Instructions
Swing Away Seat
Have a seat at the ready at all times with the Swing Away Seat. Mount it anywhere and swing it out of the way when you don't need it. It's made of solid cast iron so it'll last forever.
BACKGROUND
In early 2012 we began researching these seats after discovering a vintage example at a local market. We were intrigued by the whole concept. How sweet would it be to have a seat for your bench that was always there, but also "never" there? We began compiling designs and searching the old patent record. Turns out these seats were quite popular 100 years ago.
After a year of development we came up with what is presented here. A seat that strongly echoes designs of the past while looking contemporary at the same time. Functionally it is everything you'd expect from something with the Benchcrafted name on it.
The Benchcrafted Swing Away Seat is the solution for seated work at the bench. Chopping waste between dovetails, making decorative inlay and other close work is best done from a steady, seated position. The work is brought closer to your eyes and chest, which helps you to work more precisely and comfortably. It's also a great spot to take a break, check email, or have lunch.
Stand-alone stools can be cumbersome in your bench area, often getting in your way when you stand up to check your work. Having a stool underfoot can be a tripping hazard or just plain annoying. The Swing Away Seat is always at the ready, just swing it into position and have a seat. When you're through with it, simply stand up, bump the seat with your leg and it swings under your bench, out of the way.
Versatile
The Swing Away Seat is not only useful in a workshop setting, but also in the kitchen, dining area, bar or restaurant, where you can easily clean under the seat since its not attached to the floor. The height of the seat is not adjustable once mounted.
Mounting the seat is easy with two 1/2" diameter lag screws or 1/2" diameter machine bolts and nuts, depending on your mounting surface (mounting hardware not included, but is easily sourced at your local hardware store.) For more technical info on mounting the seat, download the Swing Away Seat instructions below.
Quality
Like our vises, the Swing Away seat is overbuilt. The iron components have no practical weight limit as regards the human body. In other words, it will support any human large or small. But since the seat is cantilevered off its mounting surface, one does have to be mindful of the mounting structure. A free-standing structure could be prone to tipping, depending on the shape and weight of the structure, the weight of the sitter and the activity. See the installation document for further details. The Swing Away seat will pivot a bit over 180 degrees.
Our Swing Away Seats are a reinterpretation of the utilitarian style prevalent in both pre and post industrial manufacturing of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The mount and bracket are satin black powder coated cast iron, very robust and extremely durable. That said, your Swing Away Seat may exhibit some mild patina or minor chipping in the finish upon arrival or after some use. We recommend a matte or satin brush on black paint for touch-ups when the inevitable happens....or just leave them as is for a more authentic look! The pivot pins that join the mount to the bracket are steel with a black oxide finish.
Options
The Swing Away Seat is offered two ways. If you are a woodworker or upholsterer and would like to make your own seat, you can purchase the Swing Away Seat without a wood seat. We also offer the Swing Away with a 7/8" thick, 11" diameter wood seat, finely crafted of quartersawn white oak and finished in chestnut lacquer. Assembly is required. The seat attaches with three wood screws. All you need is a Philips screwdriver to attach the wood seat. Both versions of the Swing Away Seat include wood screws for attaching the oak seat, or your own wood seat.
Video
Specifications
Cast and machined from steel components
Designed and made in the USA
American cast gray iron
Matte black powder coat
13" including 7/8" thick wood seat
21-1/2" including 11" diameter wood seat, 19" without
See installation instructions below for more details
Installation Instructions
Installation instructions for all our products are supplied only in PDF format. Please download and review the instructions before using your product.
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