Old Butcher Block Workbench Top w/ 2 Vices .. Value?

[lasse143]

I have this old butcher block table top.  Measures 36 x 52 x 2".  there are 2 Vices attached to each side.  It's a beautiful piece of butcher block.  I would really like to sell it and hoping that someone can give me a ballpark value.  I live in the northeast.  Thanks

[cogar]

Actually it's the top of a carpenter's or cabinet maker's work bench.

With the 2 vices it is easily worth $200 to a woodworker.

If you had the base for it ..... it would be netter.

Some of the older and larger ones are being re-purposed as kitchen "islands" and/or home office furniture.

Here, give ya something to dream about, ............

http://www.somethingindustrial.com/product/miniature-19thc-cabiner-makers-work-bench/

[lasse143]

thanks so much for responding to my post.

My husband wants to use it in our basement as a work table but I was thinking of selling it or  making it into a table top .. thanks for the link.  It looks like my husband will have another project added to his list this winter.

Do you think the value would be more if I refinish the wood and remove the vices?

[gg27]

Part of what makes it desirable is the vices.  I certainly wouldn't remove them.  Also I would just clean it with OOOO steel wool & mineral spirits, rubbing with the grain, then wax & polish.  GG

[lasse143]

thanks GG .. the vices are quite rusted but I am sure with some elbow grease I can get them to look great again!

Thanks for responding!

[cogar]

lasse, remove the vices ..... and give them a really good scrubbing with a stiff wire brush .... and then wipe it all over with oil, especially the threads so that they "turn" easily.

After you get the rust off ..... you can polish the metal with "00" steel wool.