Watchmakers Bench Advice- Durston

[JBerry]

Hi all,

I've just moved to Copenhagen, Denmark, and rather than buy another generic desk and put extendable legs on it, I would like to invest in a nice sturdy bench with armrests, drawers etc.

So far the best option I can see for my budget (<€800), is the 5 draw Durston option on CousinsUK: https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/watchmakers-benches-durston

Does anyone have any experience with this bench? Or have any other recommendations for a nice cheap-ish bench?

Thanks in advance!

[ITProDad]

Hi all,
I've just moved to Copenhagen, Denmark, and rather than buy another generic desk and put extendable legs on it, I would like to invest in a nice sturdy bench with armrests, drawers etc.
So far the best option I can see for my budget (https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/watchmakers-benches-durston
Does anyone have any experience with this bench? Or have any other recommendations for a nice cheap-ish bench?
Thanks in advance!

Very nice! I’ve never bought a bench. I’m a wood worker myself and built mine. I’m curious of the discussion to folllow. Good luck


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[nightwatchman]

I have just started out in this great hobby having been a collector (buyer, spender) for nearly 20 years. I bought this wonderful mid century modern desk for £40 but it mostly operates as my desk. I am thinking of getting something which affords more height and is adjustable to the task like the computer desk shown which is about £40 on ebay.

[ITProDad]

Could get a shorter chair for the wardrobe. IKEA, about 5 lbs. I don’t have the pound sign n my keyboard! [emoji851]


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[nightwatchman]

16 hours ago, ITProDad said:

Could get a shorter chair for the wardrobe. IKEA, about 5 lbs. I don’t have the pound sign n my keyboard!

Problem is that I am 6'1" and my legs don't completely fit under that pull out desktop. 

[oldhippy]

Problem is that I am 6'1" and my legs don't completely fit under that pull out desktop. 

If that is so, then that bench is not for you. You need a bench where you are comfortable that you could sit there  all day and be at home with. 

[Nutiborskoku]

1 hour ago, oldhippy said:

Problem is that I am 6'1" and my legs don't completely fit under that pull out desktop. 

If that is so, then that bench is not for you. You need a bench where you are comfortable that you could sit there  all day and be at home with. 

Exactly. I'm 6'5" and the top of my bench is 115 cm or 45 inches high.

[JBerry]

CousinsUK quoted me £250 just for shipping on the Durston bench! So I started looking at other options...

Just bought this bench on eBay from Germany! Absolutely delighted with the find

 

[jdm]

Just for reference, the below (Steiner brand) is slightly more than €1,000 before shipping, which I think is way too much for what you get.
I'm working on alternative solution,,,

 

[JBerry]

It's mind boggling how little you get for €1000 in the world of watches.

Not sure where you're based JDM, but Beco make a pretty basic model here:
https://www.beco-technic.com/einrichtungen/werktische-fuer-uhrmacher-417/ergolift-mobile.html

Also Flume:

https://www.flume.de/en/tools-supplies-facilities-compressed-air-and-vacuum-watchmaker-tables-design-without-containers.html

https://www.flume.de/en/tools-supplies-facilities-compressed-air-and-vacuum-watchmaker-tables-vector-variable-arm-rest.html

None of which got back to me with a quote... so I went for my eBay special

There is another on Ebay.de if anyone else is on the lookout!

https://www.ebay.de/itm/Uhrmacher-Werktisch-alt-gebraucht/223650865631?hash=item3412a161df:g:HpQAAOSwYFdc3Fs7

[Nutiborskoku]

There's a very good Dutch toolmaker who also makes workbenches.

@Koen recently bought one and I know professional watchmakers who have several of his benches. It's all high-quality wood and aluminum. I can't say what the total price would be including shipment.

http://www.dumetwatches.com/2016/11/10/dumet-workbench/

[Koen]

I already mentioned Dumet to our friend @JBerry 

Bud Jan had problems with his website, so the quote question came in very late, don't know if hé answer yet.

Prices starting from about 1250 euro ex VAT ex transportation. ( He bring the bench to you and put it together )

 

13 hours ago, JBerry said:

None of which got back to me with a quote... so I went for my eBay special

If you want prices, just let me know what you want, I have login's fo manny suppliers.

[JBerry]

1 hour ago, Koen said:

I already mentioned Dumet to our friend @JBerry 

Bud Jan had problems with his website, so the quote question came in very late, don't know if hé answer yet.

Prices starting from about 1250 euro ex VAT ex transportation. ( He bring the bench to you and put it together )

 

If you want prices, just let me know what you want, I have login's fo manny suppliers.

Thanks very much for the offer!

I did get a quote from Dumet, which was reasonable, but the used bench worked out a lot cheaper.

[Nutiborskoku]

I agree that Dumet isn't the cheapest. It's probably not really suitable for a non-professional watchmaker.

[oldhippy]

29 minutes ago, Nutiborskoku said:

I agree that Dumet isn't the cheapest. It's probably not really suitable for a non-professional watchmaker.

What price can you put on your health

[Koen]

13 minutes ago, oldhippy said:

What price can you put on your health

So true!

[Nutiborskoku]

52 minutes ago, oldhippy said:

What price can you put on your health

That's true but there are other ways to mind one's health.

I bought an adjustable desk that goes waaaaay up high because I'm 6 ft 5. I switch working sitting down and standing up.

You don't have to spend more than 500 if you don't want to.

Edited September 13, 2019 by Nutiborskoku

[oldhippy]

I bought an adjustable desk that goes waaaaay up high because I'm 6 ft 5. I switch working sitting down and standing up.

That's a good looking bench and just the job being able to adjust it. How do you manage with no high sides? things can roll off. 

 

[Nutiborskoku]

6 minutes ago, oldhippy said:

I bought an adjustable desk that goes waaaaay up high because I'm 6 ft 5. I switch working sitting down and standing up.

That's a good looking bench and just the job being able to adjust it. How do you manage with no high sides? things can roll off. 

 

I don't know. Never had any trouble with things rolling off. Lost the occasional screw but only rarely now.

I keep all parts in lidded trays and spent weeks and weeks handling parts with my tweezers in the beginning.