American Workbench

[Justin///M]

So I've always wanted a nice workbench for the minor gun smithing that I do, cleaning guns, and other miscellaneous projects. I don't have the skills to build one myself, and I was tired of using the mild steel crap that I had been using, so I ordered one from American Workbench. Took about 8 weeks to arrive.

Yes, I could have built something cheaper and crappy, or continued using the crap I have, or a million other things, but I wanted something nice and I also got to employ American Craftsman at the same time..., one of my goals with any such purchase.

I went with their Ben Franklin model with a 30x60" bench, at a 39" height. I love it being this high because I generally like to stand when working on guns, and I was tired of being hunched over. No more hunching over. Even at this height, with the 2 drawers, a bar stool still works perfectly if I want to sit.

I had to assemble the bench, but it was easy because they mark each piece and how it goes together. They also include a clamp that you need for installing the legs. Everything was tight and well thought out. No doubt, this will last the rest of my life and I'm sure I'll be able to pass it down the line.

They also allow you to pick a couple of carvings, so I went with a compass rose reflecting on my penchant for the outdoors, and an American Flag with one of my favorite lines, "Life has a melody."

I couldn't be happier with the bench, but it is massive, and it plus my safe, leaves little room for anything else. Eventually both will end up in the basement and it won't be so cramped.

Here's some pictures;


What I was using.



The finished product.



Compass rose.




Just an example of a part label.



Flag and saying.




They send you the clamp that you need.




Closer look at the butcher block top and all of the little cubbie holes.

[loknload]

Nice setup!

[Hodgie]

Very nice! Almost to nice to drill through to mount a vice or two and mess up.

[Justin///M]

Very nice! Almost to nice to drill through to mount a vice or two and mess up.

That's next! Marking the spot tonight.

[Gunsnwater]

Holy cow! That's furniture.

[stainless]

Very nice piece of wood. Don't get it dirty...

[scruff]

Nice! I've never seen a workbench with such fine finishes. Building a workshop is one of the great joys in life.

[Justin///M]

Holy cow! That's furniture.

That was part of the intent. But tomorrow, it's going to get banged up and oil stained. I've been saving all of my work until it arrived.

[free]

Wow, that is really nice Justin! I'd be afraid to use that for its intended purpose, for fear of ruining it!

[Justin///M]

Wow, that is really nice Justin! I'd be afraid to use that for its intended purpose, for fear of ruining it!

Yes I had that thought too, but I invested in it for a purpose and dammit, it's going to get used!