Here is a photo of a standard student bench of mine, as well as a suggested list of tools for your first bench:
I’ve decided to share some useful information on getting started with the proper tools to build a basic workbench.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
1. Work Surface- Basic bench from Contenti ($285, UPS shippable)
2. Flex Shaft: Flex shaft holder, flex shaft accessories (buffs for Tripoli and rouge)
3. Saw: saw blades size 1, 3/0
4. Files: Half-round file cut 4, Barrette needle file cut 4, Round needle file cut 4
5. Shears
6. Ring clamp
7. Stainless tweezers
8. Anvils: Flat & Horn
9. Ring Mandrel
10. Hammers: Rawhide hammer, Riveting hammer or goldsmith, Chasing hammer, Planishing hammer
11. Bench brush
12. Sanding stick set
13. Pliers: one flat, one half round, one chain nose, brass lined flat plier, forming quality cutter (I prefer Swanstrom super flush cutter)
14. Brass ruler mm
15. Stainless ruler 6 inches mm and inches
16. Polishing: Bar Tripoli, Bar Rouge
17. Green scouring pad
18. Drills: #’s 64, 60, 54 and 52 to start with
19. Pair of scissors
20. Fine and medium black markers
21. Setting: Bezel roller, Bezel pusher, Curved burnisher
22. Dividers
23. Safety glasses
Please let me know how these tools work out for everyone! – Dan Valencia
Jewelry Class DC 