Workbench build! My New Years Resolution for 2024!

[moffy]

I finished my own bench extension, probably over done on supports but it should keep a flush edge.

[BradC]

I built my bench at 900 and have a high lift chair which works comfortably.

More important was the bench top. I made the top from cheap 9ply and then tacked a 3mm Masonite sheet on top. When the Masonite has had sufficient burns, glue bumps and divots I’ll just take it off and tack a new one down. I built it to a standard 1200 long sheet size so I don’t need to cut the Masonite when it comes to replacement.

I scored the lumber at Bunnings during a random sale, so the whole thing including bolts and casters was less than $50. I’ve had it 11 years and haven’t had to replace the top yet. However, that may be due to the fact you’ve not been able to see the top for about 11 years minus 30 seconds.

[moffy]

I built my bench at 900 and have a high lift chair which works comfortably.

More important was the bench top. I made the top from cheap 9ply and then tacked a 3mm Masonite sheet on top. When the Masonite has had sufficient burns, glue bumps and divots I’ll just take it off and tack a new one down. I built it to a standard 1200 long sheet size so I don’t need to cut the Masonite when it comes to replacement.

I scored the lumber at Bunnings during a random sale, so the whole thing including bolts and casters was less than $50. I’ve had it 11 years and haven’t had to replace the top yet. However, that may be due to the fact you’ve not been able to see the top for about 11 years minus 30 seconds.

Nice, you should post a picture of it. I just half finished a shelf for my bench will post a picture when rearranged.

[chubbymonk]

Might also want to look into getting a nice anti-static mat for the workbench, it goes a long way for the look and feel! If you're in Sydney, there's a couple local companies which supply quality ones for quite reasonable prices as well. It really just tied everything together in my case.

[5U4GB]

Might also want to look into getting a nice anti-static mat for the workbench, it goes a long way for the look and feel! If you're in Sydney, there's a couple local companies which supply quality ones for quite reasonable prices as well. It really just tied everything together in my case.

Or move somewhere with crazy high humidity, indoor humidity here is currently 84%.  Upside: Never experienced any static, ever.  Downside: Everything rusts and corrodes.

[chubbymonk]

Or move somewhere with crazy high humidity, indoor humidity here is currently 84%.  Upside: Never experienced any static, ever.  Downside: Everything rusts and corrodes.

There's other upsides to having an anti-static mat apart from just it's ESD properties as well. It's a durable, heat resistant and soft (-ish) work surface that protects the workbench and also anything you have on it as well.

[moffy]

Might also want to look into getting a nice anti-static mat for the workbench, it goes a long way for the look and feel! If you're in Sydney, there's a couple local companies which supply quality ones for quite reasonable prices as well. It really just tied everything together in my case.

I managed to set one on fire at Uni during a power lab, I found out that they were somewhat conductive and best not to have naked mains wires touching the mat. That was a while ago and hopefully that still isn't the case but I've been a little reluctant since.

[5U4GB]

There's other upsides to having an anti-static mat apart from just it's ESD properties as well. It's a durable, heat resistant and soft (-ish) work surface that protects the workbench and also anything you have on it as well.

Sure, I was being tongue-in-cheek.  In my case I use the biggest silicone workmat I could find (there are vast numbers of these available from anyone from legit electronics places to your favourite crapvendor), so I'd definitely recommend one even if you don't explicitly need the anti-static protection.

[chubbymonk]

I managed to set one on fire at Uni during a power lab, I found out that they were somewhat conductive and best not to have naked mains wires touching the mat. That was a while ago and hopefully that still isn't the case but I've been a little reluctant since.

A good one should definitely not have a conductive top layer (if any of them even do?). For example the mat I've got is made of two layers, a rugged static dissipative top layer that is not conductive whatsoever, and then the somewhat conductive bottom layer. I believe in one of Dave's videos he showed off the ruggedness of such a mat, definitely shouldn't be an issue in somehow shorting out anything with a proper one.

[5U4GB]

One comment for anyone considering buying one, be aware that sellers present deceptive photos of the mats that make them look a lot bigger than they actually are, so check the dimensions before buying - 300x200, 300x400, and 300x450 are popular, with a chunk of even that tiny space taken up by storage slots.  I'd go for bath-mat size (600x400) or something close to it if you can find one.  It's not cheap, but Gamers Nexus have a decent-sized and well-thought-out one that I'd be tempted to get if I was in the US.

[moffy]

Have completed and fitted my shelf, took a photo before equipment clutter and looking forward to using the enhanced workspace.

[mictas]

So it has been a bit of time and while I do not have the lighting set in stone and I have to add that I need to setup my semi DIY LCD mount, I have so far gotten to a point where most of it is setup, plus I did tack on some extra shelving.

I did kind of rip some paint off the wall and make a hole or two that I will need to fix, before I can settle everything in, but for the mean time, please see the attached photos.

[Ian.M]

So its strictly a standing workbench with no knee room under it whatsoever! 

[mictas]

So its strictly a standing workbench with no knee room under it whatsoever! 

Once its all done, I'll have a table I can also use.

[mictas]

And for my last update, all workbenches need a monitor, so I semi DIYed a monitor mount onto my shelving.

One of the photos also shows things a little more packed, I still have not moved most things into place because I need to repaint some damage I made on the walls.

That work is still pending until this week end with any luck.

[Miti]

My workbench is 2.45m long and 1.1m wide with a 34cm wide shelf. With all the junk that resides on it, I still have a generous 130x60cm work area.
The table top is a piece of melamine and the frame is 2x4. Fully covered with an old green ESD mat and a newer, movable mat on top. That top mat gets replaced often with leftovers from work, once they lose the stink. Fully opened underneath where I store a looot of junk.

Miti

Edit: Forgot about the big window on the left.

[ebastler]

That top mat gets replaced often with leftovers from work, once they lose the stink.

You mean, your workplace only accepts ESD mats while they are still properly stinking? 

[Neepa]

Currently building my own too.

My actual Desk space is one half of my 180cm by 80cm Computer/bench desk. Currently there is a simple extension mounted to a wall for it carrying my equipment. But that will be replaced essentially by a wooden monstrosity of a rack/shelf hybrid to carry my large scale equipment like the HP4145 or my Spectrum/Network Analyzer and Plotters. Inch thick side walls and boards on that one.

Extending over the desk half will be another L shaped shelf to carry tooling and other stuff. Since I'm renting the whole thing is capable of being torn down and erected in a new apartment provided I got a wall free at least three meters long.

All furniture grade beech. Desk included. And aside from the raw boards completely diy.

[MikeK]

My workbench is 2.45m long and 1.1m wide with a 34cm wide shelf...

What is that plane by the calendar?  And is it FF or R/C?

[Miti]

You mean, your workplace only accepts ESD mats while they are still properly stinking? 

 
I don’t think so, even though it seems that way. 
That new, China made, green mat has such a toxic stench that gives me headaches. It gets better after few months though and that’s when I start using the left overs that I save from the dumpster.

[Miti]

What is that plane by the calendar?  And is it FF or R/C?

Photon motor glider RC, the remote is on the left side of the shelf.
Under the desk there’s a Zephyr delta wing, amazing flier! Both made out of foam board.

https://youtu.be/ZfqGrzCKauw?si=Ju30-xd11IGTSTD7