Don
Cave Dweller
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Aug 12, 2011 12:32:35 GMT -5
Anyone have some good plans for simple workbenches for a lapidary shop? I'm anticipating closing on a house soon and want to start working on plans for a lapidary shop in the garage. Any advice, suggestions for setting up a good workshop?
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unclestu
Cave Dweller
WINNER OF THE FIRST RTH KILLER CAB CONTEST UNCLESTU'S AGUA NUEVA AGATE
Member since April 2011
Posts: 2,298
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Post by unclestu on Aug 12, 2011 13:27:58 GMT -5
Congrats on the house to be Don:) I would also like to get a work bench for the man cave in process in my basement. If I come accross any I will let you know. I am also keeping my eyes open for a used set up from a jeweler that may be retiring. Best of luck Stu
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Post by Rockoonz on Aug 13, 2011 3:53:37 GMT -5
Heres what I built: (pardon the mess) I got a deal on the Acme steel pieces, narrow pallet racking would be better if available. The upper shelf allows for storage and a shop light is mounted on the underside of the top shelf. I have a second one with grinding arbors and drill but it's too buried in construction stuff from the current remodeling project. Lee
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Post by jakesrocks on Aug 13, 2011 9:03:24 GMT -5
Menards has an awfully nice prefab work bench. All steel frame, with a full bottom shelf, full width drawer under the bench top, and a narrow top shelf. I have one, and have been happy with it. Costs just over $50.00. The only problem I found was the shelf and bench top are only 1/2" MDF. I replaced the bench top with 3/4" MDF, and glued the 2 pieces of 1/2" MDF together for a sturdy bottom shelf. The bench is 4' wide X 2' deep. My Genie and dop pot sit on the bench top, and my tumblers and a 2 wheel grinder on the bottom shelf. Don
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Minnesota Daniel
freely admits to licking rocks
A COUPLE LAKERS
Member since August 2011
Posts: 891
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Post by Minnesota Daniel on Aug 18, 2011 11:38:00 GMT -5
Lee, How much did that cost you to make?
I am in need of a sort of "damp" workbench" myself, and am considering a used stainless steel work table of the type used in a restaurant or commercial kitchen. There seem to be quite a lot on Craigslist at this time, probably due to the economy. Most are sold for continued commercial use and way too expensive. I've seen some though that are just sold as work tables, not even mentioning what they were originally intended for, and much more reasonably priced -- like a hundred bucks for a six footer with a back splash. I can only accommodate a 4' length though, and I really need an open leg design like yours -- not as common -- so I haven't yet found what I'm looking for at the right price. Oh, I should say, I'm looking for a "sit down" work area -- hence the open leg requirement.
Is a stainless steel work surface a bad idea?
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Post by jakesrocks on Aug 18, 2011 12:07:42 GMT -5
Stainless would be great, if you can find one cheap enough. You might look for used hospital tables too. I've seen some with round legs, and a shelf just above the floor. Everyone needs a foot rest, so the bottom shelf would be perfect.
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Don
Cave Dweller
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Aug 18, 2011 15:14:49 GMT -5
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quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,341
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Post by quartz on Aug 18, 2011 23:16:26 GMT -5
That handyman bench looks pretty good to me. One thing I learned a long time ago; when I build something like that, I seal all the wood, generally with several coats of Varathane. It keeps the bench looking good for a long time, and is much easier to clean. Raw wood absorbs everything, much not removable.
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Post by Rockoonz on Aug 19, 2011 5:51:48 GMT -5
Steel for 2 benches cost $60 on craigs list, but if purchased at a steel yard it would cost over $200 for the perforated angle iron. The rest was stuff from garage sales mostly. When I happened onto it I was looking for narrow pallet racking or shelving. I plan to remove the plywood and replace it with kitchen or bath counter top with back splash. from a recycled building materials place like the Habitat for humanity re-store.
Lee
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zarguy
fully equipped rock polisher
Cedar City, Utah - rockhound heaven!
Member since December 2005
Posts: 1,791
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Post by zarguy on Sept 5, 2011 0:33:58 GMT -5
Don, That familyhandyman bench is a great place to start. You'll probably want to alter the dimensions or other details to suit your specific needs. In addition to the overhead lights, you'll want some light a little closer to the cabbing machine that you can direct right at the work. As a new homeowner, you should search craigslist for a radial arm saw, table saw, and/or a cutoff saw. They will help with all of the projects & improvements you'll be making around the house. Lynn
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Post by docone31 on Sept 5, 2011 8:28:01 GMT -5
If you make the Handyman bench out of pressure treated lumber, it will also do wet real well. My jewelers bench at my shop is out of PT, and for 10yrs it has served well. Easy clean, heavy, and perfect dimensions. Always go heavy on a work bench. It cuts down on the vibrations transmitting to the work piece.
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Don
Cave Dweller
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Sept 12, 2011 11:07:00 GMT -5
Here's the completed handyman bench. I'll use this for jewelry work. I'm going to make 1 or two more of just the table and waterproof them for the lapidary equipment.
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quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,341
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Post by quartz on Sept 12, 2011 21:48:43 GMT -5
Simple, effective, and stout; I like that.
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Don
Cave Dweller
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Sept 13, 2011 0:30:05 GMT -5
thanks quartz, I hope it works out well. here's the second one I finished tonight
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Sept 13, 2011 6:53:34 GMT -5
my hubby built all my work bench spaces around the wall of the garage bay and an island bench that divides the 2 bay garage. I have 2 of my saws and tumbling area on the island and the rest of my equipment is on the built in bench that goes around the wall. I also had him use a heavy sheet metal on an area that is the corner space for use when I get into hot glass and silver work. The wall will be covered in the concrete board all for a fire safe work space.
Everything is 2x4's and 3/4" plywood so really sturdy
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Don
Cave Dweller
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Sept 21, 2011 23:56:53 GMT -5
Some more progress on my workshop. one more bench assembled, now I need to start restoring my grinders, re-assemble my 10" saw and figure out how I'm going to power all these motors...lol Fun!
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Post by NatureNut on Sept 22, 2011 6:42:01 GMT -5
Nice.
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Post by jakesrocks on Sept 22, 2011 9:44:47 GMT -5
Where's the rock snot ??
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Post by rocklicker on Oct 10, 2011 14:32:38 GMT -5
It's coming along great. Looks like you will have lots of room for everything. I am looking forward to see it covered with rock gunk. Looks too clean. Steve
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Don
Cave Dweller
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Oct 10, 2011 15:06:14 GMT -5
Thanks steve. I've finally got the grinders setup and plumed. There's lots of little things left to do, but for the most part, I'm good to go, just need to find a spot for the rock rascal trim saw and then wire all of the various motors with switches for easy turn on/off. I'll update with another pic later.
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