By Lon Schleining
Taunton Press, 2004
Hard cover, 9.5″ x 11″, 202 pages

A good workbench is a prerequisite for safe and effective woodworking. While recent innovations in bench design, materials, and technology offer a much wider range of options, they can make choosing the right bench more challengeing. In The Workbench, Lon Schleining takes a 21st century look at every aspect of workbenches, with the goal of helping readers choose the best bench for their needs.

For many woodworkers, building their own bench is a rite of passage. The bench is an expression of pride in workmanship, an opportunity to demonstrate skills and maybe show off a little. With working drawings for five workbenches, from modern to traditional, this book provides plenty of inspiration for anyone who wants to build a bench. Time-challengeed woodworkers will find advice on commercail benches, kits and components. The comprehensive coverage of hardware, vises, and other holding devices is an invaluable guide to choosing the right accessories

The perfect bench is the one that works best for you. Designing the perfect bench is about making smart choices and compromises–a balancing act to get the best combination of functionality and comfort. The Workbench is the ultimate guide to asking the right questions about what you really need and want in a workbench so that you can make the right decisions.