Jeweler's Desk Question

Hello,

I am purchasing a jeweler's desk to use for creating jewelry.

Most of the desks I see online are 39 inches tall, which seems
unnaturally tall for a desk to me. I have found others that are 34
inches.

Can anyone who owns such a desk tell me what the advantages of a
39-inch tall desk is over one that is 34 inches tall?

Thank you.

Charles

Charles wrote:

Hello,

I am purchasing a jeweler's desk to use for creating jewelry.

Most of the desks I see online are 39 inches tall, which seems
unnaturally tall for a desk to me. I have found others that are 34
inches.

Can anyone who owns such a desk tell me what the advantages of a
39-inch tall desk is over one that is 34 inches tall?

Thank you.

Charles

A goldsmith's bench (the proper name for the item you are referring to) should
be high. The goldsmith sits very low at the bench, in such a manner, that when
he puts both his elbows on the bench, his upper arms are almost horizontal.
Sitting like this, prevents the goldsmith from turning into a hunchback in very
short order.

On a 34" bench you would have to sit so extremely low, so that your legs would
almost certainly have to be bent under your chair, which would also prevent you
to operate bellows and/or flex shaft pedals properly.

Get some training before you buy yourself a "jeweler's desk". You're not ready
for one. Get a complete set of hand tools first.

Abrasha
http://www.abrasha.com

I don't have to lean into my work. It is already close to my face.


***************************************
Bruce D. Holmgrain
JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler
http://www.goldwerx.com

in article , Charles at
wrote on 9/9/03 3:57 pm:

Hello,

I am purchasing a jeweler's desk to use for creating jewelry.

Most of the desks I see online are 39 inches tall, which seems
unnaturally tall for a desk to me. I have found others that are 34
inches.

Can anyone who owns such a desk tell me what the advantages of a
39-inch tall desk is over one that is 34 inches tall?

Thank you.

Charles

Hi Charles,

The correct height of the desk is determined by the position of the jeweller
when seated and using a jewellers piercing saw on the bench peg.

It is hard to tell what height desk you need. The best position for me when
sawing is to have the bench peg at above mid chest height when I am seated.
This means a jewellers bench at 39 inches which is higher than a normal
workbench or desk.

However I find the bench is too high for some other tasks. So I have
abandoned the traditional three legged stool I used as a student and have
bought a sturdy gas-lift office chair which I put in the lowest position
when saw piercing and in the highest position for other tasks.

Its more comfy too.

Cheers

Hillary

--
Hillary Corney
Designer Silversmith and Jeweller
http://www.designersilversmiths.com

Can anyone who owns such a desk tell me what the advantages of a
39-inch tall desk is over one that is 34 inches tall?


It allows you to rest your elbows on the the bench (or the extensions)
which helps slowdown the onset of fatigue, helps prevent a sore back, and
brings the work close to your face. Resting on the bench also allows you a
steadier hand. That is assuming you have a chair that is either the right
height or can be adjusted to the right height.
Theres nothing inherently wrong with a shorter bench unless it doesn't fit.
They are usually just too short for someone of normal height.

In article ,
(Charles) writes:

Most of the desks I see online are 39 inches tall, which seems
unnaturally tall for a desk to me. I have found others that are 34
inches.

Get the tallest, get a chair that you can adjust the height. I don't like my
34 inch bench . . . I'm used to the taller one.