thinking that that means that the projects and articles offered are in any way simple or humdrum. Recent features include a complex swing out pantry, mobile garage organizers and a simple, but very nicely made garden storage bench. Technical articles tend to center on hand tools, finishing, and basic techniques, but don't be surprise when you discover that this also includes making a panel-raising router table and a cabinet door project using the same. Or an in depth report of a joinery machine. The focus is not on the tools though, but on what might be done with them. Regular Departments include questions & answers, tips & techniques, tools & equipment, and craftsmanship. There are no surprises here, but Workbench is clearly aimed at the competent craftsperson that is interested in home improvement and doesn't mind an undertaking that is a bit of a stretch. One who isn't in the mood to spend a fortune on sawdust makers either. Solid practical writing marks all the articles.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
OK, but not the best, April 2, 2006
A year ago I decided to tear out my old workshop and start all over with a new layout, new equipment and new storage. To get lots of ideas I subscribed to Fine Woodworking, Fine Homebuilding, Popular Woodworking, Wood, and Workbench. The one I'll be dropping is Workbench. I have found Workbench to be too light on content. My ranking is:
Fine Woodworking
Popular Woodworking
Fine Homebuilding
Wood
Workbench
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