There have been some recent talk on a couple of woodworking forums about workbenches and our current book from Fox Chapel fits right in. So, if you are a new woodworker and need a new bench or just want to upgrade your shop with a new one this is the book for you. Take a look!
Dave Munkittric's workbench on page 10 is to die for but is more of an excellent storage solution than a workbench. Turn to page 23 to see Tom Caspar's $250. 2x4 and plywood bench or to page 34 for a more conventional but novel workbench by the same author.
What's a workbench without a first class vise? Caspar provides the ins and outs of bench vises with tios on installing them. Assembly tables and rolling storage carts all part of a well equipped wood shop and then there is the tool cabinet. George Vondriska and Dave Munkittrick show you plans for an excellently designed one. Sliding pegboard, the master tool of any workshop, and a tool caddy are described and a great expandable router bit storage system is outlined. This book is crammed full of terrific shop ideas and tips on compact storage solutions.
We all know that better tools make it easier to create better projects - and the same goes for our work spaces. If they are organized, convenient, and help us with our woodworking tasks then we can place more attention onto the project.
This book, filled with information, plans, and photos, has projects for: workbenches, assembly tables, tool storage, material storage, and torsion boxes and they have been selected based on their ability to move, hang, stay firm, hold, and adjust. That pretty much covers everything.
There are big projects, such as the "Dream Workbench" and there are small ones such as the stool made from just 1/2 a sheet of plywood or the dovetailed toolbox that could easily become a family heirloom.
Big and small, this book as an abundance of projects as well as handy little ideas that can be adapted to any work space, such as the pull-out dividers.
Overall I give this book a "two thumbs up".
HOW TO MAKE WORKBENCHES & SHOP STORAGE SOLUTIONS, also from the editors of American Woodworker magazine, features 28 projects to make a workshop more efficient. It features step-by-step projects for a variety of benches, toolboxes, shelving and cabinets. Other projects include a heavy-duty folding shop table, sawhorse and tool cart. It also includes three bonus projects for building a torsion box.
In this compilation of workshop storage projects and tables, a variety of contributors from American Woodworker magazine pre sent solid workbench and table designs as well as construction for bins, racks, and other storage pieces. Not for the beginner, this guide is aimed at the experienced woodworker who is serious about an efficient and tidy workshop. There are a number of great projects not seen elsewhere, such as two folding shop tables and other clever pieces that serve double duty. Professional tips and a detailed section on vises round out the coverage. There is something here for every workshop; recommended.
Build storage cabinets for your tools, outfeed tables for shop machines and more in "How to Make Workbenches & Shop Storage Solutions" from the Experts of "American Woodworker." Clear-cut instructions and accompanying photographs will have you building like an aircraft engineer, super-flat and strong with a torsion box workbench, assembly table and alignment beams.
