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..

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.

I spent all winter deciding if I wanted to build a bench and how big or what style based on the inputs. I recently found an old All-Steel brand, made in Aurora Illinois 'tanker' desk in very condition and purchased it for my work/hobby bench. Very sturdy, plenty of drawer space and lots of work space (top is 60" x 30").
I'm kind of digging the industrial 1950's look of this desk too.

Pics? We'd love to see pics.

I have two desks of this type. One is for a lathe in the basement and one is still waiting in the garage. I had some of these in a lab I used to work in and highly appreciate how rock solid they are. I'm still watching Craigslist for a couple more of them!