#36. WIA: Part 1 of 3 – Forgotten Workbenches and Workholding

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Run time: 40 minutes, 21 seconds

First, a lengthy apology: The lighting in the room used for this session was challenging at best. As a result, I compensated exposure in the video camera manually, as the automatic system kept being fooled by some lights in the background. An overhead light was in front of the projections screen, which interfered with a small portion of the images. And I also I continued to have tripod problems, so panning side-to-side, and tilting, were terrible at best (I tried to keep these to a minimum).

Second: Be on the lookout for the moves, now famous, that lead to The Schwarz Dances. NOW you can see them in the context of his terrific presentation. Hint: Around 31:30, and also 36:45 of this Part.

Over the years, Christopher Schwarz has built many benches – from the Roman style door-and-saw horse, to much-improved models based on old references. And he has published a book that has become a true library reference for many woodworkers: Workbenches, From Design & Theory to Construction & Use.

Now to Part 1: From my notes, a mix of some comments and facts from the presentation by Christopher Schwarz. I hope the following will get your interest in watching the video:

• Target: How to build a bench at a reasonable cost – It must appeal to readers. Thus, the $175 bench.
• Evolution of a simple bench, over time.
• “Fights” with Joel Moskowitz in Joel’s apartment, while looking at his world-class woodworking library – Roubo found; Plate 11, the start of The Schwarz’s “conversion”.
• Built the first Roubo for $300, including the crochet (pronounced “crow-shay”, not “croh-chett”…) and leg vise, and put it through its paces.
• Some comments on the minuses of the European benches.
• His research led Chris to ask himself “…what other early, cool benches might be buried in the literature?”

I have several pages of notes, but won’t post the remainder here. It is all in the video.

Next: Part 2 of the session on Forgotten Workbenches and Workholding.

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