[Jewelry making - Article 00407] - Re: [Orchid] Jeweler's Work Bench on a budget

[Rick Copeland]

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    As a former carpenter and part time hobby woodworker I'm always
    dreaming up what I would like in a work bench when I have time to get
    around to making it.  For years I've worked on an old office desk I
    bought at the local thrift store for $7.50.  If you're on a budget
    check out the thrift stores (Goodwill, ARC, Salvation Army, etc.). 
    They get a lot of office desks with laminated tops or solid hardwood
    but generally have a good solid 1-2 inch thick work surface.  Since
    you're going to be soldering and splashing pickle on it the finish is
    not critical.  The drawers usually have ball bearing guides although
    mine sage a bit from the weight of mandrels, dopping and forming
    blocks, and hammers.  Cut out a half circle in the middle if you
    prefer mine is still straight.  Raise the height of the bench with
    blocks or build more drawer/cubby hole space underneath.  I use the
    clamp-on bench pin with the cast iron anvil.  I like this set up as I
    can remove it out of the way when I need to.  I also use a large
    chamois from the auto parts store as a catch apron.  I have to
    replace the chamois every 6 months or so due to hot metal burns but
    am well stocked on used ones should anyone need a car wash  ;-)  I
    work exclusively with silver so catching every filing or piece of saw
    dust is not critical (at least not now at the current price of
    silver).  Just my $.02 USD worth... 

Rick Copeland -- Silversmith
rick.copeland AT Covad.net
home.covad.net/~rcopeland
Colorado Springs, Colorado



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