An independent editorial desk for small workshops and repair benches
The desk reads everything that comes in, but it is not a support line. A workshop story, a repair diary entry, a teardown note or a pricing tip is treated as material for a future column.
If your question depends on local rules or a specific part, the editors can explain the general approach and leave the final call to you at the bench. They do not test machines on request and do not recommend named suppliers.
Go to the contact pageThere are two honest routes into Bench Bolt: write to the editors, or read the questions other makers already sent.
Both are handled by people, not a queue. What we can settle is method: how to lay out a small bench, how to check a second-hand tool, how to price an hour of your own labour, how to word a simple invoice. What we cannot do is test a specific machine on request, name a supplier for you, or promise when a reply lands. A story or tip sent through the contact page is read as material for a future column, not as a support ticket.
Repair diaries, tool teardowns, market notes and admin or pricing tips all come from readers. Tell us your name, where your bench sits, and what you are sending. If the editors need bench or tool photos, they will ask.
Write to the editorsMost questions that arrive here are about method, not about a single part. The explainers and columns cover the general approach, and where a call depends on local rules or a specific component, the final decision stays with you at the bench.
Browse the columnsThe Firs, 32A Cradock Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
+27 70 284 2924 · info@pluginprofitplan.com
For how reader submissions and contact details are handled, see the privacy policy.
The desk reads workshop stories, repair diaries, teardowns and admin tips from readers across the country. If you are not sure whether your question belongs here or in a column, the addresses below are the shortest route to a human.
The Firs, 32A Cradock Avenue
Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
South Africa
Written notes, printed photos and posted parts lists all reach the same desk.
Best for a short question about a method, a tool or a column you want to follow up.
Send a workshop story, a tip, or a note about a part you cannot find. Attach photos if you have them.
Method questions are fair game: how to lay out a small bench, how to check a second-hand tool before you carry it home, how to price an hour of your own labour, how to word a simple invoice. What the desk will not do is test a specific machine on request, recommend a named supplier, or promise a reply time. A story you send is read as material for a future column, not as a support ticket. Where a question turns on local rules or one particular part, you will get the general approach and the final call stays with you at the bench.
If you would rather write than call, the contact page is the place to send a workshop story or tip. For background on how submissions are handled, see the standards page.