For years I’ve been dreaming of having a solid, sturdy jeweller’s bench made of real timber, not some cheap chipboard and mdf. This is what I previously been working on for years. As a recent graduate I couldn’t afford a proper jewellers bench – they can cost hundreds of pounds, so I had to compromise and get a budget one from Ebay. Little did I know back then, that making your own bench is actually pretty easy and can work out even cheaper!
Recently, someone at my studios, at Cockpit Arts, was giving away their old unwanted solid oak table top. It then hit me, it would make a perfect jewellers bench!
With the help of a friend, who happened to have a jigsaw, we cut the U shape in the center – a must for a comfortable jeweller’s bench! Drilled the table top onto adjustable wooden trestles, these are perfect to make the bench high enough. Afterwards there was hours of hand sanding followed by 3 layers of varnish. These stages can be avoided if buying a new work top.
Now finally I have a sturdy workbench of my dreams that is wide enough for all my tools and even a cup of tea! Can’t wait to start making your jewellery on it!
So my advice for all jewellery makers, startups and hobbyists – do shop around for a real timber table top or surface, a friend with a jigsaw and ikea trestles and make yourself a beautiful sturdy workbench.
