The Workbench: A Complete Guide to Creating Your Perfect Bench

by Lon Schleining

Overview

The Workbench: A Complete Guide to Creating Your Perfect Bench by Lon Schleining offers a fresh perspective on the essential tool in any woodworker’s shop—the workbench.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned craftsman, this guide helps you make informed decisions about choosing or building your ideal workbench.

Whether you’re looking to build a new bench from scratch or upgrade your existing setup, The Workbench is your go-to resource for creating a workspace that enhances your craftsmanship and productivity.

Key Features:

• In-Depth Exploration: Dive into the history and evolution of workbenches, from traditional designs to contemporary innovations.
• Detailed Plans: Access hundreds of options for choosing or building the perfect bench and its accessories.
• Expert Guidance: Benefit from Lori Schleining’s extensive experience and insights, ensuring your workbench is both functional and beautiful.
• Visual Inspiration: Enjoy nearly 300 photos and drawings that illustrate various bench designs and their applications.
• Practical Tips: Learn essential techniques for constructing, maintaining, and optimizing your workbench for different tasks.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781561585946
Publisher:	Taunton Press, Incorporated
Publication date:	10/01/2004
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	9.19(w) x 10.88(h) x 0.69(d)

About the Author

Lon Schleining teaches woodworking at Cerritos College and has been a professional stair builder for 20 years. He lives in Long Beach, California.

Table of Contents

	Introduction	2
Chapter 1	The Perfect Bench	4
	What Kind of Woodworking Do You Do?	6
	Locating the Bench	8
	Bench Size	12
	Weight	15
	Height	17
	A Comfortable Bench Area	20
	Designing Your Bench	22
Chapter 2	Workbench Tops	24
	Benchtop Dimensions	27
	Top Configuration	28
	Tool Trays	31
	Materials for Tops	33
	Keeping the Top Flat	40
	Flattening a Benchtop	43
	Fastening the Top to the Base	45
	Finishing the Top	45
Chapter 3	A Solid Foundation	46
	Base Configuration	48
	Frame Bases	49
	Base Joinery Options	50
	Strengthening the Base	56
	Legs Made from Metal	57
	Enclosed Bases	58
	Leveling the Bench	64
	Electrical Power	65
Chapter 4	Getting a Grip	66
	Locating Vises	68
	Types of Vises	68
	Screw Mechanisms	71
	Manufactured Vises	74
	Shop-Built Vises	82
Chapter 5	Holding Your Work	88
	Bench Dogs	90
	Stops	95
	Holdfasts and Hold-Downs	97
	Board Jacks	102
	Bench Hooks	104
	Fixtures and Auxillary Tables	105
Chapter 6	Bench in a Box	106
	Bench Components	108
	Manufactured Benches of the Past	112
	Contemporary Bench Makers	114
Chapter 7	No-Frills Benches	124
	Getting Down to Basics	126
	Sam Maloof's Bench	128
	Building the Bench	132
	Niall Barrett's Bench	136
	Building the Bench	140
Chapter 8	Tradition Meets the Twenty-First Century	142
	English-Style Workbenches	144
	Building the Bench	148
	European Traditions	152
	Building the Bench	156
	The Best of Old and New	158
	Building the Bench	162
	Shaker with a Twist	166
Chapter 9	Innovative Workbenches	168
	A Different Kind of Benchtop	170
	The Torsion Box	173
	Storing Large Worktables	176
	Thinking Outside the Box	180
Chapter 10	Benches for Special Tasks	182
	Assembly and Finishing	184
	Portable Workbenches	186
	Benches for Working on Irregular Parts	188
	Other Woodworking Specialties	190
	Dedicated Task Benches	192
	Resources	196
	Index	200