Thread: Straight razor work bench ideas

Currently I using an old desk set up in a corner of my family room as a hobbyist work area. I've become proficient at using a Naniwa 12K stone to resharpen my razors and have a couple of the lower grit stones for more serious work but haven't really put any effort into it yet, going to add a coticule stone too. I purchased two older razors for practice.

For a winter project I'm going to build a nice work bench to replace the desk currently in use. I'd like to have it high enough for standing work or the use of a stool. A small vise, some dowel areas for chocks, and some storage drawers on the back of the bench are my initial thoughts on what I want on it. Does anyone else have a dedicated bench? I'm looking for some ideas on setting up the bench from forum members. Thanks in advance!

You have what it takes! But I like something more also. There are many good ideas here.
Do a Googl search for:
"Jewelers Work Bench"
They have all you would need to make including a pullout to catch scraps. They also have a slot for a "Bench Pin" which is a great support for pin drilling and coping sawing, and the filing of things.
Som of the ideas I have incorporated in my benches at home.

I have one in my house that is dedicated but really nothing that is "together". It is just a basic work counter. That space will get a rework after I make the new armoires for my wife. I'd like to see what other people have going on.

Originally Posted by RezDog

I have one in my house that is dedicated but really nothing that is "together". It is just a basic work counter. That space will get a rework after I make the new armoires for my wife. I'd like to see what other people have going on.

I'm going to be fishing for ideas here too! I almost have my workshop in the garage set up, but also want to have a small workspace inside for when the temp drops in the coming months.

I like the idea of having it usable either for sitting or standing. I already spend way too much of my life sitting down for work, so a standing option is important for me too. I haven't decided yet though on whether I'll use a taller stool or work in some kind of height adjustment into the bench itself.

TO the OP: what you need will obviously be determined by what you will want to do on the bench. I'm going to want to have a setup for repair/restoration as well as honing, so depending on what you're looking to do, feel free to ignore much of what follows. I'm thinking mine will be essentially be set up for all hand tools. The power stuff will live out in the garage. So in addition to the honing gear you've mentioned, I'd add in things like a small jeweller's anvil, a couple of small jeweller's ball pein hammers, sandpaper (and micromesh, etc., if you use it), small drill or pin vise, coping saw, polish, rags, q-tips, dental floss, pin stock, washers, and scale and wedge material. So the big issue that I'll run in to will be building in efficient storage for all this stuff in addition to the actual work space.

This might get complicated...

So far what I'm thinking is two parallel counters, kind of like a galley style kitchen. Standing height at one with drawers/cupboards below to organize stuff, and a sitting spot opposite. Each counter about 8 feet. The shorter counter will also have my drill press on it. I will also have to find a new home for my drafting table, as it currently sits where the tall counter needs to go. I have a lot of stuff to organize.

Oh man,
This is a good one! My problem is that I'm about as unorganized as they get. I bought some cheap tables at the big terrible made in China Mart. Fairly durable, but an oak desk, now that would be a great inside work station, a big oak desk!
It would be great to have three 8ft x 3ft opposing tables with an island table in the middle. And storage space.
I'm gonna stop now before I start making a long list! Lol
So much clutter, when I see pics of others workshops I'm usually envious of the organization and cleanliness..

I would probably post more pictures and WIP pictures if it wasn't for the fact that my messy work area is just embarrassing. My wife is a serious minimalist and refers to it as the hoarders corner. I think part of what I would like to set up is a permanent photo spot with a nice light box. It is on the wish list. I saw a portable permanent setup in one of Richards posts one time. Like a light box on a metal cart. It looked like a great idea.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...t-finally.html
I built my basement upgrade as two stand alones and lagged em together.
All on the cheap. But it's strong as can be. Peen on a steel plate on it with precision and had lots of room. Before I added the tools.

Interesting thread. I recently moved house so it gave me an opportunity to re-think my workroom - which is part of the garage. I decided that a basic woodwork bench was available at a price it would be difficult to match if I made it myself - about £250 sterling. As it's in beech, I then went for a laminated beech kitchen top - from IKEA plus 6 adjustable legs because my garage floor is uneven. This is deliberately higher than the work bench as it's where my power tools reside - pillar drill, sander, scroll saw and polisher - and I prefer to stand when using these. Because the legs are aluminium there's plenty of room underneath for storage and my shop vac. I had plenty of electrical sockets installed at chest height so that I'm not dependent on extension leads.

I'll add pictures when I'm at home.

Not much of a photo I'm afraid but you see the general layout. The tallest bench has the electrical stuff. Hidden at the bottom is a bench sander which I've placed inside a box to try and contain dust.