Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Gorgeous Hallowell Steel Work Bench

On Tuesday evening, I was walking the pugs and came across the most gorgeous old rusty steel work bench, set out by the trash (Wednesday morning is trash day, here). It was very sturdy, and it had this shape, and it had these distinctive flared feet, but it wasn't this green color:


photo: urbanremainschicago.com

It was this color:

 photo: pdxpicker.com

It had a metal plaque on it that read "Hallowell," so I looked it up online when I got home. Hallowell began making steel work benches in 1903. It was acquired by List Industries in 1992. The company is headquartered in Florida.

photo: dickblick.com

I was sad because I knew this was a gorgeous, mid-20th-century piece of good, American steel. But I have no place for it in my home, and I have no power tools to restore it to its former glory. So I left it, sorry to think about it going to a landfill somewhere.

A few minutes later, I went out again to walk another pug, and I saw my neighbor's young-adult son, out in his driveway building something. And it hit me: his family would LOVE this table!

 this photo, and photos below: Max Kim-Bee, for Country Living magazine

Because this is their home. See the industrial steel legs on this console table?:


And the rustic sides on their island, and the benches beneath?:


Oh, the work table will be so happy in this house!:


I told the son about the work bench, and his eyes lit up. "I'm going to go get it, right now!," he told me. A few minutes later, I saw him and his dad in their big ol' pickup, the rusty work bench in the back. They were SO happy with the table.

I am thrilled to have made a match.

And to keep a venerable piece of American steel from going to the trash heap.




8 comments:

  1. Its always good to learn tips like you share for blog posting. As I just started posting comments for blog and facing problem of lots of rejections. I will let you know if its work for me too. Garage Door Repair & Installation Services

    ReplyDelete
  2. One of the best features of stainless steel jewelry is it does not tarnish. If you have silver jewelry, you know that when it gets in contact with oxygen, it tarnishes quite quickly. connexion Republic

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is to guarantee that the stepping stool doesn't sneak off when under use as this can make a ton of wounds the client. Because of their wide range, they are accessible in numerous stores worldwide and are evaluated in an unexpected way. chain link fencing Langley

    ReplyDelete
  4. Steel organizations, however, still can't concoct a procedure that makes steel as rust proof as aluminum. The best they have is the stirring and galvannealing process, which coats steel with a defensive layer of zinc so as to impede erosion. Valve Manufacturer

    ReplyDelete
  5. To begin with, you ought to evaluate the vehicle to guarantee it has sufficient eye screws for strapping, and that you have the right lash closes for a safe attach.pneumatic strapping tools

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dharam is an Indian diamond manufacturing and design brand, noted for its intricate depiction and precise cuts to produce opulent diamond designs. asscher diamond suppliers

    ReplyDelete
  7. Vanadium carbides are harder, and thus provide better cutting edges than chromium carbides. Additionally, vanadium carbides provide a very refined grain in the steel which contributes to the sharpness and toughness of its edge. túlméretes szállítás Europa-Road Kft.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I just found this blog and have high hopes for it to continue. Keep up the great work, its hard to find good ones. I have added to my favorites. Thank You. http://woodcuttingtools.pages10.com/

    ReplyDelete