[Jewelry making - Article 01040] - Re: [Orchid] Bench dimensions

[R . E . Rourke]

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    Tim McCreight s complete Metalsmith" has some plans w/layout
    dimensions for a workable first bench. When adjusting to your height
    if you stand with your hands down at your sides and outstretched,
    that is the height to start with. 

    Look through the bench exchange to get some ideas on the frills so to
    speak as each bench is rather unique in some way. as for the sweeps
    tray remeber if you use any clamp on bench pins, vises, etc. that any
    rails you add to the underside of the benchtop will be impeded by
    anything you clamp or bolt to it..so add three inches minimum to the
    distance from the top of your bench to the distance you set your
    sweeps tray. I personally like an archaic style leather apron that is
    attached to the bench and my neck when I pierce or saw materials. 

    The sweeps tray in my bench is more a shelf at this point as the
    apron is easier to reclaim dust from, and larger trimmings and sweeps
    are brushed up easy enough..It's all a matter of taste and design
    necessities. I had a professional woodworker build my main bench with
    a mounting plate off center for the GRS benchmate's mounting plate so
    that it is not in the way of other pins, mandrel holders, etc.. 

    just inventory your equipment that you use most - be it a certain
    style bench pin and it's mounting apparatus, a GRS benchmate system,
    your flexshaft and stand, micromotor, microscopes, etc, then work
    from there in your design - Don't rush into anything without
    considering all the elements you need at hand, what can be put on a
    different surface or in a different area( as space dictates, you may
    have seperate soldering pickling areas, polishing areas,
    casting&melting areas, a stump for your anvil, rolling mill and
    hydraulic press on movable stands to which the tools are bolted,
    etc..). 

    Everyone's space and needs are different. Lighting, electrical
    outlets, water source, tank area, compressor and air tools, kilns,
    heating and cooling, air circulation, and storage all affect how you
    set up your bench or larger studio area. So me telling you to make
    the sweeps tray 18 inches below the top of your bench is only
    relevant to my bench, which has a traditional arced top with some
    shelves at head height. 

    Most benches are more like table tops flat across the top so it is
    relative to what your needs are, tools and equipment you use most and
    want at hand, and the amount of space you have to dedicate to jewelry
    making as to what you need in a bench. I know a very experienced
    goldsmith that prefers an office table to his bench ; he has three
    benches in his studio and each is dedicated to different
    operations..so back to Complete metalsmith, looking through
    catalogues and styles to arrive at what serves you the best.. 
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