Great video and gorgeous bench. I just came across a box full of antique tools in my wood shop. In the box I found four C. Christiansen metal pop-up bench dogs.
Yes, it's definitely had an easy life. I think it's due to the fact that it was owned by an individual rather than being used in a school or commercial setting.
I am currently restoring a duplicate of your bench. Thanks for the video. Very helpful for me. Yours is in much better shape than mine. It was bought and used in a turn of the 20th century cabinet/finishing factory in New York. Then found it's way to my town in Rhode Island at the same company satellite shop (eventually was purchased and owned by the Guild Guitar Co.) From there it was used by my mentor (Hungarian refugee from the Hungarian revolution, Master woodcarver and master furniture maker) in the early 1960's. From there I used it with him for a number of years, and upon his passing, inherited the bench and quite a bit of equipment. It got a lot of use of the last hundred years, but is getting a new lease on life. I'll take some photos (not very good at videos) and post them with a link here when I'm done.
I also have a Christiansen work bench ,it has a brass id tag on the end and it has cast iron keepers for the screws.i bought it from aolean piano works in East rochester ny ,they were selling all the equipment back in the early 70s.there were dozens of old work bench tops ,they were selling them for 2.00 bucks including legs. I refinished it and we use it for servicing bar in our kitchen. Mike McEwen
I've seen photos of several Christiansen benches with the cast iron collars and brass nameplate like yours has. I wish mine had those as well. I'm guessing that maybe my bench was made before they started using those. I'm glad that I saved this bench from being turned into a kitchen island or bar, but they do look nice.
I purchased a Christianson vice from an antique shop today...nice to know the history about the family that built it. I will install it on my work bench and put it back to work. Thanks for the info!
Thanks Bryan! You're welcome to stop by any time. Hopefully we'll be out of quarantine by the time you're back in town. And maybe the turpentine odor will even have disappeared by then.
I am refinishing my great grandfather's Christensen work bench. I have completely taken it apart with the exception of the vice faces. Could you look at yours and possibly tell me how I might remove the guides from the mortise joint on the back of the vice faces? They are somewhat loose in the holes on mine, but I see no dowel pin or screw locking them in.
A lovely bench getting some care it deserved. Good to go for another 100 years, well done, amazing find. I also like the bench dog design, cool, this is helpful for my bench project i’m working on now. Do you remember what you payed for it?
I just finished putting together a PowerPoint presentation video detailing what I did to restore my Christiansen bench. I did not video the process but rather used photos and narration. Thanks again for your inspirational video. Here's a link to mine: ua-cam.com/video/bFETcKiJ4F8/v-deo.html
I appreciate the opportunity to see the underside of the vises. Thank you for sharing .
Great video and gorgeous bench. I just came across a box full of antique tools in my wood shop. In the box I found four C. Christiansen metal pop-up bench dogs.
Are you interested in selling them? I'm refurbishing my great Grandfather's Christensen bench and those are one of the items I'm missing.
I'd have to find out what they're worth, Cody. Unfortunately, shipping is kind of high these days too.
ThT bench is in remarkable condition! Looknat those wood screws! They look perfect!
Yes, it's definitely had an easy life. I think it's due to the fact that it was owned by an individual rather than being used in a school or commercial setting.
That is a nice rehab on a great bench. Thank you for the history on the bench.
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I am currently restoring a duplicate of your bench. Thanks for the video. Very helpful for me. Yours is in much better shape than mine. It was bought and used in a turn of the 20th century cabinet/finishing factory in New York. Then found it's way to my town in Rhode Island at the same company satellite shop (eventually was purchased and owned by the Guild Guitar Co.) From there it was used by my mentor (Hungarian refugee from the Hungarian revolution, Master woodcarver and master furniture maker) in the early 1960's. From there I used it with him for a number of years, and upon his passing, inherited the bench and quite a bit of equipment. It got a lot of use of the last hundred years, but is getting a new lease on life. I'll take some photos (not very good at videos) and post them with a link here when I'm done.
That's awesome that you know the history of your bench in such detail. And yes, please post a link to the photos -- I'd love to see them. Thanks!
I also have a Christiansen work bench ,it has a brass id tag on the end and it has cast iron keepers for the screws.i bought it from aolean piano works in East rochester ny ,they were selling all the equipment back in the early 70s.there were dozens of old work bench tops ,they were selling them for 2.00 bucks including legs. I refinished it and we use it for servicing bar in our kitchen. Mike McEwen
I've seen photos of several Christiansen benches with the cast iron collars and brass nameplate like yours has. I wish mine had those as well. I'm guessing that maybe my bench was made before they started using those. I'm glad that I saved this bench from being turned into a kitchen island or bar, but they do look nice.
I purchased a Christianson vice from an antique shop today...nice to know the history about the family that built it. I will install it on my work bench and put it back to work. Thanks for the info!
That sounds like a good find! The vises seem really well-made to me.
Wow !! so nicely retained the finish !!
Thank you for sharing the refurb on this bench. It has such character, will be a pleasure to use I am sure.
Thank you and thanks for watching!
*EXCELLENT* real idea 🥰🥰🥰
Glad you like it!
Nice presentation and end result! Maybe I can stop by next time I'm in town and see it in person.
Thanks Bryan! You're welcome to stop by any time. Hopefully we'll be out of quarantine by the time you're back in town. And maybe the turpentine odor will even have disappeared by then.
nice bench! Great repairs.. Thanks for sharing
Thanks! I appreciate the comment -- Vince
Good job, I like it :-)) Davy CZ - Prague
Thank you!
Better wax up that 9" floor tile.
Thanks for the tour.
Thanks! Nothing beats asbestos floor tile.
I am refinishing my great grandfather's Christensen work bench. I have completely taken it apart with the exception of the vice faces. Could you look at yours and possibly tell me how I might remove the guides from the mortise joint on the back of the vice faces? They are somewhat loose in the holes on mine, but I see no dowel pin or screw locking them in.
Beautiful ! How high is the workbench ?
A lovely bench getting some care it deserved. Good to go for another 100 years, well done, amazing find. I also like the bench dog design, cool, this is helpful for my bench project i’m working on now. Do you remember what you payed for it?
$80. I couldn't get the cash out of my pocket fast enough. Tried to offer the seller more, but she just wanted it out of the garage.
Haha flat surfaces collect stuff 😎😎
Isn't that the truth!!
I just finished putting together a PowerPoint presentation video detailing what I did to restore my Christiansen bench. I did not video the process but rather used photos and narration. Thanks again for your inspirational video. Here's a link to mine: ua-cam.com/video/bFETcKiJ4F8/v-deo.html
I really wish people would not say and spell VICE when they mean VISE.
Thank You
You're welcome. I hope you enjoyed it.