diff --git a/cadquery/CQ.py b/cadquery/CQ.py
index 7504b16..cc03f8b 100644
--- a/cadquery/CQ.py
+++ b/cadquery/CQ.py
@@ -298,6 +298,10 @@ class CQ(object):
             For now you can work around by creating a workplane and then offsetting the center
             afterwards.
         """
+        if len(self.objects) > 1:
+            raise ValueError("Workplane cannot be created if more than"
+                             " 1 object is selected.")
+
         obj = self.objects[0]
 
         def _computeXdir(normal):
diff --git a/tests/TestCadQuery.py b/tests/TestCadQuery.py
index 975feca..e58b594 100644
--- a/tests/TestCadQuery.py
+++ b/tests/TestCadQuery.py
@@ -442,7 +442,7 @@ class TestCadQuery(BaseTest):
         c = CQ( makeUnitCube())                                   #the cube is the context solid
         self.assertEqual(6,c.faces().size())        #cube has six faces
 
-        r = c.faces().workplane().circle(0.125).extrude(0.5,True)     #make a boss, not updating the original
+        r = c.faces('>Z').workplane().circle(0.125).extrude(0.5,True)     #make a boss, not updating the original
         self.assertEqual(8,r.faces().size())                  #just the boss faces
         self.assertEqual(8,c.faces().size())                  #original is modified too