SureAI

I bought an alchemy bench blueprint from the bank.

However, it doesn't work once installed. When I activate it, I see a view of my character from behind, as it happens usually, but the alchemy panel doesn't show up., and the "E" indicating that I can activate the item still appears. If I press again the activation key, the view from behind is replaced by a close view of the alchemy bench, but the alchemy panel still doesn't appear and I still can't brew potions.

But, if at the contrary I try to pick up/move the item, by pressing for a while the activation key, I get the panel telling me how to place/move items as usual, and then the alchemy panel appears and I can brew potions. When I exit alchemy, I'm still in item installation mode (the alchemy bench moves when I move, etc...).

Any idea?

Could you please upload a suitable savegame?
They're found in ...\Documents\My Games\Enderal\Saves
We'll need the *.ess and the *.skse file.
Best a manual save (no auto or quicksave).
Pack both to a zip or rar archive (the forum doesn't accept *.skse).

You can add the file as an attachment under the message window.

Here the save

Please also send the corresponding skse file

edit: I have no problems to create potions using your save (without the skse file)
Maybe your mod (Tam Log Cabin) is causing a problem?
Disable / uninstall it and try again.

Try to activate alchemy (and other crafted workbenches) with your weapon drawn/or ready to cast spell. Worked for me. Still an override but works.