Engraving Bench

[Kevin P.]

I've seen some photos of different engravers benches and was wondering about what an engraver's bench should be or at least necessary elements. After seeing those setups with the drill press base I've been trying to come up with a design.
I feel I'm making progress and I'm determined to stick with it so part of my plan is an adequate work bench.
I've got a setup that is more for metal work and it's kind of funky.
Any comments or suggestions would be welcome.
I was looking on the internet and came across a photo of an engraver's bench from 1890s to 1900.
Kevin P.

 

[Ron Smith]

Kevin,

Of course you realize that the bench shown is for stand up engraving primarily, and the vise would be above anything on the desk top. I have never seen one of these, but the jewelry engraver sits to work. If the shelf pulls out and holds an engraving vise, it would work, but it is better to have the vise where you can swing a barrel or anything large. Just a regular desk is good for that and keep everything on the top of the desk lower than the vise. An adjustable chair (up and down) is useful too.

With the pneumatic tools, you would be sitting I presume, so this bench would not serve well in that case.

I have worked off of a regular desk all of my career. It needs to be heavy and stable. You can arrange it with cabinits that sit on top etc. I found it is good to have plenty of drawer space (extra storage) all around you in easy reach for various gizmos, supplies, or whatever.

If you are building your own bench, there are some good things to consider. Make elbow rests that pull out or something. Those are handy to have at times unless you have a jewelers type bench which is nice for sawing, catching gold dust and filings or clippings, diamond setting, and other things. it is good to have a small grinding motor with proper wheel, mounted on the bench for quick metal removal on gravers, or whatever.

If you want an all in one bench, you just abut have to make it yourself.

I don't think you can beat a solid hardwood bench. It is heavy and solid.

 

[Kevin P.]

Thanks for the tips Ron. I think it will be my own construction. I'm trying to pin down what others consider necessary to incorporate into a design plan.
I posted the bench shot just because it's an antique and interesting looking. I figured it was a stand up affair.
I have a couple of jeweler's benches with the pull outs for support. But I found something I like much more for engraving. I got these things intending to us at my bench; they ended up in my garage with a lot of other stuff.
I'm going to post the details on another thread; it could be helpful to my fellow beginners.
Kevin P.

 

[monk]

look at all the benches on the forum. the benches of long ago served an entirely different master in many cases, than the bench serves today. we use many more toys and gadjets. the prime idea is to create a comfort zone for yourself. try to construct your bench to keep your most important items within easy reach.
it must also be a comfortable height for you, and the way in which you work. the bench should be made far more sturdy than you think is needed. this way as you make changes to it later, it's not going to collapse from any alterations that are made to it. it must be strong and sturdy. plenty of shelf space underneath, or drawers is also very handy. as you progress in the engraving art, it's truly amazing how much "junk" you will end up with.

 

[Kevin P.]

Monk I've already collected too much. One part of my studio looks like a concussion grenade was tossed in. Now that I realize I'm serious about engraving it's time for a serious bench along with the drill press base to adjust the height of the vise.
My wife checked out Sam's Club and the work table 6' x 2' with maple butcher block top is still available. Seems like a good foundation. It'll help me organize; maybe not.
Kevin P.

 

[monk]

forgive me. please. i tend to look years ahead on such matters. but i'm thinkin iffin you get serious, and i'm sure you are, it's better to have too big and too strong to start with. rather than the other way around. some day, somebody's gonna curse the day i was born ! my bench bolts, the big ones, ( ha, ha, ha ) are all left hand threads ! i do tricks like that. i have a bench in my basement assembled out of 1/4" x 3 x3" angle iron.
not only are the bolts left hand threads, but i welded all the pieces together underneath and in the back where the beads cant be seen. the beast is impossible to get out of my basement !! hee, hee, hee !

 

[Powderhorn]

Monk;
A few minutes with a smoke wrench, and it'll come out!!!!

 

[Powderhorn]

Kevin;
All kidding aside, look in the tips section for a work bench thread. A lot of good ideas there, plus check out the Ganoskin.com site. They have a segment that is dedicated to work benches. Most of them are for jewelry work, but ideas for your bench can be gleaned from it, and adapted to your bench.

 

[Kevin P.]

Good suggestion Everett. I got sucked into the "Tips Archive". It's like post graduate school for engravers. What a fantastic resource!
I did look at benches. I'm going for something between Rex P. and Cody.
There are lots of helpful bits, like how Rex anchored his support to the floor, etc.
My head is reeling and ready to explode.
It's early morning here in the mountains of NM. I'm going to take a walk down the arroyos with my favorite dog to clear my head.
Kevin P.