[Jewelry making - Article 00347] - Re: [Orchid] Benches - to cutout or not to cutout

[John Sholl]

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    Ok, I know I'm in the minority. I was trained on the metal leg work
    benches available from Frie Borel, Gesswein and many other
    suppliers. Matter of fact I spent the first five years of my career
    on this style of bench. It is very simple and easy to keep
    organized. It has a large(25") metal bottom pan that lays on your
    lap. A tool rack mounted on the front of the bench drawer allows
    easy access to all pliers. The work surface is a little shallow so I
    usually put a piece of 1x6 on the back to mount the light and flex
    shaft stand. These benches are inexpensive and also available in a
    double work station version. 

    The reason I could never get used to the cut out is that I do a lot
    of channel setting. I use a traditional chasing hammer and stake to
    set my stones and I like to keep my upper arm pretty much
    horizontal. I seems that no matter where I drill my mandrel hole
    either the bench pin or the cut out gets in the way of my arm. This
    also hold true for bead setting and many flex shaft operations. An
    elbow rest placed about 8" to 10" either side of the pin at the same
    level of the pin is very comfortable. 

    Again Peter is right. There is no correct or incorrect style. I have
    seen very well made pieces come off of both benches.  It is just
    that personally I feel the simpler the design the better. 

John Sholl
Littleton, Colorado

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