My Father's workbench.

[Tom Pritchard]

This weekend I was honored to bring my Father's workbench into my shop. My Dad is 87 years old, and he and my Mom are moving into a townhouse complex for age 55 and over residents. He has had this workbench for 50+ years, and told me that he wanted me to have it someday when he was done with it. Well, that time was Saturday and my strong and faithful best friend Scott helped me move it in. It is REALLY heavy, and built like a tank. I can remember as a little boy looking through all Dad's tools in the drawers, and being amazed at watching my Father work with them. He was a pipefitter by trade, and we built some amazing things on this old bench. I can still recognize the same tools and packages of hardware that were in the drawers back then today! My Father taught me every good and noble thing that I've learned in life, and his loving guidance brought me to where I am today.

Yes, it's an honor to have your Father's workbench and tools, and having it so close will always keep that part of him near me. Sorry for rambling, but you folks probably understand this better than anyone else! Here's a picture of it:

[David Fried]

Yup, looks like it's good for another 50 years! Use it in good health and pass it on. It's a treasure.

[Thomas Canfield]

The workbench and storage look as serviceable now as when built. I'm sure there are a lot of memories that go with the bench and also need to be passed down. Make sure you can share its new home with your Dad if only in pictures and showing it being put to use. It will give him so much joy.

I regret that my Dad did not have a workbench to pass on, but there were lots of memories.

[Tom Pritchard]

The workbench and storage look as serviceable now as when built. I'm sure there are a lot of memories that go with the bench and also need to be passed down. Make sure you can share its new home with your Dad if only in pictures and showing it being put to use. It will give him so much joy.

I regret that my Dad did not have a workbench to pass on, but there were lots of memories.

Hi Tom. Interestingly enough, I have special instructions from my Dad not to move any of the drawers, or mix up any of the stuff in them. That way he can still come over to my house and work on his "projects"! He still loves to tinker around on the bench and he knows he can come to my house and use it anytime he wants. You are so right about it giving him joy to see it with my boys and me! He said it's like a part of him is carrying on. Thanks for the note.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Honor your Dad's wishes Tom! You've scored the biggest gloat! Enjoy and pass it on!

[Jerry Olexa]

Wow! A lot of good memories must come with the bench! Use it w honor. You'll treasure it even more in later years when your Dad has moved on.

[Dan Forman]

Great looking bench, and the intangible aspects are something no amount of money could buy. You are obviously very proud of it and him, as well you should be. You are a fortunate man.

Dan

[Bob Noles]

That is about the nicest gift of love anyone could ask for. You are a lucky fellow and the bench is beautiful.

Thanks for sharing such a heartfelt story.

[lou sansone]

nice bench and even nicer is the fact that your father played such an important role in your life. It is as it should be and as it was intended to be from the beginning!

regards
lou

[Bob Winkler]

We do understand and appreciate your thoughts and feelings. As messy and simple as it is, I still get misty eyed whenever I visit my dad's garage and am surrounded by his "stuff". Although he passed several years ago, he is certainly there in my memories of us working together.

Cherish your time together and be thankful.

Bob

[scott spencer]

Hi Tom - The title of your post sounds like a potential book title! The bench looks great sitting there. Glad you've got it all together. Both my dad and grandfather were tinkerer's but neither had much in the way of workshops or serious tools. I do have an old Stanley 220 block plane that was my grandfathers that I use alot....and it definitely serves two purposes every time I use it! Both of those guys would absolutely love my little shop and all the gizmos! Among the greatest pleasures of this great hobby is passing it along to future generations or receiving it from past generations.

p.s. I'm not sore anymore.... :D

[Brian Buckley]

Congradulations Tom, this is the best GLOAT I have seen in a long time. As you already know, this bench is the best tool you will ever have.

Brian

[John Miliunas]

Tom, of any benches you have or could have in your shop, that is THE bench to have! :) You are a very fortunate man, Tom! I'm sure you'll take good care of it.:) :cool:

[Ken Shoemaker]

Tom,

We all know how much we relish the time we spend in our shops. I congratulate your Dad on his decision to make your time there that much more special. I sense you'll take very good care of this treasure as I'm sure you know your creating those same memories for your sons right now. Best of luck..... Ken

[Tyler Howell]

Congrats Tom,

I know the words you speak. You got one more job and that's to pass it on with interest.
Enjoy.

[Jeff Sudmeier]

Tom you have a wonderful bench on your hands, no matter where it came from. Knowning that your father used it for 50 years makes it a true treasure!

[Ed Lang]

I don't have a bench from my father, but I do have most of his tools. I also have a vise from one grandfather and wooden tool boxes from both grandfathers. They hold handtools I don't use but would never part with. Some of them are broken, but are complete with thoughts of the men that worked with them. Funny how the simple things are so special..... I have a pair of slip joint pliers that were given to me for a birthday years ago by a friend. He tought me so much about mechanical things. He ran a wrecker service and garage where I spent every summer for many years. How about this for a twist.... He got me interested in electronics, which has provided income for my and my family for all of these years..... Now I am trying to move from there to woodworking.

If you don't have on, try to get a picture of you and your dad at the bench soon. One day, that picture just might hang over that bench and remind you your dad is always watching over his son while he works.

God bless you and your family.

Ed

[Sam Blasco]

Awesome heirloom. Every inch has so many stories. The road goes on forever, keep it open.

[Jerry Clark]

Tom, as you use the bench with your kids, they will keep the memories and hope they pass it down to their kids. Great gift that the plastic could not buy!:D

[Jim Becker]

Interestingly enough, I have special instructions from my Dad not to move any of the drawers, or mix up any of the stuff in them. That way he can still come over to my house and work on his "projects"!

Now, that's the really good part of the message...

[Martin Shupe]

Tom,

Someday I will build my Shaker bench, and I hope my son will take good care of it, like you are taking care of your father's.

Your father has honored you by entrusting you with his bench, as I am sure you will honor your son (or daughter).

[Tom Pritchard]

I want to thank each and every person who contributed a post to this string. Your warm comments and thoughtful words have helped me to appreciate two things even more than I did:

1) The passing of the bench from my Dad to me was a significant event, and something that will strengthen the bond we have,

2) The folks at Saw Mill Creek are a supportive and wonderful bunch! It is so great to be able to share these things with people who understand the significance of such matters, and are so positive about them.

Again, my thanks to everyone for your support, and your professional, heartfelt words! You are da' best!!! :D