Anyone have/use a Sjoberg bench?

[Walt Dockery]

I need a new workbench for my garage and I have limited space. Will be used for general purpose type stuff (nothing major, no welding or anything like that), may also use it as a reloading bench. I like quality wood tops.

Would be looking at probably either the Nordic Plus 1660 or the Elite Duo 1500.

http://www.rlarson.com/Product/sjoberg/index.html

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JRBLG6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003B4ZQP6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thoughts?

 

[jeffk14]

Well, the benches in those links are pretty but I'd be afraid to use one if I had it. Everything I use tends to get "beat on" a bit.

For 4 or 5 hundred bucks, you could buy a LOT of lumber and build exactly what you want and it would be a custom-fit for your space. If you like a quality, "pretty" bench top, there have been some good looking benches built using a solid-core door for a top.

 

[Scout Driver]

For the money, I'd build my own. There are a ton of great ideas on this site. It will save you money, and you could build to suit the space that you have available.

Scott

 

[rana391]

I bought one that was discounted. Made in China and some holes were missing for the bench dogs.


Even on sale it was not cheap. If you have time make one yourself.


C

 

[Walt Dockery]

Thanks for the replies.

As for the top, I don't mind much if it gets dinged up a bit, just adds character IMO. I am also considering building one, but find in the time vs. money tradeoff I usually find myself shorter on time than on money.

The made in China thing bothers me a bit, given the price.

 

[MustangRick]

We had benches similar to that in high school shop class.

If you don't have the time to make one, you should check with the local high school shop class teacher. There are usually kids that don't have the cash to do a project and would gladly take on your project. If you visit the shop, you could also get a good idea of the quality that the teacher strives for. That way you would know if were getting a solid bench or not.

 

[rlwhitetr3b]

I saw this in another thread. I have no additional information...
http://www.harborfreight.com/retail-flyer?utm_source=retail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=3910A

 

[NUTTSGT]

That's alot of money for a work bench, you could buy a small bench top table saw, drill press, and the lumber to make for that kind of money.

 

[7echo]

We have Ulmia and Diefenbach at work, and I have a Hofmann and Hammer at home. I think the Sjoberg is a little less expensive and lighter, but for most wood workers any of them are fine. Personally, I don't like the tool tray models, the tray just accumulates debris and I prefer more flat surface area. They aren't really good for any oily/greasy work, they aren't sealed well for mechanic work. But, if you don't mind that, a heavy wood top is handy for lots of work. The bench dogs come in handy as well, but, again, for mechanic work the vises are a light duty.