Tool Time: Converting a Roll Top Desk to a Jewelers Bench
How to Convert a Roll Top Desk into a Jeweler's Bench: A DIY Guide
If you've visited our jewelry studio, you've probably noticed that Chantal and I both work at converted roll top desks that function as jeweler's benches. For our first Tool Talk blog post, we thought it was fitting to share this DIY jewelry workstation tutorial—after all, a comfortable and efficient workspace is the foundation of quality jewelry making!
There are endless possibilities for customizing your own jeweler's bench, so have fun with the process and make it your own.
Why Convert a Roll Top Desk into a Jeweler's Bench?
Roll top desks make excellent jeweler's workstations for several reasons:
- Affordable and accessible: These vintage desks are easy to find at estate sales, thrift stores, or online marketplaces—often at little to no cost
- Built-in storage: The numerous compartments are perfect for organizing jewelry tools, findings, and supplies
- Sturdy construction: These heavy-duty desks provide a stable work surface for precision jewelry work
- Character and history: Vintage desks add charm to your studio space
My desk is a vintage 1902 Sears and Roebuck model, originally purchased for $17.45 and used by a pharmacist in Eugene, Oregon. I discovered old paperwork and ledgers tucked in the drawers. I love that it has a story—even the faint "grandma's basement smell" adds to its character!
Step 1: Build a Custom Base with Caster Wheels
The first step in converting a roll top desk to a jeweler's bench is creating a raised base from 2x4 lumber. This serves two important purposes:
- Proper workbench height: Jewelers benches require a taller table height than standard desks for ergonomic metalworking and stone setting
- Mobility: Adding caster wheels to the base allows easy movement around your jewelry studio
Pro tip: Wheels are essential in any jewelry workshop! In our shop, gravity seems especially strong—gemstones and findings always bounce into the most hard-to-reach places. A mobile workbench makes cleanup and stone retrieval much easier.
Step 2: For my bench pin cut out, I didn't do a half circle, but something much shallower. I did this so that I would still have plenty of space to mount my scope, and since the drawer pulls out, it didn't need to be as deep.
Step 3: Drop the drawer down. You need to do this so there is enough clearance for your sawing strokes. This is another reason to raise the entire thing on a base, because if you don't , that drawer will hit your knees when you lower it. The drawer slides on mine were just a couple strips of wood to unscrew and reattach.
Step 4: Mount your tools. You can see in the picture, where I mounted my scope, air graver, and flex shaft.
This is Chantal's bench:
This is our work stations together.
It really is a pretty easy project you can accomplish with some simple tools. I've been really happy with the function of it, and love that it adds to our funky aesthetic. It's probably cheaper than any jewelers bench you could buy, so don't be afraid to give it a whirl!
Cheers, Robyn