Carvers Workbench

G'day Kevin

I can't speak with authority on the  LV carvers workbench, as I have not seen one to date, let alone worked on one, but it does look like a serious bit of kit to me.   It appears to be designed for carving in a seated position, the website states..."Relief carvers can sit on a stool while carving and have work presented at whatever tilt angle they wish and rotate it for easy carving with the grain."

It is expensive, but possibly worthwhile for larger work.  I am still only carving smaller pieces and just use a narrow wooden table of about 2'-6" long x 12" wide x 18" tall (that I used previously to sit a 20Gal aquarium on) as a sit on style of carving bench,   I have fixed a Varitas carvers vise to this at one end and sit straddled over the bench to carve, which suits me fine.  It's a bit like a wooden version of the Stubai metal fold away carving bench (see http://www.stubai.com/seiten_englisch/frame-main-schnitz52-03-eng.htm which actually was the inspiration for my bench) but without the folding feature.

I am happy with my carving bench for the work I am doing, but for larger work would probably consider a proper carving bench (of around 18" square and an appropriate height) with a wooden end vise and a carving arm used in combination with a carving screw (such as the Stubai type), or a Kelton type vise (see http://www.kelton.co.nz/Kelton%20Carvers%20Jig.html) but there are other similar designs available.  I think the clamped ball type design of vise should provide a rock solid clamping force in any position and be suitable for use with hard woods requiring work with a mallet.

I hope the above comments are useful, let us know how you go in the end.

Peter