by Lon Schleining
This is an "oh my" kind of book, as that's likely to be the phrase that comes from you with each turn of the page. Typical Taunton Press stuff... lush photos, great diagrams, and ideas, ideas, ideas.
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: The Perfect Bench
What Kind of Woodworking Do You Do?
Locating the Bench
Bench Size
Weight
Height
A Comfortable Bench Area
Designing Your Bench
Chapter 2: Workbench Tops
Benchtop Dimensions
Top Configuration
Tool Trays
Materials for Tops
Keeping the Top Flat
Flattening a Benchtop
Fastening the Top to the Base
Finishing the Top
Chapter 3: A Solid Foundation
Base Configuration
Frame Bases
Base Joinery Options
Strengthening the Base
Legs Made from Metal
Enclosed Bases
Leveling the Bench
Electrical Power
Chapter 4: Getting a Grip
Locating Vises
Types of Vises
Screw Mechanisms
Manufactured Vises
Shop-Built Vises
Chapter 5: Holding Your Work
Bench Dogs
Stops
Holdfasts and Hold-Downs
Board Jacks
Bench Hooks
Fixtures and Auxillary Tables
Chapter 6: Bench in a Box
Bench Components
Manufactured Benches of the Past
Contemporary Bench Makers
Chapter 7: No-Frills Benches
Getting Down to Basics
Sam Maloofs Bench
Building the Bench
Niall Barretts Bench
Building the Bench
Chapter 8: Tradition Meets the Twenty-First Century
English-Style Workbenches
Building the Bench
European Traditions
Building the Bench
The Best of Old and New
Building the Bench
Shaker with a Twist
Chapter 9: Innovative Workbenches
A Different Kind of Benchtop
The Torsion Box
Storing Large Worktables
Thinking Outside the Box
Chapter 10: Benches for Special Tasks
Assembly and Finishing
Portable Workbenches
Benches for Working on Irregular Parts
Other Woodworking Specialties
Dedicated Taskl Benches
Resources
Index
202 pp., hardcover
