Large Scale Central

Workbench, part Deux:

General Discussion
#1

Inspired by Bob’s thread, I decided, finally, that it was time to get off my duff and establish a workshop.

The room that I have for this purpose is about 6’ by 6’ and surrounded on all sides by cement … the doorway was apparently hammered out of the block of the foundation after the porch was put in… the room comprises the foundation of the front porch.

I have so far built a 6’ wide by 2’8" deep bench with 2x4 framing and legs. This is anchored to the back wall with anchor bolts and cannot move side to side because of the walls … so it’s pretty firmly in place.

There are two shelves above the bench, made from 1x12" boards and cinder blocks, with 1x3’s along the front edge of the shelves for bracing … everything is held together with screws and liquid nails. I have some leftover panelling that has a white skin on it that I think would make a great bench top for small parts work, as well as the grease board.

There will be plastic shelving below the bench, and a power strip installed on the left side between the bench and the first shelf… and I plan for a pantograph light, and a stereo (you know, the essentials.) I’ll post a photo as soon as it’s presentable in there…

My question is, for the cutting edge modelling shop, what else do I need? (I don’t mean tools, necessarily… the soldering iron, dremel, etc are all on hand… I’m talking basic shop features.) I do have a locomotive cradle that fits on the bench, under the first shelf … and I’m planning on installing grease and bulletin boards on the sides for notes and plans. OH, and a phone … saving the run up the stairs.

So what else?

Matthew (OV)

#2

Yeah, but that phone won’t do you any good if you’re home right now.

Interesting phrase, about the grease and bulletin boards…I was immediately envisioning a shelf for tubes of grease next to the bulletin board…or a shelf.
I should post a picture of the tubs and tubes of chassis grease and the spray cans on grease in my garage…

And, did you ever notice the similarity in pronunciation between deux and Dieu?

Oh, mon deux?

Arrrggghhhh, matey.

" and I’m planning on installing grease and bulletin boards on the sides "

#3

Where are you going to put the coffee pot? That is an exxential piece of gear for any shop. :smiley:

madwolf

#4

and a fridge for snacks and bheer. Maybe a porta potty to for those extended work sessions!

TV/DVD player for those inspirational DVD’s of various model and full size railroads, weathering techniques etc. Oh and maybe a popcorn popper for watching them!

Andre’

#5

Hmmmmm…

First and foremost… a syntax correction: Bulletin board and GREASEBOARD … meaning a slick white surface you can write on with a dry erase sharpie … since grease pencils, long a favorite of navigators everywhere, are no longer en vogue.

While large, we are not so much so as to require greasing of the walls… (cough!) Please!

That said… let’s see… TV, VCR, Fridge, Coffee maker and associated supplies, Stereo, popcorn popper, videos, and restroom … hm. I begin to understand why some folks might have projects take them awhile…if for no other reason than lack of bench space! :slight_smile:

Seriously, I’m hoping now that I’ve graduated from the old kitchen table to this, that I’ll actually be able to work on a project or two with enough room to spread them out enough on the bench that I won’t constantly be losing stuff.

And believe me the phone will work. I gotta be able to call for help when I get stuck.

No. Again, that’s not a reference to the walls needing greasing. Focus: I mean stuck working on a PROJECT.

Sheesh.

Matthew (OV)

#6

The only thing I would add would be a pegboard back with racks for all your common hand tools, so you can save time otherwise spent looking for the tools in the bottomless pit that your workbench surface will undoubtedly become. The key to this operation, however, is remembering to put the tools back when you’re not using them. If they’re within arm’s reach, it’s theoretically just as easy to grab them off the rack as it is the bench surface. 'course, if I actually put my tools back on the rack, I could test that theory. :wink: I am getting better, as my time in the workshop has to be much more efficient lately.

Later,

K

#7

Oh, one other thing …

I need a seat of some kind for this bench. Trying to decide between some kind of chair with a back, a la the Chem lab in high school (only with padding!) or what would amount to a heavy duty bar stool.

Either way, it’s gotta be pretty sturdy (see previous reference to size…) but I’d prefer not to spend more on it than the whole shop. I’ve even considered trying to build something… anyone done this?

So what do you sit comfortably on while working at your various benches?

Bench is now secured to the back wall, power is on, worktop applied … we’re almost ready to build something.

That’s a good thing … I have a shay to put back together again, a DL535 to tune up, a porter to decal, several boxcars to decal, and some serious 45 Tonner bashing and rewiring to do.

#8

Matthew,

Quote: “So what do you sit comfortably on while working at your various benches?”

For me “sit” and “comfortably” just don’t play well together (faulty back). I have to stand at my workbench(es). However, that won’t stop me from offering advice to you :slight_smile:

I recommend you get an adjustable height, armless, roll-about secretarial chair from Staples (or equivalent). Be sure it has FIVE casters, not four, or you’ll tip over for sure. (Don’t ask me how I know that) You can find these new for maybe thirty bucks every now and then.

The used office furniture store in your town (there is always one of those!) is another good place to get chairs cheap.

Dawg :cool:

P.S. And don’t forget that free advice is worth every penny you pay for it! :lol:

#9

I have an old telephone pole, chainsaw, 1/2" threaded rod with nuts and washers, and some 6X8 bridge timbers.

I think we have enough to make a small stool to support…

Oh, wait.

We used those parts for “Mighty Joe Young”.

#10

Really?

Well, listen … two things…

First of all, quit confusing me with my father …

And second, when he comes to pick up his stool you made for him, tell him to call me more often, I rarely see the guy.

Remember to say “Please.”

Matthew (OV)

#11

hehehehehehehehe.

Oh, Lord