Work bench

[Bob]

I'm considering having a bench made, but I'd like to get ideas from all of you. What you use. What works for you. What you'd like if you could have it. Post pictures, draw pictures. Share your ideas, perhaps we can have a plan drawn up of the ideal "Leather workers work bench". With measurements and plans so we can take it to a wood worker and have it made. What types of wood are best?

Some ideas I have include

1. built in granite slab in the surface
   
2. draws for storage
   
3. good lighting
   
4. tool holders, wooden racks for sharp tools and punches
   
5. slide outs, (like a cutting board in the kitchen)
   
6. place for bench mounted splitter
   
7. good cutting surface, friendly for knives
   

I currently have a workbench, I don't like it. I made it many years ago and it sucks. I've been searching the internet for ideas and found nothing yet.

Bob

[Duke]

here is an idea for ya. works good for me.

[barra]

I use this type of shelving as my basic bench framework. One set of shelves assembled in 2 halves are used with the narrow ends facing me. I then place a wooden top between the 2. With this type of unit you can mix and match. You can have shelves or benches and they can be set up to suit all sorts of workshops. i have then set up tool storage on the back and sides. you can then bolt ply sheets all over it to add hooks, more shelves, plastic maxi bin storage etc. With the holes every inch or so you can also attach drawer runners inside. this stuff is strong and while I find it stable as it is, you can add more support beams or bolt the whole frame to a stable wall. Space permitting I would use more and make a cutting bench in the middle of a workshop.

You can get it from the large chain hardware stores

Bunnings - Aust

Home depot/Lowes - US

I went with this option as I move regularly and I can knock the bench down and reassemble easily. I need to be able to sit at the bench and have my knees under as I sew with Clams 50 per cent of the time and If shelves or drawers are on the front face I am too far from being within arms reach of most of my tools.

Barra

Edited March 1, 2008 by barra

[TracyMoss]

Bob, I keep it simple. Just a plain bench made from 3/4" sanded plywood. Although it is the nice red oak plywood. Some 2x6's and some 4x4's. I will take a picture and send it. But my tooling bench is seperate. I set my stone in sand and covered the sand with fiberglass rosin. works pretty good for me and cuts the noise down, also very little to no vibration.

[leatheroo]

I use this type of shelving as my basic bench framework. One set of shelves assembled in 2 halves are used with the narrow ends facing me. I then place a wooden top between the 2. With this type of unit you can mix and match. You can have shelves or benches and they can be set up to suit all sorts of workshops. i have then set up tool storage on the back and sides. you can then bolt ply sheets all over it to add hooks, more shelves, plastic maxi bin storage etc. With the holes every inch or so you can also attach drawer runners inside. this stuff is strong and while I find it stable as it is, you can add more support beams or bolt the whole frame to a stable wall. Space permitting I would use more and make a cutting bench in the middle of a workshop.

You can get it from the large chain hardware stores

Bunnings - Aust

Home depot/Lowes - US

I went with this option as I move regularly and I can knock the bench down and reassemble easily. I need to be able to sit at the bench and have my knees under as I sew with Clams 50 per cent of the time and If shelves or drawers are on the front face I am too far from being within arms reach of most of my tools.

Barra

is that some home brew happening barra??

[barra]

Not my actual bench Roo, just an example of what I use as the basic framework. My bench is up and/or down in 5 min and I'm away.

I do home brew though. Not that hard core that I Keg or use a mash tun. Just plain Coopers kits.

Barra

[TwinOaks]

I think Peter Main has the monopoly on ultimate workbench. Then built a shop around it. LOL

Still, VERRRY nice bench.

[ferret]

I do home brew though. Not that hard core that I Keg or use a mash tun. Just plain Coopers kits.

Barra

mmmmmmmmmmm coopers . Keep sending that over here and we may forgive you for Rolf Harris

[Bob]

It would be good to hear from some of the saddle makers that work at their bench all day, have tools all over the place and want it somewhat orginized. Things have to be somewhat orginized, or you spend more time looking for stuff. Only to find it banged around under a bunch of other tools. I like to keep sharp tools.

[jammon]

I see Barra and I share another hobby, homebrewing : )

Edited March 1, 2008 by jammon