The Jeweler's Bench Book Perfect Paperback – December 31, 2007

Every bench jeweler and everyone who has bench jewelers working for them should read this book and apply the fundamental ergonomics detailed in it. The difference in having your bench pin at the right height is amazing, not just in the quality of your work, but in how your neck, shoulders and back feel at the end of a day. Additionally, the author and all the contributors, provide a wide range of perspectives on how the jeweler’s bench is used and configured. Prior to reading this book I thought my makers space was just right for me, however, after reading it, studying it and referring back to it, I now know I have some improvements to make. This book shows you through multiple pictures and text ways that work for efficiency, ergonomics and type of work created. The Jewelers Workbench is a great introduction to ergonomics in jewelry making and I’m hoping for a follow-up that builds on this information and dives into a full discussion of the topic. Additionally, true to the title, you will learn and see how the workbench is not just a desk for the bench jeweler, but is one of the tools, perhaps the most important tool, a jeweler can have. Excellent book, thank you for sharing this valuable information.

I have an opportunity to set up a new workspace and the luxury of being able to customize the furnishings. The question arises: what do I want? Going through this helped me realize that's not one question, but dozens or hundreds. All of those questions depend on the kinds of work I want to do there and on how I like to work. Well, I'm an amateur with a wide range of interests and a certainty that I'll be expanding my repertoire, so I'm not sure of all the answers - but it's great fun to think about.This offers lots of ideas, but not ideas in isolation or in the abstract. Instead, this presents case studies of a handful of workbenches, tailored to different needs and habits. There's the European bench, with deep cutout in the surface and a leather 'apron' underneath, or the American style, with shallower cutout and drawers to catch filings or workpieces bent on escape. Engravers and especially chasers and repousse workers need a surface that stands up to heavy pressure or hammering. Stone setters have different tools than people making wax molds for casting, and from people who rely centrally on soldering. And, as in any trade, skilled workers have a range of tools used in subtly different ways. The most commonly used among them should be visible at all times, but even the less-used ones should be easily accessible in protective storage.Although aimed centrally at jewelers, I imagine this being useful to model-makers, too, or to anyone else doing complex work on small-scale workpieces. In fact, tool freaks in other trades might enjoy this too, as a guided tour of how tool users in an unfamiliar trade go about their business.-- wiredweird

This book is great for ideas on arranging your bench, and there are a few in it that I never would've thought of myself. There are full color illustrations showing different benches from different masters such as Kate Wolf, Alan Revere, and the author of this book himself. Even with all this, I still felt there was something missng from the book, but I can't quite put a finger on it. I do think that the title should also be more clear as to what this book is, as I could see people being confused into thinking that this book gives you a course on tools, which it isn't. This book is a way for a bench jeweler of any level to see what everyone else is doing and take the best from that. Charles also discusses drawbacks and benefits to different bench setups which is a plus. I'll say that this book is not essential, but will be helpful to those who want bench ideas.

This book was exactly what I hoped it would be! After so many years using benches in classes and in shared studios, when I finally got my own I was dumbfounded as to how to set it up for myself. This book does a great job of showing a vast array of benches of jewelers with different specialties and preferences. So many ideas to customize your bench and add hidden layers of storage. Perfect if you’re setting up a new bench or studio and want to design a space that makes sense for how you work.

This is yet another wonderful book by Charles Lewton-Brain. In his usual detailed style , he tackles the needs of the various types of jewelry studios and layots to make the most of your space. He not only gathered data form his own experience but shows the studios of some of the most well known artists in the trade and also surveyed the Orchid membership to further his understanding of the options. He gets to the detail of where in your space to stage your tools and methods of placement to make your time productive.He has also included safety information to avoid pitfalls.Many thanks to the author for this wonderful volumn.

Very nice read, I thought it would have a greater detail. This is like a sunset book. Way overpriced! Or coffee table book if you wish. No plans of anykind, just some picks and a few ideas. If you want to buy everything , i am more of a craftsman. I will make it and make as many tools as I can. It has a reference section on searching and whoring over best manufacturers, add it tool distributors. Like i said throw it on the coffee table for awhile

Lots of information which is useful in creating a jewelers bench.

The benches shown are for jewelers, not watchmakers. Nevertheless an interesting glimpse into how others organize for practicality, space and efficiency. 4 stars because I was hoping for a more detailed inventory of what was tucked into all the drawers and nooks.

IT WAS THE PERFECT BOOK TO HELP ME SET UP MY STUDIO

Excellent help for setting up my workshop