We are in the process of looking for well-made, heavy-duty benches
for our new school. Would members care to share what or who they
would recommend? We will be ordering 4-6 benches depending on the
price…but we do not want to purchase the masonite/particle board
configurations. We are looking for quality. What are your thoughts?
BTW thanks for all the wonderful words of wisdom!
–Barbara
Note From Ganoksin Staff:
Looking for a workbench for your jewelry projects? We recommend:
Hi Barbara, I love my maple bench from Frei & Borel. It has a bank of
drawers on either side and built in, pull out, lock up, doo-dads
galor! It is a bit pricy and as George Fox said, it is the kind of
bench that middle age goldsmiths reward themselves with. I have
always built the benches in my shop myself for about $100.00 each.
The cheaper, commercially available ones you see in catalogs are
whimpy and small. So check out Frei & borel and spend the bucks (they
have a good selection of benches), do it yourself and save some dough
(or have a local carpenter build you some using plans you provide).
Dear Barbara, Just read your need for work benches. We are in Pakistan
and I know it is far from you but the best workbenches for Jewelers
are made here in either solid rosewood or cedar. They are very good
and the cost is about $300 U.S. Dollar, the cost of shipping them to
the U.S.A. is about $200 dollars each so the total would be $500
dollars each. I have never seen workbenches that are as lovely as
furniture in the West and I do not know but maybe it is a suggestion
for you. I have been using many in my factory for years, and so many
people comment on them from our western clientele. Thanks Ashley
A very simple sturdy bench is the BN60, sold by GEsswein, FRei and
Borel, and other suppliers for about $200. Hardwood top, two drawers,
and metal legs that can be bolted to the floor.
Rick Hamilton
Gold and Platinumsmith
CNC
Jewelry Photography
Hi - Just happened across some plans for making benches in Tim
McCreight’s - The Complete Metalsmith - pages 166 -169. That might
simplify having a carpenter make the benches. Perhaps showing the
specs from the McCreight book, you could get an estimate of cost
without having to take the time to draw up your own plans.
I have inherited a few benches from my mentor - when he retired.
However, a while back, I added drawers to my first bench - and
subsequently, have great appreciation for carpentry. Spent many hours
fitting the drawers! Have fun setting up shop! Cynthia
Note From Ganoksin Staff:
Looking for a workbench for your jewelry projects? We recommend: