We all know that finding the original desk for a Workbench can be quite a task at times. Here are some cabinets with creative solutions for replacement workbenches.
This might be my favorite repurposing of a bench. A Youngstown kitchen sink cabinet, with a top added to it, makes a nice fitting workbench for this Lincoln.
In the mid 40’s, “Natkin & Company” had a deal to produce workbenches for GM. Shure jumped in and helped out with there metal fabrication experience. Here are a few of these rare “N” branded Natkin cabinets in use.
Not that many of the Natkin’s were built, but their legacy lives on in the Shure’s out there. Also with their oil resistant “Nat-flex” work top surface.
The Bench below was built by Natkin and badged by them, then purchased by Bear and decals were added to the doors.
Here are a few unique Lincoln Engineering cabinets with extra stainless
This last Lincoln merchandiser, has had a section added for light up glass, and even Alemite emblems. But the raised side edge, door handles, and bench cabinet spacing give it away.
Of course the question may come up; Do you use that old merchandiser as a daily shop bench or not?
Some workbenches may be repurposed as interior home furniture or even too pretty to put tools on. But I personally love seeing these work stations being in use like they were in the 40’s.
This above shop in Kansas is using their three Alemites daily.
and here is one of my more rare benches that still gets utilized
A look back; Founded in 1926 by the Gray brothers in Minnesota, Gray Company Inc.’s goal was to produce efficient and specialized automotive service lubricating equipment. It wasn’t until the late 40’s that industrial paint spraying was established.
A wonderful image of a 1938 Graco wall luber and a motor vitalizer being pulled by a Minneapolis-Moline tractor.
The Graco headquarters has a small museum showcasing some restored pieces from the early 1940’s
With help from the company, we have most of the Graco catalogs from the late 30’s through the 50’s. If you are looking for info on a specific piece, please feel free to reach out.
Here are a few Shure Workbench variations that we don’t see very often.
This cabinet has the rare four piece pull-down center door. Very few work stations had this add-on! It would have been a custom request from the factory.
Next up are these black square handles. They seem to be on later model Shure’s and to date we have only seen a few merchandisers with these present.
That being said, we have seen many of the different brands Work Stations in different makers Dealerships over the years. Alemite’s and Lincoln’s are often mixed in with other brands.
These early Work Stations were the first to be offered with a top light-up department glass window. Almost every other company followed suit by the late 40’s.
In the late 40’s you could actually send in your shop dimensions and needs to Alemite and they would supply you photographs of your layout with tiny model cabinets in place.
Notice how detailed the props are above. Down to the small Alemite Tool sign.
Here is a Shure one sided cabinet bench. The end cap is something new to us.
A Graco wall surround with just cabinets.
These Visualiner cabinets have been reworked into stand-alone smaller cabinets.
Finally, here is a Work Station that never actually existed. The Artist for this ARO ad was probably worried about showing a Alemite Bench in the final print, so they modified its trim and window placement.
We enjoy discovering old newspaper ads and articles showing these workbenches in their original service departments. Here are some unshared Lincoln’s in glorious black and white.