[TheForge] Fw: Benches

[Graham Whaley]

Thanks everybody - I thought this might turn into an interesting topic :-)

Any hot work I do is mostly pretty small - less than 1" sq. Although I'd
like to build a thick topped all-metal bench, getting hold of the top would
probably be the biggest problem for me. I quite like the comprimise of a
wooden bench (which I can get/build) topped with metal sheet.

Luckily for me I've got two leg/post vices (UK spelling David - vise in US I
think :-), both pretty big. The biggest one I can only just carry around, so
I reckon in the 150lb range. Only 6" jaws, but massive long shanks, a bit
like the one on the right of the top picture on the anvilfire page:
http://www.anvilfire.com/FAQs/blacksmith-vise.php
 The other one is not much smaller.

 Given I've got two, one on the bench and one on a post sounds good - but I
appreciate the one on the bench could really get in the way when doing large
work.

 I think I can accomodate a 36"x72" bench. This is just a hobby for me,
which limits my investment and time.

 Some excellent ideas and info there folks.

 Graham (Leeds, UK)