Recently I was sent a video (watch here) produced by rex Kruger (chinese workbench), which many of you will know.

I have known about the traditional Chinese low workbench for several years now, and i do like the form, although I think it has more limitations than other low benches/work methods.

One of the things I love about the design of the Chinese low bench, is that its seen every where in chinese history, and was used in a whole manner of ways, from a workbench, to a piece of furniture, and everything in-between.

I think the thing that resonates with me the most, is that this bench would have been used for everything, out of necessity, and practicality, around the home etc.

The design is very simple, but also very cleaver when you look at it.

Typically, these benches where light, and easily transported around the home, by women and children if need, and also further a field.

Its length and width was typical sorter (but not always), than similar low benches, like a roman workbench for instance. This is very convenient to store/use in the home. 

The height is a perfect for sitting, using as a makeshift table, and of course woodworking.

For those of you that are new to my work, you probably won’t know, I did spend around 5 years exclusively using a Roman workbench, building all manner of furniture.

See the below video for work holding on the roman workbench.

So I know first hand, low benches are capable of producing good, quality furniture. I am also aware of the problems associated with using low benches.

Admittedly, i’ve never used a Chinese workbench, so i cant comment exclusively on its workability, I can however comment on my Roman workbench experience, which does crossover.

The Chinese bench is typically smaller in size, which means its also lighter, so it will move around a lot on a smooth service. It will fair a little better on grass/dirt, but will still inevitably move.

Maybe around 60% of the work practices will require your own weight. The thing with this is that, some tasks are natural while sitting, and some, well aren't! And some tasks are going to be awkward.

With the Roman workbench being heavier, there are many opportunities to use it in the same way as a tall bench, simple by kneeling on a rubber mat at the side of the bench. With the extra weight, its less likely to move around as much as the Chinese bench.

Another thing i noticed immediately, was the typical width of the bench top. Its very narrow, and obviously can be awkward handling wider/longer work pieces. I personally have experimented with widths of low benches, finding that around 15" is the sweet spot, in my own opinion. 

Ironically, all the above con’s are also inherently the benches pro’s, and I think thats what makes it such an interesting design!

Have you ever used a low bench?

Wood porn

This weeks visual beauty is this beautiful telecaster, by lung guitars. I absolutely love the rosewood top. I do believe this guitar has sold, so you’re out of luck with this one!

What impressed me

The above is a commissioned staircase handrail from Charlie whinney studio. I personally have never seen anything like this in a staircase. I can imagine, there was a lot of time, energy and head scratching. Click the image and see the rest of the images, as well as some big steam bending videos.

Woodwork ponder

When did steam bending wood begin? 

It is argued that the vikings were the first (1200 years ago), but it is also said the Egyptians steam bent wood, which would be earlier in history.

Regardless of who was first, what person actually thought, right, im going to heat this wood, with steam, and bend it 🤯

Latest YouTube video

In this video I make a simple dining chair, mostly with hand tools. You can watch this on YouTube (click above).

Don’t forget, there is also a podcast available for those who are interested.

You can listen on Spotify here, and Apple Podcasts  here.

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Thats it for this one guys, see you next week!

Regards 

David