twall 1 Posted October 24, 2011 This is an old J.H.Rosberg watchmaker's bench I got off my Amish watchamker buddy for $50. The plywood sides are in bad shape, so I will replace them. Already have the LH side off. The top was covered in leather. It was used as a lathe bench. Under the leather, was a gorgeous blonde solid oak top. I've already plugged the holes, and sanded it down. The slide out "catch-all" has a loose cloth bottom to catch any teeny tiny parts you may drop (once I patch the hole it will, anyway). Any idea how old this thing is? The stain was sprayed on, and like I said, it used plywood for the sides, along with solid oak drawers and bits. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeLaForce 2 Posted October 24, 2011 50$ mate that's a steal !!!! Awesome !!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twall 1 Posted October 24, 2011 This thing is OLD. I'm pretty sure that cloth was a leftover piece from when they made the Shroud of Turin....... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trailboss99 996 Posted October 24, 2011 Nice pickup mate! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twall 1 Posted October 24, 2011 After doing some searching, come to find out this company is one of the most famous benchmakers (shows you what I knew about them!). All the pics I have seen have different drawer pulls, and a slightly different layout. Turns out they are highly sought after. I never usually get lucky like this! I'm thinking of leaving the drawer fronts like they are - for the worn look. I will refinish the top, since that is the working surface, and I had to dowel so many screw holes. Hopefully, I can match the original finish. I'll keep ya posted on how this project is coming. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeLaForce 2 Posted October 24, 2011 Yes mate its a cracking piece..... V-lucky!!!! Yeah I would leave the front too it looks great as it is !! GL with the renovation Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SeanusMaximus 0 Posted October 24, 2011 Oooooh I wanna restore something again now! Thanksssss! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr Yan 8 Posted October 24, 2011 That is a sweet piece of furniture man! now all you need is a watchmaker! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twall 1 Posted October 25, 2011 I'm working with above mentioned Amish watchmaker buddy, so that'll be remedied soon enuff. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aren 27 Posted October 25, 2011 What a great find. I think it is incredible. Congratulations! It's a lovely piece. I am sure you will get lots of use from it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twall 1 Posted October 25, 2011 Thanks, Aren. I know I will. The work I have to put into it will guarantee it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P4GTR 0 Posted October 25, 2011 very cool. Make sure it's not worth a bajillion dollars before you restore it. That 'ol leather top good for any vintage strap projects? :( Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twall 1 Posted October 25, 2011 very cool. Make sure it's not worth a bajillion dollars before you restore it. That 'ol leather top good for any vintage strap projects? Sadly, no. I considered it. It's inflexible as hell. Maybe if I put something on it to soften it...... There's enough leather for about 100+ straps, if I can figure that out........ That WOULD be cool - watch straps made from a watchmaker's benchtop. :( Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
P4GTR 0 Posted October 25, 2011 very cool. Make sure it's not worth a bajillion dollars before you restore it. That 'ol leather top good for any vintage strap projects? Sadly, no. I considered it. It's inflexible as hell. Maybe if I put something on it to soften it...... There's enough leather for about 100+ straps, if I can figure that out........ That WOULD be cool - watch straps made from a watchmaker's benchtop. :( Very cool indeed! It may be too thick as it stands. A tool called a skiver would help you shave it down to a workable thickness, but I digress. I don't want to murk up your thread. I'll peek back to see any progress you update with. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twall 1 Posted October 25, 2011 very cool. Make sure it's not worth a bajillion dollars before you restore it. That 'ol leather top good for any vintage strap projects? Sadly, no. I considered it. It's inflexible as hell. Maybe if I put something on it to soften it...... There's enough leather for about 100+ straps, if I can figure that out........ That WOULD be cool - watch straps made from a watchmaker's benchtop. :( Very cool indeed! It may be too thick as it stands. A tool called a skiver would help you shave it down to a workable thickness, but I digress. I don't want to murk up your thread. I'll peek back to see any progress you update with. Not a problem. The thickness is actually absolutely perfect for a solid strap. Would have to be thinner if layered. The flex is what I would have problems with. This shit has to be 80 years old........ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twall 1 Posted October 31, 2011 Here's the results of playing this weekend. Used a 2' X 4' "handi-panel" of birch plywood. Did the fancy stuff at the bottom with a jigsaw and a scrolling blade. Before stain (I made an endcap out of walnut): After stain: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luthier 1 Posted October 31, 2011 Oh, my... Great job, Todd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twall 1 Posted October 31, 2011 Oh, my...Great job, Todd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks, Luth! That's quite a compliment coming from you! The routing for the back panel and the cross pieces was a bit of a pain - I made the noob mistake of forgetting about the damned endcap (I routed BEFORE I put the endcap on), but it was a fixable oops. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aren 27 Posted October 31, 2011 Had to look...lovely job and beautiful bench. Congratulations! Please be sure to share all of the finished photos. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twall 1 Posted October 31, 2011 Thanks for looking, even though you were pooped, Aren. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
powderfreak 0 Posted October 31, 2011 I usually don't like old furniture so much, but that looks pretty cool! Great job! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
