I just purchased a 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" steel bench block today at the gem show, but they didin't carry the pillow/cushion for it. Does anyone know of an online store that carries these? 

Cindy 

 

 

 

 I think the purpose of the 'pillow' is to keep it in place and deaden the sound...the block doesn't move that much and the if the sound is annoying, just use the block on a couple of magazines.  The block pillow is completely unnecessary - save the money and buy an ounce of wire.

 Use a small scrap of leather under it ..

 Thanks for the advice. I'd much rather play with wire anyway.

By the way--has anyone else experienced really long delays when posting a reply? 

Cindy 

A "mouse pad", or a piece of a mouse pad works well for the purpose. Keeps the block from moving as you forge on it and also deadens the sound but isn't too "bouncy". Before I used this I simply had a folded piece of old polishing cloth and that worked also. 

 The preview works, but where is the spell check? That is something I really need!

 No opinion on how fast or slow the new forum is as this is my first reply and I haven't asked any questions yet myself. I like the colors but hate the ads... just too big and colorful.

Carol

 

 

I actually made one myself.  I had scraps of suede leather (from my sewing days!) and made a round pillow filling it with BBs (yes -- the kind you put in guns.  It's nice and heavy and does not move at all.  This was recommended by Sharilyn Miller in her book.

 Sandra

I use a mouse pad also.  I love how it helps to "grip" the block.

 

Love the idea of the mousepad---that I have!  Thanks!

Cindy 

I just happened to have a piece of that white foamy packing material, thin, looks like thick paper. It was there when I started to use the block and it has been there ever since. It doesn't move, there is no sound problem, so don't bother buying anything. Yes, buy wire :oD

THANK YOU Millie for the idea about the packing material.  I just folded several small pieces together and taped them.  Works great!

I use a mouse pad also.Y

Mousepad....wish I would have thought of that.  I'll go grab an extra one.  I just moved into an apartment and I already warned my downstairs neighbor about occasional banging.  She didnt care once she found out I make jewelry, lol!

 Diana

I use an interesting thing for my bench block pillow also...

They are now making all those silicone, heat resistant items for the kitchen now. I use a silicone pot holder/trivet under my bench block. The silicone deadens any sound and the rubbery texture keeps the block from moving around.

It cost me a whopping $2 at Walmart.

:D

It's mind numbing how many times this page loads on my computer before I can finish typing a reply, first in code, then it goes blank for a while, then it finally loads in what I can actually read. It takes forever!

Charles Lewton Brain came up with this very cool idea, buy an old leather handbag with a zipper at a second hand sale or store and fill it with sand.

I really like all the other ideas as well, great bench tips.

Cindy, I just made one last night. I took a pair of jeans that I had outgrown,and cut out the backpocket and underlying jean fabric that the pocket had been sewn to. The pocket was heavily and double stitched anyway, but I stitched it agin, as well as across the top, leaving a 2 inch opening. filled it with 2 pounds of BBs from Walmart, then restitched the top several times. I finished it by using a pinking shears close to all seams. Its cute as can be, and was easy to do. It is large enough to be a good cushion for a 4 inch block. I was in at jewelry class today, and one of the students wants me to make her one. To answer your question, RioGrande sells them in leather filled with sand, in 3 sizes, starting at $22. Foxie

Thanks Foxie, and everyone else for your great suggestions.  Not sure why it seems to take forever to post a reply. Thought I did yesterday, but it never showed up.  

Cindy 

I use a sand filled pot holder, the kind that you put hot pots on top of on your countertop. 

 

Leanne

 What is the bench block made from? I was looking at the price and they are quite expensive. A friend has said that he could possibly make me one so was just wondering what they are made from?

Very hard stainless steel.

 Hey everyone,

These are all great ideas for deadening the sound/vibration from a bench block!

I checked about the lag in the page-load times. The computer guys here have suggested that you try clearing out your cache and resetting the cookies in your browser (usually located in the Preferences, Privacy, or History section of your browser).

I know it sounds simple. But that will do away with any previous versions of the forum that your browser is holding on to, and will likely speed up your future visits.

 ~Addie~