In my opinion, the Nicholson workbench is a timeless classic, simple and elegant but based on a sophisticated understanding of effective and efficient design. Almost every element serves multiple purposes. It has a high strength to weight ratio and can be made very long. It was put forward by a man uniquely qualified to appreciate its excellence. One of the things I like about my bench is that it springs from this history. It is timeless.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Who was Peter Nicholson?
Reading about the design of what we call the Nicholson work bench made me curious. The best biography I could find of Peter Nicholson is on Wikipedia here. Turns out he was an extremely interesting man, self-taught and accomplished in architecture, mathematics and engineering. As a youth, he served an apprenticeship to a cabinet-maker and worked as a journeyman before abandoning the trade in favor of teaching and writing. The list of his publications is lengthy. A common theme is the application of science and mathematics to practical problems of construction and design.
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Without the legs splayed in both directions, it looks like it will be tippy (or tipsy, if my spellchecker has it's way). I made Schwarz's style and find if I have much weight on the end it wants to tip. Had I to do it over I think I would like to try Ron Herman's bench as described in Popular Woodworking magazine.
ReplyDeletePaul Saffold
It is the exact opposite of "tippy." The legs are so close to the ends of the bench that the leverage disadvantage is overwhelming. There just isn't any way to tip it.
ReplyDeleteI have been reluctant to post about this, but I think the Schwarz-style legs are a serious mistake.
I’m confused. In your blog “Who was Peterson Nicholson” you only refer to the Nicholson workbench. It sounds like Paul is referring to a saw bench (your previous blog) and not the workbench. Especially when Paul referred to Ron Herman’s “bench”. Andy, you said that the Schwarz-style legs are a serious mistake. Are you referring to Schwarz’s saw bench or the Nicholson workbench in Schwarz’s first book on workbenches?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dean
I’m not sure how “Peter” turned into “Peterson”.
ReplyDeleteDean
Thank you Dean. My mistake Paul. I thought you were referring to the workbench, not the saw bench. Now I understand what you are saying. Yes, I suppose it might be a bit tippy. I think I'll keep the legs out close to the ends. Bob Rozaieski's saw bench is a good example of what Paul is talking about. See it at http://www.logancabinetshoppe.com/shop-projects.html
ReplyDeleteMy Bad!! I posted under the wrong topic. Sorry for the confusion. I was referring to the saw bench, not the work bench.
ReplyDeletePaul Saffold