johnnyz53
10-30-2006, 11:50 AM
Americanworkbench.com was an idea inspired by my wife Emily.
Last year we moved from Charleston, South Carolina
to our new home in a suburb of Savannah, Georgia.
Our new home didn't have a workbench!!.
I found myself missing the built-in bench that we left behind.
I've always thought of the work area as a place to make small
repairs or even tackle some very large projects. I can
remember working on my Grandfather's old Roll Top Desk.
As I took it through the stages of renovation, friends
and neighbors would stop by to chat, share ideas, or pass on
sage old words of wisdom. I'll miss that old workbench..., but I
have learned a lot about creating projects along with building
friendships.
When we moved, Emily wanted so dearly to find a
workbench for me as a house warming gift. What with a new
job in a new city, I was consumed during the day; weekends
were spent helping Emily to organize our home, getting our
daughter, Nina, settled in, not to mention the new 1 1/2 acre
lawn calling out for attention!
All she could find was a metal bench with a very thin
top. There was nothing available of any substance to buy locally
or online. While she paid a premium for it, I was overjoyed with
her thoughtfulness. I was so excited until I had to put this 250
some odd pieces of mostly metal together.
I think there was more excitement in seeing the colorful box
than the finished product. It was shaky. The drawers didn't fit
right. The worst part was the day I had to hammer out a part
from my lawnmower. The sounds of metal parts jingling with
every hit caught the attention of everyone within 100 yards. I
simply could not understand why one would be forced to buy
this type of product made in some third world country only to
have this type of disappointment.
Needless to say, this was the beginning of my quest to
create a simple, well made bench, easy to assemble, and that
would withstand abuse and yet be the center of attention in my
workspace.
The original "Big John" workbench, "Made in America" was
born. What began as a frustration is now a thriving business.
We have had orders from all over the country to produce the
"Big John"
These days I have met most of my neighbors. Typically
many of us gather in my garage on Friday's and talk about the
week over some beverages. On Saturday, it's my small repair
shop and refuge. During the week the area is a buzz producing
workbenches and shipping orders. It's an American Dream
come true, we are filling a need and I am doing what I love.
Let me know what you think....Thanks John
Last year we moved from Charleston, South Carolina
to our new home in a suburb of Savannah, Georgia.
Our new home didn't have a workbench!!.
I found myself missing the built-in bench that we left behind.
I've always thought of the work area as a place to make small
repairs or even tackle some very large projects. I can
remember working on my Grandfather's old Roll Top Desk.
As I took it through the stages of renovation, friends
and neighbors would stop by to chat, share ideas, or pass on
sage old words of wisdom. I'll miss that old workbench..., but I
have learned a lot about creating projects along with building
friendships.
When we moved, Emily wanted so dearly to find a
workbench for me as a house warming gift. What with a new
job in a new city, I was consumed during the day; weekends
were spent helping Emily to organize our home, getting our
daughter, Nina, settled in, not to mention the new 1 1/2 acre
lawn calling out for attention!
All she could find was a metal bench with a very thin
top. There was nothing available of any substance to buy locally
or online. While she paid a premium for it, I was overjoyed with
her thoughtfulness. I was so excited until I had to put this 250
some odd pieces of mostly metal together.
I think there was more excitement in seeing the colorful box
than the finished product. It was shaky. The drawers didn't fit
right. The worst part was the day I had to hammer out a part
from my lawnmower. The sounds of metal parts jingling with
every hit caught the attention of everyone within 100 yards. I
simply could not understand why one would be forced to buy
this type of product made in some third world country only to
have this type of disappointment.
Needless to say, this was the beginning of my quest to
create a simple, well made bench, easy to assemble, and that
would withstand abuse and yet be the center of attention in my
workspace.
The original "Big John" workbench, "Made in America" was
born. What began as a frustration is now a thriving business.
We have had orders from all over the country to produce the
"Big John"
These days I have met most of my neighbors. Typically
many of us gather in my garage on Friday's and talk about the
week over some beverages. On Saturday, it's my small repair
shop and refuge. During the week the area is a buzz producing
workbenches and shipping orders. It's an American Dream
come true, we are filling a need and I am doing what I love.
Let me know what you think....Thanks John