Popular Woodworking Editors' Blog

Christopher Schwarz’s new book “Workbenches: from Design & Theory to Construction & Use” isn’t like other books on the subject. And that’s precisely the reason this work is a must-have for anyone interested in building a workbench. Other books on the subject show different forms of benches and the necessary accoutrements for using them, but they don’t offer much help in deciding which options are right for you. This book, in contrast, offers a real education in the whys and hows of what can often be confusing choices.

A good book will get you thinking and maybe starting on a daydream or two. A great book will change your thinking and empower you to launch into action. That is exactly what this book does. With a studious review of historic forms and common theories, Schwarz has the knack of explaining why they did it the way they used to; he then raises the questions of what will likely happen if you follow an historic form, or decide to veer off in another direction. Rather than presenting information in a pompous “this is the way you should do it” manner, this book works by posing questions about the way you work, and provides solutions based on how you answer.

In addition to the thorough discussion of bench styles and forms, there is an incredible amount of detailed information about using a bench as a valuable tool and helpful shop assistant. Holding the work to the bench is an important part of this, and this is covered completely. Vises, holdfasts, dogs and other accessories are explained both in historic context and in terms of contemporary use.  Schwarz has done his research, and he’s also gone out to the shop, put these things together and tested them to see how they work.

In addition, his personality comes through the pages which makes this an entertaining as well as instructive book. He’s an interesting, amusing and knowledgeable guy. He has his opinions, but he doesn’t try to shove them down the reader’s throat. His interest isn’t in making you believe he’s right; it is in informing and inspiring the reader to make good decisions. He shows you how he built the benches that work for him, but the key to this book is that he gives you what you need to build the bench that works for you.

I believed that I was ready to build a workbench before reading this book, but I gained enough from the experience that I’m heading back to the drawing board to make some changes, add a few things and get rid of some others. The bench I eventually build will be significantly better than what I had in mind before. It will suit my habits and methods better, be more convenient, and ultimately improve both the quality of my work and the quality of me as a woodworker. I can’t think of many books that can do all that, but this one certainly does.

David Mathias & Darrell Peart are on the right in the front row. Jim Ipekjian is trying to hide on the left in the back.

A regular tour of the Gamble house is a wonderful experience.  For a furniture maker it is also a torment.  At every turn there is another beautiful piece, exquisitely crafted.  The natural urge of a woodworker is to touch and examine, to try to unlock the secrets of construction and finish.  All of these acts are forbidden and for good reason.  As Bobbi Mapstone, PR Director for the house, points out, if all 30,000 annual visitors were allowed to touch the furniture it would be damaged.  At the very least the finish would wear away.  So, no touching.  Understandable but torturous.  The Details & Joinery tour goes a long way toward relieving our suffering.

Leading the Details & Joinery tours is Jim Ipekjian.  Jim is probably the world’s foremost expert on and craftsman of, Greene & Greene furniture. Having now seen some of his pieces, I don’t think I could distinguish them from the originals.  As I mentioned in a previous entry, Jim is a generous, friendly man happy to share his knowledge with others.  Participants on a D&J tour are not allowed to touch the furniture (or much else). But Jim is.  Want to see the undersides of drawers? (I did) Ask Jim to remove it.  Want to know how the upstairs hall closet doors open? (It’s really cool) Ask Jim to open one. Want to see the inside of the chiffonier? (We all did) Ask Jim to open it. I don’t think he refused a single request.  And there are other ways to unlock secrets.  After this tour the floors of the house are spotless – we spent a lot of time sliding around on our backs shining flashlights under the furniture.  This is THE tour for Greene & Greene furniture fanatics.  I would gladly have paid to stay on that ride for a second round.