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Ideas for a Multipurpose Garage Workshop?

Posted by Cliff on from the finding-the-perfect-workspace dept.

WTFmonkey asks: "Having looked at several woodworking websites and magazines, I've got some good ideas for the woodworking part of my planned shop. Sadly, I can't find any shop ideas specific to electronics and computer repair. What is considered essential for a good workbench? Dinner-table height or counter-top height (I'm 6'2"), and what is an adequate depth? Lighting strategies, handy equipment, organization issues? To put it succinctly, what are the most comfortable and effective benches you've worked at, and why?"

2 of 55 comments (clear)

  1. Re:One tip.. by mistert2 · · Score: 3, Informative
    I found that rubber truck mats from farm supply stores are cheap. They come in all sizes.

    I like a good maple bench top is the best, think shop class pre-90's.

  2. Re:One tip.. by pagercam2 · · Score: 3, Informative

    Uh???
    Rubber is an insolator which means that static can't disopate, anti static bags have conductive stripes or surfaces to help conduct static away from sensitive parts, if you buy a real anti static mat you will find that it has a conector to gound the pad an remove any static. Using an insolator is a common mistake that should be avoided. Anti static mats are one option and the fact that they are soft allows one to press on boards for cutting and stops small parts from sliding or blowing away. Professional setups usually have some sort of masonite top and then an antistaic mat with grounding points for both.

    Other that that, lots of electrical outlets is a must bolting down a few outlet strips works well escpecially if you can find the industrial sort where plugs are a few inches part, nothing sucks worse than having six outlets but only being able to use 3 because the plus and transformers are too wide and block outlets on either side.

    Most people seem to prefer the raised workbench, but that requires a raised chair .....
    I prefer a normal height table with as much depth a away from the wall, a few items like osilicopes, bench supplies and a PC take up a lot of space and while you don't touch them that often you still want them within reach, ossilicopes are ussually pretty long.

    Some sort of tool holder is important, for screwdrivers, dental picks, pens, and all the little tools that you need to keep handy.

    Lots of space is needed so you can leave out data sheets, manuals etc.. I have had good luck with two tables in a corner and a pivoting chair so that you can have as much stuff within arms reach as possible.