How to keep your workspace organised - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: TheUnnamedNewbie
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2017, 06:00:12 pm
content: Title is self explanatory. I have the problem that every time, after a few days, my desk gets into a mess. Components trays, solder rolls, bits of cable... It all piles up and then I need to work on my computer and it all gets shoved to the side and before I know it I can spend a hour sorting stuff and cleaning through everything.I'm fully aware that this is to my own doing and laziness. However, I would like to see if you guys have tips on techniques/habits/sorting systems to keep stuff organized - ways to help me overcome this habbit or get started.

author: FlyingSquirrel
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2017, 06:41:15 pm
content: one thing ive started, is having a desk per project (away from the PC)- they dont have to be big (motivates to tidy more)- and you can make them fold able (also doesnt have to be a proper desk, you can do a lot with some wood)if you can manage having 2-4 desks in a square/triangle, you could create an elevated space in the centerwith some magnets/hooks/trays for your most used toolsalternatively/additionally you could also have a little rolling trolley, on which you always try to place/keep them (similar to what you tend to see in workshops or garages)also; enoughmobiletrays for all the components can also be a huge helpand 2-3 general "bins" can also help getting stuff out of the way until you manage sorting the individual components back into the appropriate trayswhat i also do with experimental projects, i tend to be on/off for a whileis having some project boxes, which you can easily throw in a shelf (just dont forget some labeling) and pull out when requiredand always have a rubbish bin/bag close, so you can get rid of trash directly/easily and prevent it from collecting up on your work spacei tend to use the paper bags i always have an excess of from the supermarket

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2017, 06:52:47 pm
content: I use the theory of superposition; older stuff is toward the bottom of the piles.

author: bsudbrink
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2017, 08:22:06 pm
content: I'll let this "secret" out, since I probably have enough now (four)... Old typewriter tables, the rolling ones with popup wings, make excellent project tables. You can find them for cheap at garage and estate sales. Roll it right up to your bench with the UUT on it, do some work, then roll it out of the way and roll up the next one. I think the ones with the wood tops are better than the ones with the metal tops, both non-conductive and less noisy. The older ones have solid wood tops which I think are better than the plywood. Be sure to get the retractable wheel type. Like this:

author: john_c
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2017, 08:56:40 pm
content: Keeping your "active work" area organized is definitely more of a challenge than organizing components, tools, etc. I like the suggestions that have already been made. Especially the typewriter tables! That's great.One tip, and I don't know if other people do this, but I always have so many small cardboard boxes from packaging for the various bits and bobs that come in. I've gotten into the habit of tearing the top flaps off of small boxes like this, and invariably they find a use for some small organizational task, even if only temporarily. But also in my plastic bins, and various drawers and such, where stuff is kept long-term, I subdivide the storage areas this way, and it also helps a lot when it comes time to *re*organize, which is far too often.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2017, 09:56:33 pm
content: I do that with small shipping boxes but the other containers I use to store parts for ongoing projects are the round and squarePyrex dishes which come with rubber lids. The local markets periodically have them on sale and I will buy them then. The rectangular ones are the most useful.

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2017, 10:10:41 pm
content: "Topic: How to keep your workspace organised"short answer: you don'tOrganization is a constant effort that never really stops. No matter how much I label, sort, bin, etc - there is always something that still does not have a place. In general - I have ordered everything based on they likelihood that I will use it. Common tools and supplies stay close.I have a substantial supply of zip lock bags, ESD bags, cardboard bins, tuck-top boxes, sharpies, P-Touch, and a label printer. I also have the catch-all bin that random things go into. When that bin gets full - I create new drawers, bins, bags, etc for those pieces and start all over. I have a somewhat consistent 'system' and areas for everything. The most helpful thing I did years ago was to make a part number system that is setup that when I sort the list, it matches the physical layout of my storage. It may sound silly for hobby use - but it defines a physical place for everything and makes it easy to find stuff and know how to add something new down the road.Being prepared for new un-categorized stuff is important.

author: FlyingSquirrel
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 04:23:24 am
content: another thing that also fascinated and made me think about how i could maybe do something similar to keep things organized is the following clip(the action starts around 1:53)https://youtu.be/-k3mVnRlQLU(also notice the roomba sitting in the corner)now i havent come up with a definite solution yet (still planing)but maybe some guys/gals here might have some inputs tooone thing would be certain for me, i wouldnt use RC since if you spend 20minutes remote controlling the thing, you might as well chuck it in a shelfid rather use a system with copper tape or rails for the path/s (rails would enable vertical movement, but also complicate the thing)then maybe RFIDs to identify the individual "shelves"and hey its also a great project to learn one or two things

author: JanJansen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 04:29:50 pm
content: Finish your project before doing anything else, dont start if you cannot finish.

