Nice little woodworking bench...

[Recoil Rob]

Just noticed how nice this little bench is after passing it by a few dozen times in a customers garage. It's a small bench but seems well made, it's below waist height.
The two metal vise collars are marked C. CHRISTIANSEN CHICAGO ILL. From looking around the net benches made by this company are about 100 years old.

It looks like the current owner just uses it for minor jobs and storage, I might see if he's interested in selling it. Thought you might enjoy a look...

 

[Outlawmws]

That bench top looks like it was added to a small desk or cabinet; might have even been a transplant from a former bench.

 

[Amitygravel]

I agree with Outlaw on that point.
As much as I really go for patina and history on stuff , that piece would look absolutely bitchin if it was refinished and all slicked up.

 

[JASTECH]

Outlaw is correct I think. I too would like to refinish that benchtop then build a new heavy duty base for it. Them clamps are nice, the dogs would be of great help too.

 

[PBCampbell]

You may want to do a thorough search first before destroying some thing that may be highly valuable. I'm not positive but it seems I've seen similar size benches identified as chairmakers benches.

 

[Zeke]

Valuable or not, I see no reason to do anything to the lower section. I think I'd scrub it with lacquer thinner, wax it and start using it!

I never see old stuff like that out here in CA. I can understand why folks didn't move their work benches with them when they came West.

 

[Recoil Rob]

Part of the allure to me is the small size, if I can wangle it away from it's current owner I would just clean up the paint and give it a coat of wax.

Rob

 

[ctb]

Looks to me like the whole thing is original. Look at whats left of the finish. Its all weathered the same. That would be a real handy bench to own.

 

[camarotoolman]

Reminds me of when I taught woodshop. I'd keep it together and just clean it up. Also its worth alot more unmolested.

 

[TireTracks]

Don't destroy it by makeing it look "nice" it's taken many many years for it to age that way.