Harness makers bench

[john k]

Going to ask a dumb question here.  Friday I  am going to offer a bid on a leather harness makers/repair bench.  Looked at  it a year ago, and the shop set it outside as it didn't sell.  This is about 3 ft long with a wooden vise, held closed with a foot treadle.  Not unique,  some pieces including  one of the legs is broken.  Someone put on a piece of vinyl where the saddle/seat is.  Going to offer up to $20.00.   Don't need it,  barely got room for it,  not looking to get into leather work.  Just hate to see it in the weather.  Ideas anyone,  leave it,?

[skipskip]

I just sold one that was less useful and smaller than yours on Craigslist for $40

It was listed for about 2 hours.

DSCF8377 by Skip Albright, on Flickr

Skip

[bill300d]

Timely that yo put that up Skip. I was just about to tell John that he should get it only if he thought he could flip it for a few dollars pocket money. Only worth hanging on to if your going to repair it.

[turnnut]

 for $20 you would save it from being trashed, plus if you repair it, it would give you the satisfaction of preserving a tool.

 

[john k]

Said I'd go back and look at the bench, make an offer.   Had cash in pocket,  walked into the place.  Wandered through the sections I normally check.  Then went to the door outback.  Stuck,  snow and ice refreezing on that side of the building.  Tried forcing it a little, but anymore would spring the door.  Eight foot security fence around that area.  Talked to one of the managers,  we agreed more melting would allow the  the door to open  next Friday.   The photo is a net grab and is of the type of bench it is. 

[Chillylulu]

We call that a stitching bench. I have the kind without the bench.

Worth a pretty penny, if usable.

Chilly

[john k]

I went back,  drug the bench inside, where it was lots warmer.  Asked for a good price from the manager, pointing out that a leg, and 2 crossbraces are gone.  He did, loaded it in the Jeep,  now resides on my enclosed porch, getting dry.  Going to do some scraping and replace the missing parts.   The jaws close well,  need to replace the leather strap.   Might put some BLO, see what the wood looks like. 

[lptools]

Boiled Linsed Oil??  If so, good choice!!!!!  Nice find, too!!!!!!!

[turnnut]

good luck on the restoration, you will be learning while saving another piece of history.

[john k]

Here is the bench.  The awful piece of orange vinyl is coming off.   Been measuring to replace the 4th leg.  Took awhile to find my pointer and hollow auger, and get them sharp. 

[skipskip]

Very nice bench

well worth the effort

[jimreed2160]

John, good save on the stitching horse. My dad had one and we used it to repair horse tack. He got his from an old leatherworker. It was very old with turned legs and had been painted dark red. These bygone fixtures are rare in the wild.

I really wanted it when they broke up housekeeping but did not have the room. What are you going to do with it?

[john k]

Am working it over, slowly.   May take it to a historic farm site I belong to.   Or sell it.

[Northwoods]

Really nice project.  Be sure it is good and dry and enjoy the finished project.