The Workbench Book: A Craftsman's Guide to Workbenches for Every Type of Woodworking

Item shipped quickly and received in good condition as noted. I would purchase from this supplier in the future.

At the time I recieved Amazon's cursory invite to review this, I have admittedly not finished the book. Upon initial brush, however, this seems to be the most thorough and accurate accounting of the workbench, and it's progression thru history. (Author even has included some drawings of workshops and references from ancient civilizations along with footnotes on what the drawings illustrate these historical workbenches to have done) The author has obviously done plenty of homework.

I initially purchased this book because I'm looking to make a functional workbench for my newly-remodeled shop. After reading part way thru this book, however, I've decided to abandon some of the ideas I had for my bench in favor of some older-style workbench features that will, frankly, serve a better function than what I initially had in mind. Although the author does a great job illustrating progression of workbenches and their specific functions (lots of illustrations here...this is a good thing), I find a certain nostalgia in creating something that is unique to my needs, but also contains some reference to history.

To each his own. Book is good thus far and I would recommend if you're looking for plenty of ideas.

Lon Schleining's book "The Workbench" is the book of dreams. This book is more practical. The bench I completed a few months ago (after a couple of years of study) is based more on the ideas in Schleining's and more on Landis' book for procedure.

I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Japanese Beams & Trestles.

If you can afford it, buy both workbench books (unless there is some important particular you need, you won't need a third book). If not, pick this one if you need more how-to and Schleining's if you know how and want more design ideas.

The Workbench Book serves as either a coffee table book or as a working guide to getting to just the right workbench built for yourself. The book is beautifully produced. The photos are beautiful and the text is wonderful.

I chose the words "working guide" above carefully. The pretty pictures aside, the real value of this book to me was in being walked through just how many different ways a bench can be used. As I read it, I found myself constantly comparing my own work habits against what I was reading regarding why certain bench configurations evolved. It also made some of my own bench frustrations clearer.

In the end, and as a direct result of reading this book, I've decided on a heavy open-framed (weighted, actually) bench a foot lower than what I've been using, 6' long, 30" deep, no tray, no storage, with a torsion box top and conventional (Record-type) woodworkers vise. I'll supplement with a pair of low (12" - 15") assembly tables 30" square each. That's pretty specific, but as I considered my own work and habits while reading, the formerly attractive shaker benches, euro benches, and even the intriguing Japanese beams have lost their attractiveness.

This is that rare type of book that has long-term and deep implications for how you work if you read it with real intent. Highly recommended.

Informative and readable. Obviously a labor of love. I give it 5 stars even though the Tom Caspar-inspired design I've settled on didn't come from this book.