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Description
The John Frei Custom Single-Bank Workbench in select-grade maple is a professional jeweler's bench built for precision, longevity, and beauty. Each bench is handcrafted by skilled cabinetmakers in Chico, California, featuring a 1-1/2" thick solid maple butcher-block top and real wood construction throughout. Designed to meet the needs of professional jewelers, setters, and engravers, it combines traditional craftsmanship with thoughtful modern details.
Features
- Solid Maple Top: 1-1/2" thick butcher-block surface offers exceptional durability and a smooth, stable workspace.
- Steel-Lined Curved Catch Tray: Heat-resistant tray designed to withstand soldering heat and collect precious metal filings.
- Locking Top Drawer with Bur Tray: Includes two small locking drawers and a four-tiered bur tray drilled for 3/32" burs.
- Hardened Steel Anvil: 100 mm × 100 mm anvil mounted securely behind the bench pin using a 5/8" bolt and wing nut.
- Pull-Out Tool Tray: Curved tray aligns with the catch tray and includes a recess for an engraver's block.
- Six Captive Roller Drawer Runners: Ensures smooth drawer operation and prevents accidental pull-outs.
- Ergonomic Deep Cutout: 7-1/4" deep × 20" wide for optimal comfort and access to your work area.
- Additional Details: Two setter's arm rests, two mandrel holes, and one bench pin included.
Specifications
| Overall Dimensions | 49"W × 26"D × 38"H (124 cm × 66 cm × 97 cm) |
|---|---|
| Top Thickness | 1-1/2" (3.8 cm) |
| Workbench Material | Select-grade maple butcher block, solid wood frame, veneered plywood panels |
| Drawer Bank | Single-bank with multiple drawers and bur trays |
| Inside Seating Area | 26-1/4"W × 25"H (66.7 cm × 63.5 cm) |
| Build Time | Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for custom build |
| Shipping | Includes crating; ships FOB Chico, CA. Shipping costs additional. |
What's Included
- 1 × John Frei Custom Maple Workbench (single-bank)
- Steel-lined curved catch tray
- Locking top drawer with bur tray (4 tiers)
- 100 mm hardened steel anvil
- Bench pin, setter's arm rests, mandrel holes
Compatibility
- Compatible with all Otto Frei bench accessories and standard 3/32" burs
- Ideal for jewelers, stone setters, and engravers
Custom Upgrade Options
Because every John Frei Workbench is hand-built to order in Chico, CA, the time to add factory-installed upgrades is when you place your order. These modifications are fabricated into the bench during construction and cannot be retrofitted to a finished bench. Selecting upgrades at order time also keeps your lead time to a single 4 to 6 week build.
- Part # 013.007A GRS Ready Option Kit: Replaces the standard 100 mm steel bench block with a GRS-modified mounting plate and adds a GRS fixed mounting plate, giving you immediate compatibility with GRS fixtures and accessories.
- Part # 013.005A Layout Board: A dedicated layout surface fitted between the bank of drawers and the workbench top, integrated directly into the bench during construction.
- Part # 013.006 Locking Bank Option: Locks the entire drawer bank with a single key using concealed internal hardware, with a discreet key location inside the drawer bank.
If you are considering any of these upgrades, it is worth reviewing all three together. Adding multiple options at the time of order is the most efficient approach since each one requires the same hand-built construction and the same 4 to 6 week lead time.
Notes
- Handcrafted in Chico, CA by expert cabinetmakers
- Available in select-grade oak or maple (SKU 013.002 for Oak)
- Additional custom modifications available upon request
Specifications
- Brand
- Otto Frei
- Part #
- 013.001
- Type
- Workbenches
- Dimensions
- 52 in x 29 in x 44 in
- Overall Dimensions
- 49"W × 26"D × 38"H (124 cm × 66 cm × 97 cm)
- Top Thickness
- 1-1/2" (3.8 cm)
- Workbench Material
- Select-grade maple butcher block, solid wood frame, veneered plywood panels
- Drawer Bank
- Single-bank with multiple drawers and bur trays
- Inside Seating Area
- 26-1/4"W × 25"H (66.7 cm × 63.5 cm)
- Build Time
- Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for custom build
- Shipping
- Includes crating; ships FOB Chico, CA. Shipping costs additional.
