Bottlehead Forum
General Category => Tech Tools => Topic started by: caffeinator on January 28, 2015, 06:52:41 AM
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Hello, all,
I am looking for suggestions on a good electronics workbench. It doesn't have to be an "official" electronics bench; rather, I'm looking for ideas for a pre-fab bench or something I could cadge together from bits and pieces.
I'd like it to be standing height (say, 42" - 44") and have storage for tools and/or parts. Naturally, I'd like to do it as cheaply as possible.
thanks!
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Look here, don't forget to get a 20% off coupon
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=Workbenches
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I've purchased two of the Harbor Freight benches and they are pretty good. I also bought a similar bench from "Grizzly" in Springfield, MO. Almost 3 times as much but more drawers and a bit more solid. Still the Harbor Freight is an awesome deal.
I found a Mahogany door at a wood shop and now use the grizzly bench to prop it up as I mounted it to the wall. What I value in a workbench is lots of space. You never have enough. By the time you have your project, tools, and test equipment all spread out, you need lots of space.
I used heavy hinges and a 2X8 board to mount the door to the wall and use the bench to keep it leveled up. There is space behind the bench and the wall for whatever.
Buy the Harbor Freight bench, then find a big-A$$ door to flop on top of it.
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The Harbor Freight benches do look like a good value - I will go to the local store and check them out this weekend. I presume they come knocked down with some assembly required?
Thank you for the door on the wall idea - that's a fantastic thought! It's also an easy way to get a standing height work surface. I will definitely be doing that.
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If you have a local university, check to see if they have a surplus sales office. This is the kind of thing that will get upgraded and high quality barely used stuff can be had for pennies on the dollar. Also check Craigslist.
Harbor Freight has the advantage of being cheap. That's its only advantage IMO. Fine if you're in a hurry, need something cheap and fast and now, et cetera. If it's something you're spending some effort thinking about and want to keep forever, look beyond the IKEA of tools.
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I don't see how you can beat a 6' banquet table, available at Office Supply stores. This one was $60 bucks a few years ago.
It hardly racks, even when I cut Alu top plates in the vise. The top overhangs the skirt all the way around so the vise, lamp, etc. clamp right on. The roll around laptop computer stand gives me an "L" so wire and meters and stuff is always right at hand.
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I like my bench at 42" as well. I don't think you will find many available at that height as 'standard'. The HF bench is $160 - that buys a lot of 2x4's and 3/4" ply. You didn't mention if you have access to tools, like a circular saw/chop saw, etc. I have built several using 2x4 frames and 3/4" 4x8' A/C plywood for tops, shelving underneath. (yes, I have had basements or garage spaces to accommodate such a large worktop, nice if you have the room to use as a 'walk around'.) I don't worry about building them to take down. If we move they stay. I want a solid bench.
Here is a pretty straight forward DIY idea ....http://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-shop-table-kit.html?fee=7&fep=50647&adpos=1o3&creative=61491483420&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&SRCCODE=GA220010&gclid=Cj0KEQjwstaqBRCT38DWpZjJotIBEiQAERS6_KbxvvB72jOtlF33_sOmTrKQpH39Jy7K6do9e0c01qgaAk0D8P8HAQ if you are so inclined. Make your bench any HxWxD you like .....
I currently also use one of these http://www.homedepot.com/p/Trinity-EcoStorage-48-in-NSF-Stainless-Steel-Table-with-Wheels-TSC-WKT221C/203685982 (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Trinity-EcoStorage-48-in-NSF-Stainless-Steel-Table-with-Wheels-TSC-WKT221C/203685982) ALMOST the height you're looking for. Wheels lock. Sturdy. (Although I haven't mounted a vise to it ;) ) Shelf underneath, I can move it where I need it, etc.
I use a folding 4 ft table for sit down work if needed.
PS - Get one of these or similar to place your chassis build on. http://www.amazon.com/LapWorks-15-Heavy-Duty-Swivel/dp/B00523MJMW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1431726944&sr=8-2&keywords=flat+screen+tv+swivel+base (http://www.amazon.com/LapWorks-15-Heavy-Duty-Swivel/dp/B00523MJMW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1431726944&sr=8-2&keywords=flat+screen+tv+swivel+base) I place it under a 24"x24"x3/4" piece of ply, which is covered with a piece of tool drawer liner (http://www.lowes.com/pd_90013-46478-90059_0__?productId=3374226 (http://www.lowes.com/pd_90013-46478-90059_0__?productId=3374226) or similar) to protect the work piece. Beats wrestling a heavy chassis around to get that solder iron tip in just the right place ..... I also use the stuff on top of all my benches. Easy to pick up and clean under, etc.
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here's one of those tables- it's stain resistant and can hold 250 lbs!
http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/585682/Realspace-Folding-Table-Molded-Plastic-Top/
Dave
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here's one of those tables- it's stain resistant and can hold 250 lbs!
http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/585682/Realspace-Folding-Table-Molded-Plastic-Top/
Dave
Those plastic top ones lack the metal skirt which, in concert with the hardboard top, make the office supply type far more stable.
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Just saw this posted on Instructables, thought it might inspire other workbench ideas .....http://www.instructables.com/id/Top-10-Workbenches/ (http://www.instructables.com/id/Top-10-Workbenches/)
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Worth mentioning that we're getting close to Father's Day. Usually some fantastic deals on workbenches and all kinds of toys for grownups (tools) leading up to that. My base workbench, which admittedly would be total overkill if I did only electronics work, is a Gladiator 6' bamboo adjustable height that I got for like 30% off on a Father's day sale. That sounds like a bit more than you would want but there should be some other good deals as well.