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Old Work Benches - tablesawtom - 06-18-2025
I was in Amana IA. for my granddaughter's wedding last Saturday, and was able to stop at the Furniture Factory. I saw some old work benches I thought they were neat. Anyway I had to go to Iowa City yesterday and had some time to kill so I stopped back in Amana this time with my camera. Some information, Actually it is called the Amana Colonies. There are about 7 or so little communities scattered quite a large area. Main Amana being the largest. They are German in descent. In the beginning they were communal living kind of like the Shakers.
Anyway I asked if I could take some pictures of the benches, and the person in charge at the furniture showroom was more than thrilled to let me take pictures even with some of their products on them.
They have a viewing area where one can come in and watch the workers on the floor. Most of the pieces made there are signed by the maker. Anyway the first two are of of ones work space
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The Amana furniture Factory makes the benches for Bench crafted. A picture of several in progress. The quality of the pictures suffers because they are taken through glass.
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As one walks into the show room this bench is the first thing one sees and on the other side the bench Crafted bench.
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After that just more pictures of benches.
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I will have to continue in a reply to finish the post
Tom
RE: Old Work Benches - tablesawtom - 06-18-2025
The next one is from the same show room.
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The rest are from Schanz furniture and refinishing in South Amana.. I walked in and the woman at the desk was canning a chair. She said I could take all the pictures I wanted and that I could go out on the shop floor.
Their brochure says it has been a family business for several generations and I believe it. I talked to an older man, must have been well into his eighty's, still working and lover what he does. Talked to a younger man also
Anyway pictures,
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Anyway, I am guessing but at least I think I know that Bench Crafted benches are 34 inches high so I think all the old benches area bout 33 inches high. All were over 8 feet long and at least 15 inches wide plus the tool tray. The tops are around 2 1/2 thick. Just an educated guess because I didn't have a tape measure with me. All had actual tail vises and and all had a big heavy front vise. And all the front vises were built with slides so there was no racking of the front vise.
So it would seem that the Germans preferred that style of bench, actual tail vise and heavy front vise. No Leg vises or wagon vises.
Hope you enjoy this post,
Tom