work bench

[SonderingSusan]

Hey Everyone!

 

i've just moved home and am setting up my leatherwork studio again. i had a solid table in my last studio but its not mine. i need to buy one and i was wondering what kind of work bench or table you all use to do your leatherwork on? especially all the hammering and tooling.

pictures would be very helpfull and all comments/ advice welcome !

 

thanks for your time and advice with this,

s

[Earl Ash]

Susan,

I got the legs here and made the top, most of us have done something similar.

http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/work-benches/components/legs-shelves/adjustable-height-27-7-8-to-35-3-8-leg-30-benches-2?infoParam.campaignId=T9F&gclid=CjwKCAjwl_PNBRBcEiwA4pplRQqcFpkgOKaMOK8fHvox470Gqwgo1Hi4yN1u-9CXGKfqTCdNy4xjRRoCJBgQAvD_BwE

[alpha2]

There are a lot of plans by Googling, or on Pinterest. I got my plans off of Pinterest, then adapted them to my height and size requirements. A good solid top is essential. I used MDF, well supported by 2x4's underneath. The desk is where I do my stamping, and it's not ideal, as it's not supported in the middle where I stamp. Ideally it would be supported right under the area where the stamping is done. It's going to have to do for now, I can't spend that much time standing and bending over the actual worktable to stamp. 

[JMcC]

I use a drafting table that I got for free. It is a 5 foot metal table with a wood adjustable top although I keep it flat. I can't find a manufacturer name but it looks like a Hamilton. I'm sure you could make your own table using the legs and a top as Earl Ash suggested if you don't want to purchase one already made. Good luck with your decision.

[brmax]

I really think the metal leg assembly is a keeper. In that the adjustable legs option, not just height wise but non-level floors. I have concrete floor with low areas for drains and did build assemblies like this you have shown to address just these options and obstacles. 

I initally thought of your question and came to question of really! Needing both a nice seperate cutting area like Alpha made and then a carving & stamping area. 

What i thought is somehow building in some  “quiet” surface for stamping and the general snap or rivet and addressing noise. 

So the layering of particle board with in between a mat of soft rubber like a horse stall mat. This could be say done with sheet goods from the builders/hardware box store. Utilizing them metal leg assemblies show above i think would Rock!

have a great day!

Floyd

[SonderingSusan]

thanks everyone for sharing,

 

what do you all think of these workbenches....

the first one is basic and i wonder would the top really take much hammering?

the second one looks more sturdy than the first one i think,

the third one looks about the best for my needs but opinions and advice are really appreciated !

@Earl Ash- i would do what you did with he legs but I'm assuming that is america?  it would be good for me to get something in ireland 

@alpha2- i love the look of your work bench, but i would imagine those casters would take some abuse really after a bit if hammering. and perhaps the wood too?

 

@brmax- what do you think of these three work benches i have my eye on? your advice sound great, i will definitely see if i can get a rubber mat for my bench.

 

thank you all very much!

 

 

 

 

work bench.tiff

workbench2.tiff

workbench 3.tiff

[JMcC]

2 hours ago, SonderingSusan said:

thanks everyone for sharing,

 

what do you all think of these workbenches....

the first one is basic and i wonder would the top really take much hammering?

the second one looks more sturdy than the first one i think,

the third one looks about the best for my needs but opinions and advice are really appreciated !

@Earl Ash- i would do what you did with he legs but I'm assuming that is america?  it would be good for me to get something in ireland 

@alpha2- i love the look of your work bench, but i would imagine those casters would take some abuse really after a bit if hammering. and perhaps the wood too?

 

@brmax- what do you think of these three work benches i have my eye on? your advice sound great, i will definitely see if i can get a rubber mat for my bench.

 

thank you all very much!

 

 

 

 

work bench.tiff

workbench2.tiff

workbench 3.tiff

My vote is for number 3. The first one is definitely out of the question because there is no place for your legs while sitting. Plus, number 3 looks sturdy and will last you a long time. I would put some kind of material on the top however that won't scratch up your leather.

[alpha2]

I don't hammer on the wood. There's always a piece of granite below the hammering. The casters are VERY heavy duty. The next size up was way overkill for the application.

[SonderingSusan]

thanks @JMcC for the feed back. 

 

what do u think of the second work bench btw? its just located more conveinintly to me.

i think you are right the 3rd one is the best though, think i will go with it - thanks again its lovely to hear what other leather workers think.

hey @alpha2, well thats okay then, you could always do your hammering over the legs of the table? it looks great btw, wow , very cool you made it yourself , very impressive!

[Orangeleather]

Well due to further frustration of acquiring a HD table with no success I’ve decided to use the current scrap wood laying around to build a table frame, my woodwork skills are lousy but my current work space is irritating me Beyond belief.

 

Will be shopping for a hard top tomorrow to complete phase 1.

Edited January 10, 2018 by Orangeleather