Engraving Bench Advice ??

[davec2]

Well, after several years of making do with my "half fast" engraving bench arrangement, I want to make some improvements.  Within the last year, I built a 24' x 18' out building in the back yard.  I call it "the shed" but it is really finished better than the house is.....dry walled, insulated, air conditioned and heated.  Half of it I need to use for storage (industrial type shelving) but I have one 24 foot long wall where I can set up new work benches.  I put a 5 foot wide window right in the center of that south facing wall and I want to build a new engraving bench for the space right under the window.  Since there are so many great engravers on this site, I thought I would ask to see pictures of your benches and ask for any advice about what to do or not to do before I get started.  Thanks in advance for any help.

Dave C

[jerrywh]

Dave.
   Here is a photo of mine. I must give credit to Tom Curran or Acer for the idea of putting my scope mount on the upper shelf. That will allow you to rotate a long barrel all the way around under the scope mount. I have a roller that goes around the barrel and rolls on the table so the barrels will roll effortlessly. Tom has some great ideas and he is a very good engraver. Maybe he will chime in.

[davec2]

Jerry,

Thanks so much.  Great ideas....and yes, I'm hoping Tom will jump in here..

My best to you an Liz,

dave C

[jerrywh]

Another view.

[Goo]

I think it depends on what your method is.     Using a graver max you probably want a bench like the pictures posted in the previous replies.   I am developing my techniques through hammer and chisel so I use a vise on a post in the center of the room and can move all the way around the work.  My instructor has his vise on a tripod for the same reason.  So.... What's your method ?  Set yourself up accordingly just my 2 cents.     

[smart dog]

Hi David,
I use a foot pedal driven Airgraver and hammer and chisel without a scope so I prefer to stand while engraving. I have my ball vise sitting on top of a marble topped wooden disk that can rotate on a floor mounted spindle.  It is missing in the first photo but I have a bright task lamp on swing arm plus I have bright LEDs on my magnifying visor. The 4 windows are a huge plus.   




dave

[jerrywh]

There is another thing to consider. The post in the middle of the room like Lynton McKenzie used works great when your young and can stand for long periods of time and for hammer and chisel work. But when you back gives out it is useless. For old men I suggest the bench set up.
  If the vise revolves you don't need to walk around the work. No matter witch method a person prefers you cannot walk around a long barrel all the way. Eye sight is a factor also. It would be difficult to use a microscope using the post setup.   

[davec2]

Jerry,

My thoughts exactly.  When I engrave I am usually at is for several hours in a row.  I stand to do most bench work but I would not like to stand that long to do engraving...and I do like using the scope rather than just loupes.  I did purchase some Zeiss binocular surgical loupes that give me much higher magnification and still allow me about 10 inches of working room between the loops and the workpiece.  For the occasions when I can't use the scope, I used the surgical loupes.  No, I need a good bench where I can sit and work and I'm trying to sort out just how high the top of the graving block should be above the floor.  And I do have a good GRS turn table that the block sits on so rotating the work is not an issue unless I'm working on a 42 inch barrel....and then I have to do things differently anyway, as you point out.

DC

[jerrywh]

Dave one thing that is very good to have is a pneumatic stool that will go as high as 36". they are a little hard to find. As far as sitting position goes the best way to sit is with your upper legs parallel to the floor. That is the best for your back.  Please give me the stats on your surgical loops. I would like to have a set of those myself.

[davec2]

Jerry,

Yes.....looking for a good chair or stool as well.  I will dig out the info on my Zeiss loupes for you today...

[davec2]

Jerry,

Sorry it took me so long to find the information on the Zeiss surgical loupes  The pair I have are the "Prism Loupe System KS" and I bought the binoculars that have a 12 inch working distance and 5x magnification.  You can get them up to 8x but the working distance is down to 7.6 inches.  Or you can get up to a 20 inch working distance at up to 4x.  These were about $1400 when I bought them in 2006.  Don't know what they run now.  I got them directly from Zeiss in Thornwood, NY.  (phone # 888-773-2790)

[jerrywh]

Thanks a lot Dave. I'm pretty sure I will get these. With my scope at 5 power and focused in I only have a field of view of about 5/8". At times this is very limiting.

[Carl Young]

This type of Zeiss loupe was standard equipment for my ophthalmic surgeons, and used by other surgical specialists as well. You might be able to get them used if you can find a surgeon who is giving up their practice. Also ask around if anyone in your area deals in used medical equipment.

Best regards,
Carl

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

In 2009 on my way to 'the fair', I spent several days visiting with Tom Curran at his home in Chatham, NY.  He introduced me to his engraving bench and several aspects of engraving that until then, had been a mystery to me.  I took this picture, and I apologize for the quality, but it shows his set up that is well thought out and user friendly.  Hope you don't mind, Tom...seems like a long time ago, now.

[T*O*F]

Yes.....looking for a good chair or stool as well.

I got this pneumatic stool from Harbor Freight for 19 bucks.  It's only 22" high, but it serves me well.

[smokepole45cal]

I too struggled with making a suitable work station after taking 3 engraving/wire inlay classes since 2017.  I have come a long way but I still struggle with transitioning from flat practice surfaces to actual real world situations that you find on a long rifle (ie. compound surfaces).

 Holding my object and working around it is paramount. I built a workbench sternum high so that I don't have to bend over and kill my backwhile engraving. I have about 270 degrees to move around my work.  For me, I was just overthinking it!  I visited the Vogler gunshop at Old Salem several times and watched these guys engrave brass patch boxes with only mild sunlight lighting the room. They didn't have jeweler vises. No electricity. Only old school vises and makeshift supports. They never sat while engraving - neither do I. Ive found that engraving longrifles is a very physical activity requiring the use of the whole body.  I'm not criticizing anybody who does sit or have an expensive engraving vise, but those vises have limitations. I've been down this road and found keeping it simple works best.  Schippers' book was a real break though to help me solve some of these problems.  Also planning to set a post and vise outside under the oak tree and engrave outdoors in indirect sunlight. I don't have a perfect setup by any means but what I've described works for me.

[davec2]

Thanks to all for the pictures and advice. 

Taylor, the bench I use now is an old wooden office desk that looks EXACTLY like Tom's except that the top is original and not cut out like Tom's.  It is very stout and heavy, so it might be worth just modifying it and not building something completely new.