Jeweler's Bench Height
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Original Post
What's an ideal height? I frequently read/hear that the bench should put you at eye level with your work (for sawing/metalsmithing purposes), but this has me picturing some rather tall desks! I just can't imagine that the mental impression I'm getting is what this requirement should translate to in reality.
Does anyone have photos to share for inspiration? Thanks so much!
Posted at 4:29pm Feb 1, 2010 EST
Responses
I agree with Lapidarious that you need to check out the ganoksin archives. There's a thread on the site where jewelers post pics of their studios - great to see others' ingenuity in making their benches from many things!
You could also check out the Otto Frei website's listing of benches. I think it gives the dimensions for a professional bench which would help you in determining how to make what you have work best. And yes - I agree it's all about a good, adjustable chair and getting the best position for long hours of repetitive work!
- Rachael Brooke
Posted at 11:19am Feb 2, 2010 EST
The best $300 bucks I ever spent was for a proper jeweler's bench. The top surface is at 38 inches, putting the bench pin at 36 inches. Any comfortable surface can work, but the most important feature is the dust tray. Catches your precious metal filings for recycling later, not to mention keeps hot things from landing in your lap!
Posted at 11:37am Feb 2, 2010 EST
Mine is a table with folding legs at regular height, but I always work on a block that elevates my work a couple of inches. Also, my chair height is adjustable. For soldering, I stand at my soldering station.
Posted at 1:44pm Feb 2, 2010 EST
Wearable, this pendant in your avatar is lovely.
So, does anyone have recs for chairs?:)
Posted at 5:44pm Feb 2, 2010 EST
Thanks, Morgan! I just have a regular office type chair that has a height adjustment on it.
Posted at 7:12pm Feb 2, 2010 EST
ayou need to be comfortable and sitting straight-not hunched over. You chest bone is even with the working surface. As a test push your saw frame against the edge of your bench (or table) and lean in to the handle (position in center of breast bone). Yoyr work bench shouldn't slide at all. Adjust your seating. I workrd years ago for some German goldsmiths who gave me a wooden stool with a back and with short legs. You can find a sturdy old wooden chair and cut the legs down. Ganoksin is a great site for anything metals.
Posted at 4:04pm Feb 6, 2010 EST
I work on a heavy wooden table with metal legs, about 30" high. Also have an adjustable office type chair on rollers. FavreBijoux - good tip on the saw frame test!
Posted at 6:11pm Feb 6, 2010 EST
Thank you so much! This weekend, storage units go up, and then I'm in serious need of a work bench.
Posted at 11:29am Feb 19, 2010 EST