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Dec 23, 2009, 6:51am

Evolutions in Stone :: Metal Works :: Metal Smithing Tips and Tricks :: Jeweler's Bench Build New Pics added

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Topic: Jeweler's Bench Build New Pics added (Read 113 times)

BlarneyStone
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Jeweler's Bench Build New Pics added
« Thread Started on Jul 7, 2009, 8:57am »

I finally got started!

So here's a blow by blow description of the Jeweler's Bench Build project I've taken on. Basically I'm starting with an old typing desk and converting it into a European style Jeweler's Bench.

Why European style? Well, I feel like it will suit me better then an American style bench mainly because my eyesite is so bad. The Euro style bench has a deeper inset cut on the top which will allow me to get right up over the bench pin. Typically, an American style bench has a shallow inset cut. With a deeper cut, sitting at the desk, the pin will only be a few inches under my chin. I figure (and have read) that most of the work is done at the bench pin and I wanted it to be in a ergonomic (comfortable) position.

Here's the old desk with the drawers removed.

[image]

The top was secured with screws and it was easily removed.

[image]

Here's the desk top with the inset cut marked out. To cut the half circle inset I used a Jig saw. Was a great excuse to buy a new Jig Saw!! lol...

Here is the inset cut out.

[image]

The plans I'm following (sort of) call for the desk top to be raised several inches. I decided that 6" would best fit me. I cut the risers from a sheet of 3/4" Birch hardwood.

[image]

Here's the risers set in place. A sheet of plywood will be added underneath the risers and another inset will be cut after I remove the 2 cross members in the front.

[image]

This pic shows the desk top sitting on the risers to give an idea of how it will look. Again, the 2 cross members will be removed and the sweeps drawer will be shortened.

[image]

That's as far as I got yesterday but I hope to make more progress today after work.

To be continued....

Dan

« Last Edit: Jul 9, 2009, 7:09am by BlarneyStone »

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silverlass
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Re: Jeweler's Bench Build
« Reply #1 on Jul 7, 2009, 10:38am »

Dan, Don't forget to put something in the front for all the silver shavings. They will come into use later on in your work. I like the fact that you have two even sides to also work from. I'm a lefty and have very little room on my left side.Your doing a really great job................

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akansan
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Re: Jeweler's Bench Build
« Reply #2 on Jul 7, 2009, 9:25pm »

This looks great, Dan. You're smart to get the bench built before starting. I had planned to modify my desk that I'm currently using, but I still haven't done it.

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hope
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Re: Jeweler's Bench Build
« Reply #3 on Jul 7, 2009, 9:32pm »

Really looks great, Dan.
I bought an old desk for my jewelry bench, but I did nothing to it except put a 2 inch top on it and a rail around it to catch things from rolling off of it. Thinking of building something separate to sit at a right angle to the present desk for bench pin, mandrels, anvil, etc.

Still in the thinking stage though. You ar going to have a super bench there when you get er done!

Hope

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BlarneyStone
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Re: Jeweler's Bench Build
« Reply #4 on Jul 7, 2009, 9:48pm »

Thanks all... made more progress today but i left my camera memory card at work so I don't have any new pics. It's starting to look like something now.. lol.. I cut the piece that lays on top of the drawers and that raised the top up about 3/4". I moved the center drawer back 2" as well.. that's what I'm using for a sweeps drawer Dorothy

it needed to be moved back some so i'm not constantly banging my knees on it. I plan to use adjustable risers for the feet to get the height up a little more too.

It's been fairly easy to do so far but I'll let you know after i start screwing and gluing everything together... lol..

More pics tomorrow...

Dan

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BlarneyStone
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Re: Jeweler's Bench Build
« Reply #5 on Jul 9, 2009, 7:09am »

Made a little more progress yesterday but not as much as I had hoped. I finished cutting all the pieces at least....

After I cut the plywood to fit the top I cut the sweeps drawer notch with a jig saw.... I love my new Jig Saw!

and here it is fitted together ready for assembly!
[image]

I think this will work! I still need to cut the bottom cross member underneath the drawer but will wait until I secure the plywood to the top.
[image]

Sweeps Drawer....
[image]

Can't wait to get home tonight and start putting it together!

Thanks for lookin'!
Dan

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hope
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Re: Jeweler's Bench Build New Pics added
« Reply #6 on Jul 9, 2009, 10:14am »

That is going to be one super bench. You are gonna like spending time there when you get into the jewelry making at your new bench. Keep the pictures coming. Especially some when it you get to use it.

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silverlass
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Re: Jeweler's Bench Build New Pics added
« Reply #7 on Jul 9, 2009, 11:26am »

Love the sweeps draw. I have been playing with some of my filings and I think I'm liking how it's coming. When done I'll post a pic
Dorothy

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BlarneyStone
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Re: Jeweler's Bench Build New Pics added
« Reply #8 on Jul 10, 2009, 7:12am »

Started assembly last night.... got the plywood secured with glue and screws. I should be able to finish putting it together tonight.

...and now I'm one step closer to actually working some Silver. Sent in my application to HGMS and as soon as my membership is confirmed I'll be signing up for a class or two! Can't wait!!

Dan

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BlarneyStone
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Re: Jeweler's Bench Build New Pics added
« Reply #9 on Jul 13, 2009, 7:06am »

I finished the assembly over the weekend. I'm pretty happy with the way it went together, seems very sturdy. I'll probably make more modifications later but for the most part I'm done with the build. Now I think I'll paint it....

Here's the underside of the top with the risers screwed in place...
[image]

A closer look...
[image]

I drilled guide holes for the screws and used a larger bit to make counter sink divots...
[image]

Wooden stops in place... ready to accept the top...
[image]

Mostly complete... just need to sand and paint now...
[image]

It was a fun build even though it was a 100* in the garage!

Hope to put it to good use soon!

Thanks or lookin!
Dan

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adrian65
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Re: Jeweler's Bench Build New Pics added
« Reply #10 on Jul 13, 2009, 11:09pm »

This is looking fantastic, Dan! It would had been so pitty not to make this step, with your tallent.
Really can't wait to see your jewelery work.

Adrian

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huffstuff
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Re: Jeweler's Bench Build New Pics added
« Reply #11 on Jul 31, 2009, 9:35am »

Looks great! You did pick one of the hottest weeks of this summer to work on it, lousy luck!

Now let's see what you do on it!

Amy

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Re: Jeweler's Bench Build New Pics added
« Reply #12 on Dec 21, 2009, 2:03pm »

Great job Dan, looks like you will be doing some serious work there. So lets see the final final now that you have all your crap all over it.

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