This presentation, based on a survey of North American bench jewelers, discusses areas that bench users have issues with such as sturdiness, soldering, material conservation, bench height, and wax working, and addresses methods of improving efficiency and resolving problems. A comparison of the two main bench types, deep cutout and flat-fronted, is carried out with the advantages and disadvantages of both forms explored. Tool storage and layout solutions are examined and time/motion considerations discussed. Many vernacular jewelers' tricks regarding bench use and tool storage are shown. Safety issues such as ventilation, boric acid and alcohol use, and electrical are discussed. The approach is that of a working bench jeweler, a studio user, a goldsmith.

Author(s): Charles Lewton-Brain