The Holtzapffel Project #1: Design

Kem,

This looks like an interesting project. I can’t wait to see it moved from design into construction. This is something that most woodworkers, who don’t already have one, would love to have in their shop.

Thanks for the post.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

Looks good I like the leg bits. I am reading the book myself, I got the deluxe version and I am reading the e-version when I get the chance while flying. I am drawn to the Roubo but like some of the elements of the Holtzapffel and may do some blending of the two. I will keep watch with keen interest. Good luck!

-- //FC - Round Rock, TX - "Experience is what you get just after you need it"

You will find a few us building the Holtzapffel bench here at LJ. Here’s my blog if you are interested. Here’s a blog I also didn’t on bench design.

-- http://theinquisitivewoodworker.com/

Hi Mike,

I’ve been following your blog with great interest. When I first googled “building holtzapffel”, your blog came up as one of the first hits! (That’s how I found out about lumberjocks.) The #1 google hit demonstrated some of the things not to do in building the bench and, in contrast, your bench really shows a high level of craftsmanship. I aspire to build mine with the same care you’ve demonstrated.

-- Kevin

FC,

What elements of the Roubo are you interested in? I think the chassis of the benches are pretty much the same, though the Roubo is much heavier with the 4” thick, 8’ long top. In my mind, the Roubo is the more graceful looking of the two with the beautiful crochet, leg vise and deadman. It really is a great looking bench. I decided to go with the Holtzapffel because it seems like the workholding of the tail vise would be more secure and require less skill than using the planing stop and I like the versatility of the twin-screw face vise.

-- Kevin

Wow I showed up in a google search above Christopher Schwarz on the Holtzapffel bench! What is the world coming to :).

I should have the top glued up this weekend, I’ll be posting some pictures soon. I really like how the Douglas Fir has turned out. I think you will enjoy working with Douglas Fir.

-- http://theinquisitivewoodworker.com/

I’ll be following this one.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

I like the heft of the Roubo, the crochet, and the deadman, but I like the twin vise of the Holtzapffel. I also haven’t decided on the end vise solution, still reading on it. My bench is a downn the road project though, so I have plenty of time to tinker with the design.

-- //FC - Round Rock, TX - "Experience is what you get just after you need it"