Making Workbenches

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I have used this book to build a bench. It works. - Rated
This book is a practical exposition of the history, design and functions of woodworking benches. There are detailed plans and instructions for construction of a general purposes joiner's bench and a traditional cabinetmaker's bench. You do need to be able to interpret and amplify the drawings and instructions to some degree, but if you can't then you probably shouldn't try. The context for the author's suggestions and advice is clearly US, but European readers should be able to transpose them into a local context. The use of benches, brief details of clamping and other aids, and outlines of a number of specialised benches are given. The text and plans could be clearer and fuller, but if I can use them to make a *really nice* bench, then so could you. Be warned though, if you build the 6ft x 3ft joiner's bench, you will probably need two pairs of hands and some trestles. It's *very* heavy.

Excellent book, clearly written with good photos. - Rated
Very easy to understand with lots of nice photos that bring out the beauty of well built work benches...well worth the money.

Worth the money for a beginner to intermediate woodworker. - Rated
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.