Shelf Spacing and depth question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: caroper
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2012, 12:43:07 am
content: Inspired by Dave's new LAB I decide to redo mine so that I can start the new year in a fresh new space.My old office was set up with a focus on software development only, but with the current project I have taken on more and more of the actual hardware testing. Initially I just stuck in an extra desk and used my outside BAR as a work bench for soldering etc.It now appears that I will be doing a fair amount of hardware design and prototyping work on the next release and have also been tasked with designing spin off products, so my focus will defiantly shift more from embedded software to embedded hardware this year.The two key issues with using the OFFICE as a LAB were lack of light and lack of space.I have now painted the room white, upgraded the lighting and re arranged the power distribution and cabling. The small desk was inadequate for the Electronics and the larg desk was cluttered with computers, screens and stacks of papers.I now have the smaller desk set up as a work station with my main computer screens, keyboard, mouse and phone. The servers have been relocated under the desks and the larger desk is now my work bench with room on the end (near an open window) for a vice and solder station and drill press for production, good light in the center for testing and space for my prototypes towords the left.At this stage I don't have a lot of test equipment, mainly ICD's, Programmers etc. But will obviously need to make room for Oscilloscopes, Function Generators etc. over time.Which brings me to my Question. Whilst I am busy with the construction phase I would like to install shelves over the work bench / desk to allow for future equipment both on and below the shelf. I wondered if there are any guide lines as to the optimum height, above the work surface, to allow equipment below the shelf but still have access to and a decent viewing angle of the equipment on the shelf?I reviewed Dave's blog on setting up a LAB and have ordered all the cables, multimeters etc that he suggested, but he didn't mention physical layout at all.CheersChris

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2012, 01:14:08 am
content: Quote from: caroper on January 03, 2012, 12:43:07 amI think it probably comes down to ergonomics and personal preference. I doubt that anyone's individual best arrangement will suit everyone. It is probably a good idea to allow adjustable shelving heights with slotted supports the way Dave has done in his new lab. My own experience tells me I never make the right choice of height the first time.A general guideline for bench top height seems to be 28 inches (700 mm) above the floor. Instrument faces and controls should probably be slightly below eye level when sitting at the bench, which would put the instrument shelf about 10 inches (250 mm) above that. You want the instrument shelf set back far enough that you are not trying to work under it. The part of the bench under the shelf is essentially "dead" space, useful mainly for temporary placement of working parts. I have found it convenient to put diffused lighting under the instrument shelf, with a shade to block the light from shining directly into your eyes. Usually you want work lights to be in front of you rather than behind you or the shadows get annoying.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 03, 2012, 01:33:42 am
content: Quote from: IanB on January 03, 2012, 01:14:08 amI prefer 900mm-1000mm for stand-up work. Mine are 950mmDave.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2012, 01:41:58 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on January 03, 2012, 01:33:42 amThat's an interesting point. I do manual work (sawing, filing, drilling, etc.) standing up; but for electronics work like soldering, assembly, measuring, testing you will not part me from my comfy office chair. In practice, that means two benches. A "dirty" bench and a "clean" bench of different heights. These benches should be well separated. I don't want metal filings and stuff to find their way into my electronic projects.

author: caroper
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2012, 11:32:37 am
content: Very good points Ian.As this room has to double as a home office and is very small, smaller than Dave's original LAB, I am pretty much stuck with using movable desks and table's. I can't really build any bench work or put up adjustable shelving brackets. The latter is not a problem, however, as it is an old Bed Room so I have fitted the built-in wardrobe out with shelving for storage. The Shelf over the Desk / Workbench I purely for instruments and and your suggestion of 250mm is exactly what I had mind so thanks for that.Quote from: IanB on January 03, 2012, 01:41:58 amI had not even considered that, so the soldering station can stay on the bench, the rest of the tools will migrate back to the outside BAR. It reduces clutter and addresses your concerns. My BAR Counter is at 1000mm, so prefect for stand-up work.Thanks for the input, time to pull out the power drill before I unpack any of the electronics stuff.CheersChris