Mission:

Whether you’re interested in purchasing a finely crafted piece of furniture, or learning how to build one, my goal is to provide the highest level of service and quality. I don’t cut corners when I make furniture, and I refuse to cut them when it comes to passing on the skills I’ve spent decades developing.

 

Charles (Chuck) Bender is one of the most highly regarded furniture makers in the country and the founder of the Acanthus Workshop. He began woodworking (seriously) at the age of 12 in his parents’ basement, making pieces of furniture for friends and family. Chuck studied under Werner Duerr at the Central Chester County Vocational Technical School (now called the Center for the Arts and Technology) in Pennsylvania. Werner taught his high school program exactly like his apprenticeship in Germany. The students were instructed to blend hand tool use with power tools. Chuck teaches that same philosophy today.

After graduation from high school, Chuck began working for other cabinet makers to hone his skills. Having spent nearly ten years working with Irion Company Furnituremakers, working his way up to head of case and chair production, Chuck decided to branch off on his own. Since 1991 Chuck has built a reputation for making the highest quality 18th Century furniture in the country. His work can be seen in museums, private collections, and at some of the finest juried craft shows in the country. Chuck has received numerous woodworking awards throughout his career and has been featured in local and national magazines and newspapers.

In 2007, Chuck added the title “woodworking mentor” to his list of accomplishments by starting the Acanthus Workshop (a school for avocational woodworkers). Also, in 2007, he began sharing his knowledge publicly by writing articles for Popular Woodworking Magazine and teaching skill-driven classes at woodworking shows across the country. And with a growing list of more than a dozen DVDs published, Chuck continues to educate budding (and accomplished) woodworkers worldwide.

In 2014, Chuck joined the staff of Popular Woodworking Magazine as Senior Editor but left nearly two years later to start an online magazine. Realizing his true passion resides in the workshop, either building furniture or teaching others, he exited the online venture and re-established himself as a teacher and furniture maker in 2017. 

 

Chuck Bender – Popular Woodworking Magazine articles:

Carving Spanish Feet, April 2009, Issue #175

It’s a Secret, November 2009, Issue #179

The William & Mary Style, April 2010, Issue #182

Arts & Mysteries: Bookstand: A William & Mary Rarity, November 2010, Issue #186

Chester County Style, December 2011, Issue #194

Just Plane Round, February 2012, Issue #195

A Trio of Trifids, August 2012, Issue #198

Quarter Columns, April 2013, Issue #203

Wharton Esherick, June 2013, Issue #204

5 Favorite Jigs, November 2013, Issue #207

The Mercer Museum, February 2014, Issue #209

William & Mary Chest, April 2014, Issue #210

Massive Mouldings, August 2014, Issue #212

Breadboard Ends, October 2014, Issue #213