Working height for benchmate

Jewelry Discussion
1

I am not sure if this is the proper way to bring forth a question. I
do not work in retail environment at this time. I am fairly new to
jewelry making - mostly doing friend/family/gift work at this time.
In short - much skill needs to be developed; much practical
experience to be gained. My situation/questions relate to this: I
have been using a mahogany ring clamp with a metal “U” shaped
holder. I am looking to move upto a GRS Benchmate (specifically the
Setter’s package) and was wondering at what height (or height range)

  • in relation to their body - ring makers/stone-setters have found to
    be the most efficacious for ring-work. I plan on building a dedicated
    Mini-bench; or an attachment to my “primary” bench. Input from those
    whose wisdom has been gained from the trencheswould be gratefully
    appreciated. Thank you. Art arthur
2

I love the GRS system. It is adjustable so mount it a bit below
where you want your work to be as the attachments fit onto the
mounting plate and you can raise or lower the " setters stick" (or
whatever you want to call the thing with ring pads that holds your
work) to the angle and exact position that is good for you. I
wouldn’t think you would need to build a second bench just to use the
benchmate- that’s the beauty of it- when not in use all you have is
the mounting bracket screwed onto the bench. You could always screw
it to the “back” of your bench giving you a dedicated area to use the
attachements at without disturbing your current set up. In fact, my
main bench has a length (sections) of flooring in between it and the
desk I converted into an engraving bench years ago. In between the
two benches (probably 10 feet) I have a chair on casters. The GRS
bracket is mounted onto the back of that bench so all I have to do is
turn the chair around and “roll over” to the benchmate to use it. I
found a couple of the GRS attachments never get used and therefore
probably aren’t worth buying just to have a complete set (the
soldering clamp for example, and the cement cup is too small for
bracelet work or my purposes, although I found the extension bracket
handy! everyone will have their own “best arrangement”). Just buy
what you need to use and add on later if necessary.

A good working height is relative to each person’s height and bench
set up to some degree as the mounting bracket will not attach to some
cut out style traditional benches. rer

3

Hi Doug

I use a benchmate and have it set at normal bench height.

The setters package is very useful as wide rings etc benefit from
being held from the inside.

Just attach to your main bench as if you get the wooden pin as well
this is all you need.

One modification I made was to glue a rubber bench pin insert onto
the T section shellac pin. This is excellent for filing.

Also the ring support, the metal U shaped piece, is very good for
some ring shapes.

And stops the bounce when hammer setting.

Used it twice today. My only criticism is that for flat backed rings
the benchmate does not give sufficient support and I have to use a
standard flat ring holder.

The benchmate adjusts to different heights as well.

This is the biggest improvement I have made to my bench, about 7
years ago.

The benchmate improves quality and saves time.

A setter’s bench has additions to the normal cut out bench.

I screwed two pieces of 4 by 2 inch wood of my normal bench, coming
out from the bench.

These are used as elbow/arm rests when setting.

Also when making jumprings I use the benchmate to clamp the jumpring
mandrel, think old drill bit with a cut out for sawing, and then saw
through coil.

There are some very good videos on youtube of people using
benchmates.

I am not affiliated with GRS just a satisfied customer.

That said I would recommend a benchmate as the best investment I
have made.

Richard
Xtines Jewels