California Prop 65 Warning:Cancer and Reproductive Harm. www.P65warnings.ca.gov.
Reviews · 7
This product has 7 reviews.
Read & write reviews ↓Customers praise this workbench for exceptional craftsmanship and durability. One noted "the drawers slide nicely, and every inch of it is nice and smooth," while another reported over 20,000 hours of use with minimal wear. The solid 2-inch maple top and stainless steel tray are highlights, though the price is premium.
Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.
S
Just got it yesterday and it is literally the nicest thing I've ever owned, it is extremely sturdy and ergonomic and just a very well made peice of furniture in general, the huge amount of drawer space is a godsend. I don't think money can buy a nicer bench
C
It costs a pretty penny, but the craftsmanship is incredible. The drawers slide nicely, and every inch of it is nice and smooth. Pretty sure this bench will last me forever.
M
I'd like to see OF put more effort into their delivery service. My delivery was a real hassle. OF uses a standard freight company, with curb delivery (which literally means the curb). The desk itself weighs about 230 lbs, and the crated desk weighs even more. It comes fully assembled, so if you need to move it from the curb to another place, you have difficulty doing by yourself. If you need anything like "white glove" delivery, you'll need to set that up yourself. I did mine thru the delivery company the OF uses and it was super expensive and quite a mess.
G
When I was shopping for a bench 35 years ago I wanted the best I could find because I would be spending most of my life in front of it. Well I have and with the spills and burn marks on it now, I still love it. Yes this is the best and defining quality.
H
I purchased this bench 12 years ago and have never regretted the purchase. Solid high quality construction. With over 20,000 Hours of use and it is still the most comfortable / solid bench in our shop. We special ordered an upgraded version with a white layout bread board and also had them add the GRS bench pin system. I love the formed no seam stainless steel lap catch tray. The solid 2 inch thick maple top shows only minor wear. I would recommend this to anyone who spends considerable time at their bench.
G
I took the plunge and purchased the best bench in the industry. This by far was the one tool I wanted to complete my jewelers wish list. I wonder if Mr. Frei remembers delivering this bench to my house ten or so years ago in Phoenix Arizona (purchased @ the Tucson show). Not by far the most expensive purchase I have made at the tool show but by far the most used and enjoyed.. (Yes I do remember but that was a bit more than 10 years ago...and thanks again! Steve Frei)
C
I purchased this workbench a few years ago and I love it. Very solid construction with quality materials. The drawers are handy for storing my supplies or tools. I don't like the two top locking cabinets that much because the two drawers in each cabinet eat up so much space and only small items can be stored in them, but they are handy. All in all, I am very pleased with my purchase. It will last for many, many years of jewelry making!
M
Hi! Is the 38” height of the custom single bank workbench measured to the height of the table, or to the top of the backsplash? And can the whole table be made about 4-6” taller?
Thank you,
Molly
The 38" height is to the top of the bench. The height to the back of the backsplash is 39-1/2". Our benches are made to order, so if you would like to make the bench taller, we can quote you for that. Just give us a call or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]. Thanks
K
I have to move my awesome Otto frei work bench to another studio. It’s been so long since I brought it home. Is the top removable? I see screws underneath the bench at the blocks that support the arm rests. Do they also hold the top to the frame? Thanks!
The bench top is held in place by several screws and a little bit of wood glue. The screws are covered by round dowels that are visable. You will carefully drill out and destroy the dowels to access the wood screws. Once the dowels are removed then remove the screws. Then you will need a rubber mallet to break the glue bond. I know this because I have done this before to help a jeweler friend move a new bench into a room with a small entrace. Have some elmers wood glue and some correct size dowels to place the top back on and you are good to go. Thanks!