Class Descriptions

Build the Holtzapffel 1875 Cabinetmaker's Workbench
Cost $750 plus $75 milling and 100' of 8/4 maple lumber @ cost
September 8-13
Skill Level - All

Build a bench designed for a lifetime of cabinetmaking in this six-day class with Christopher Schwarz, the editor of Popular Woodworking magazine and the author of the new book: "Workbenches: From Design & Theory to Construction & Use."

In this class, you'll build a modified version of the 19th century-Holtzapffel workbench, a simple and stout bench that can hand more varied tasks than most modern benches. The Holtzapffel, which was featured on the cover of the Fall 2007 issue of Woodworking Magazine, features a twin-screw face vise that can handle a 24"-wide case side and an end vise for clamping individual boards and panels up to 24" x 60".

The original design has been modified for this class so that the bench can be disassembled for easy transport back to your shop or for standard shipping. But rest assured the modified design is as simple, stout and useful as the 132-year-old original.

The class will use a combination of both hand and power tools to build the bench – power tools to handle the rough work and hand tools for the fine details and critical joints. No particular expertise in hand tools is required. This bench is simple enough to be a good first project for an aspiring woodworker.

The school will handle all of the wood selection and rough milling of the bench stock so that you'll be focusing on the joinery and assembly during the six days.

In addition to assisting students in building their benches, Chris will be sharing the years of research he's done into forgotten and historic workbench designs. Plus, he'll be covering (in detail) the most important and oft-forgotten part: How to use a workbench properly to make all workholding tasks easier, including the use of bench appliances and jigs.