The Framers Forum

New to framing but learning. Should I buy a ready made bench from Lion or self build ?

I would like a local carpenter to build bespoke.Anyone got suggestions as to what to ask for ? Dimensions height , draws , etc. Anyone willing to take photo of their bench for ideas... please

I have three working platforms....

One is 6' x 4' x 33" high. I knocked it up 40 years ago and it has served me well. These days it's my dedicated 'mucky' bench
for frame assembly and frame finishing. The top is ¾" chipboard which I cover with a sheet of MDF. When this sheet gets too
disgusting I flip it over. One sheet lasts a good while.

For mount assembly I have an A0 drawing board with the parallel ruler removed and a cutting mat on top. This is a better height
for such work.

For a 'clean' assembly bench I have two plan chests back-to-back topped with chipboard and Flotex carpet on top. This carpet is
the best thing I've found.
This is the disgusting bench....

This is my table (and mess). The previous owners made it. Except the drawers, me and two of my kids mounted them. I only have one table. (I’m in the process of planning for a second table. It’s the floor plan lying on the table.)

I cut glass, mount board, mat board and assemble on it. The top is linoleum flooring. (It’s time to change it.)

The size is 120 x 225 cm. Height 93 cm. I’m 170 cm. Sometimes I wish it was 140 wide.

It’s very easy to measure and cut glass with the rulers and “anhåll” (no idea what’s called in English).

I have organised so everything is handy and close. It’s like I have different workstations on the one table. Instead of having all the tools in one place I have several for example scissors placed where I use them.

I’ve been thinking of placing a camera and film for one day. So I can count how many times I walk from one side of the table to the other.

I have two of these, 4ft x 5ft, on wheels. They're well made, sturdy, arrive partially assembled (or you can pay extra and have them do it on delivery).
The shelves at the end are handy and I had the second shelf so loads of storage. Plus water resistant mdf . I topped them with Flotex carpet. They've done me a good five years including one workshop move, no issues.

https://arborgardensolutions.co.uk/prod ... stant.html