Making Workbenches: * Planning * Building * Outfitting

Rating:
Summary: Good Workbench = Valuable Tool
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Good Workbench = Valuable Tool
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Fairly good -- narrow focus
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Fairly good -- narrow focus
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Great for step by step instructions.
Review: 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.