Too_Many_Tools said:
Thanks for the responses so far....
A few more questions....
How much and what type of storage do you have?
seems there are pros and cons to all of them. Budget is a relevant
question, you wont get tracked racks on a limited budget.
Cardboard boxes are budget-free, most flexible, spares store flat, and
you can cut them up for sound proofing.
How are the workbenches laid out most efficiently? L shaped? U shaped?
T shaped?
I dont know. I've always gone for multilayered where possible. But
whats best depends. Being able to put some kit on a half depth shelf
under the worktop saves space. And another high shelf gives more
opportunity for more gear thats semi within reach.
How much stationary and how much mobile?
if theres room to move anything about, youre not using your space
efficiently.
What do you like for lighting?
Flourescent 3500K, 2 or 3 lights with switchbank so you can vary the
level. High brightness is quite unpleasant all day, and gentler
lighting no good for all work.
5w CFL inspection light. Ultrabright LED on the end of a foot of
bellwire for a tiny spaces light inside equipment - very handy. Be sure
to sleeve insulate it.
The one thing I've never found handy is an anglepoise. Too large, too
uncooperative, too often in the way.
Magnifying light for sm work - though I dont have that here.
Has anyone built power busses into your bench? If so, what was it?
On front of, side of, above, behind, under, yes, but not into. Into is
too inflexible, and a pointless money spend imho. I used built-in at
work but never thought it the best option.
How about floor coverings? Ever drop a tiny screw or surface mount part
on the floor and spend hours looking for it?
No, consider what the part costs and what your time's worth. There are
normally more in the box. I always use a multicompartment tray to put
removed bits in so this doesnt happen.
I suppose antistatic lino would be the ideal floor, but never had it.
Ordinary vinyl floors are the worst for static, I'd avoid those.
Concrete conducts more than I'd like, puts humans at risk. HT PSUs with
reservoir caps are effectively not protected by RCDs (GFCIs). Wood is
the best imho, its insulating, doesnt generate static, comfortable,
smooth surfaced, looks good, feels good, is often already in place, is
low cost, easy clean, low noise, what more could you want?
Dont overlook climate control. I dont know where you are but summer
dryness isnt good for static. A wet towel and fan restores RH and
catches pollen, if you dont want to spring for proper climate control.
Also fumes can be an issue at times, esp burning plastic, though I've
never considered going as far as a fume cupboard. Outdoors is fine for
that occasional job. But if you really wanted everything, I guess a
powerful extract fan at the back of the bench would see occasional use.
Dont forget to ask the cat too. You need somewhere comfortable and
close for kitty, somewhere that keeps an obstacle in the way of
climbing on the bench, so you get enough time to take action re
soldering iron, voltages etc. In practice you need a few somewheres,
and the cat will decide which is good. At least one within reach and
one out of reach.
When you get on to test gear, definitely have 2 computers. One for the
serious stuff, the other one you can put every bit of unknown but looks
interesting software on you want, turn it into an all singing all
dancing all crashing test centre. I never knew I needed a vector scope,
but with a PC its free. Ditto a wide range of variable performance test
gear.
NT
