It all began with a converstation we struck up while attending the "Woodworking in America" Furniture Construction and Design event held in Chicago in August. The Popular Woodworking Magazine did a feature on creating a very user-friendly workbench. Their plans incorporate some of the best ideas gleaned from historical research of benches.
Workbenches, the kings of the workshop, have evolved over the centuries as craftsmen learned how to tweak their features to achieve maximum working efficiences. The wood chosen to create the bench plays a critical role in its effectiveness. Turns out the species of choice for building the "21st Century Workbench",which was designed and perfected by Robert Lang, is ASH.
So now Horizon steps into the picture. Not only do we have ash, but we have nice ash! It seems a logical step - Horizon is providing bundles of the raw material necessary to build one of three models featured by the Popular Woodworking magazine and throwing in a book or DVD (depending on which model the buyer intends to build). The rewards of constructing the bench out of some great ASH supplied in 12/4, 8/4 and 4/4 thicknesses are waiting. Count on a sturdy, thick and long bench top. Purchase of the necessary hardware, and putting it to use are all up to you!
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Sorry, we have sold out of the 21st century bench bundles......
However, our Roubo bench bundle is compatable with the BenchCrafted Split-Top Roubo Plans for more info, check out http://www.benchcrafted.com/plans.htm
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The Holtzapffel Workbench pictured here is one of the three models supported by HORIZON. It was designed in England, supposedly by Charles Holtzapffel in the mid to late 1800s.
The other two models available thru HORIZON are the "21st Century Workbench" designed by Robert Lang (senior editor of Popular Woodworking), and Roubo's Workbench. |
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For even more details about the individual benches, please follow the link to our news brief archive.......
ALSO - note the following additions incorporated as our response to customer requests!
- on the Holtzappfel model -- the wood necessary to construct a "knock-down" version which includes an upper double stretcher will be provided for an additional $15
- on the Roubo model -- Chris Schwarz mentions a shelf accessory which rests on the stretchers of his design. Maximize your storage space! Enough 4/4 ASH to build this shelf will be provided for an additional $45.
- And on a final note -- as a result of conversations with Janeel from Benchcrafted (great vises) we have learned that our Roubo Model ASH Bundles
contain adequate material to build his to-be-published Roubo-style, split-top bench. Check out the Benchcrafted blog for more details on his design.
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Prices and volumes for Workbenches
Note the volumes are approximate and all include an additional 15% for trim.
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Holtzapffel |
21st Century |
Roubo |
| Bench top dimensions: |
72" x 24" |
90" x 31"
(gap in center of top)
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96" x 24" |
12/4 ASH : |
48 bf |
56 bf |
112 bf |
| 8/4 ASH : |
28 bf |
48 bf |
6 bf |
| 4/4 ASH : |
0.5 bf |
27 bf |
0.5 bf |
TOTAL PRICE: |
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| Includes: |
Full plans plus
"WorkBenches"
the complete book by Chris Schwarz |
Full Plans plus
a "How-to" DVD by designer Robert Lang |
Full plans plus
"WorkBenches"
the complete book by Chris Schwarz |
All of the models make use of 12/4 ASH for the tops which reduces the need for laminating and makes a naturally strong structure. Legs are made out of 8/4 in the Holtzapffel and 21st Century. Roubo utilizes 12/4 for the legs.
4/4 thickness is reserved for things like vise handles, guides, box sides and other features that don't require the extra dimension of thicker wood.
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We are taking advance orders. Helps us know how to prepare. Contact Pete for more information ......................He's our resident workbench pro!!...... pterbo@horizonwood.com
call 814-772-1651.
Office hours are 8-4 EST.