author: FlyingSquirrel
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 05:25:28 pm
content: Quote from: JanJansen on May 05, 2017, 04:29:50 pmas much as i would like to, i cant agree on that onesome times, after some initial testing you might realize that you need 1-2 more components, which you first have to stock (which can also take weeks and would delay every thing else)or you might be missing some knowledge in a certain area, where it can be easier rolling up something smaller/simpler before you proceed, maybe even some thing youve done before, but cant remember all the detailsnow before you say, plan more, too much planing can also gobble up unnecessary amounts of time and (specially for the less experienced) you might omit 1 or 2 pitfalls, from which you might have learned moreps: i mean "you" in general, not youyou

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 05:48:04 pm
content: Quote from: JanJansen on May 05, 2017, 04:29:50 pmThat is impractical for a variety of reasons.My strategy for that is to use a bakers rack and trays to contain my various projects. I pull a tray off the rack and bring it to the bench - do whatever I am going to do until I get to the point where I cannot go any further - missing a part or need to do some research, etc. I put that tray back on the rack and grab another one. Each tray stays exactly where I left it - it is like have dozens of little workbenches. When I go back to that tray - all the little bits, pieces, fixtures, etc are ready to pick up where I left off. This allows me to keep moving forward even when I run into unexpected issues.

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 06:22:27 pm
content: Quote from: JanJansen on May 05, 2017, 04:29:50 pmThat is something I've been forcing myself to do. Been wanting to learn SMPS design and I want to just throw myself in, but I keep ending up with other projects, some not even electronics related, that take up the work bench.The second solution is a bigger work bench, I am working on that too.For me component boxes and an inventory system is a big thing I want to setup, saw a video where someone built their own modular system. I want to do that too. Beats random sized bins and boxes.

author: bsudbrink
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 06:46:52 pm
content: Quote from: rx8pilot on May 05, 2017, 05:48:04 pmThat's a neat idea, but I have a few questions...1) Where do you get a bakers rack? What do you expect to pay for one?2) I'm a bit of a klutz on large scale physical operations. I think I'd probably end up dumping a tray all over the floor on the way to my bench. Are they easier to handle than I'm imagining?3) The racks are metal. Do you ever have a problem with building up a static charge on them?I didn't note above and should have, I added drag chains to my typewriter tables since the wheels are plastic or rubber.

author: Messtechniker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 06:55:05 pm
content: When your computer takes time to shutdown - use this time to clear up your workspace a bit.I always shut down the thing completely, since the sleep mode makes trouble.

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 06:55:57 pm
content: Quote from: bsudbrink on May 05, 2017, 06:46:52 pmI got mine at Global Industrial Supply - they are not particularly exotic and available from a lot of places. Drag chains are a common accessory for wire carts - my cart only really moves for cleaning underneath so I just clip it to a ground wire. ESD trays for ESD stuff and regular fiberglass trays if you do not.As for handling, I have not dumped a tray since I started using them in 2009. I have gone through a number of employees that have never dropped a tray. Obviously, it is possible, but easy to manage. The projects that would be a small disaster if dumped get extra special slow movements. I am extremely space constrained and this helps quite a bit to keep projects moving forward all the time. I generally have about 5-6 active projects and this is how I make my living so I cannot afford to stop.

author: tablatronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 07:05:31 pm
content: Job trays...https://www.google.com/search?biw=1680&bih=930&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=job+traysThere are a ton of these for different industries, not sure if you want that polystyrene, polyethylene for electronics, but there are options out there, dough trays, same concept.

author: onesixright
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 08:19:43 pm
content: Quote from: Messtechniker on May 05, 2017, 06:55:05 pmIt doesn't, it goes to sleep. 2 seconds :-) Thats not a whole lot of time (for cleaning)Anyway, like many others in the same boat! Finishing one before the other, thats utopia!

author: sokoloff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 08:20:56 pm
content: Quote from: bsudbrink on May 05, 2017, 06:46:52 pmI bought mine at a surplus store that was chock full of old restaurant equipment and some industrial equipment.Mine actually came out of a PCB test facility and came equipped with ESD trays.I don't recall the exact price, because I bought it as part of a much larger purchase to outfit an airport hangar with pallet racking and workbenches, but I seem to recall that the baker's rack with ~15 ESD sheets and $25 worth of scrap aluminum was ~$200.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 11:37:07 pm
content: RX8 nailed it. The mess you described is the natural result of actually doing anything. If you think you can organize every single thing you need into some sort of dispenser or system that never goes out of whack, you will have a hard time with that unless you have a huge lab and want to get a workout of walking around for this or that.A card scraper (debris squeegee) and a small heat sealer are two of my best friends at the electronics bench.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2017, 02:06:23 am
content: 1) every part you must already allocated their proper place. usually in the drawers or racks.2) know your projects. the one that has been put in the lower list and there is no hope that it will be brought up soon, you put back the corresponding parts to their proper place.3) have plenty of space for part "swap space", the space usually next or close to your currently work space.4) as other profession personnels here advice... dont buy parts for making full assembly, just ask the assembler to do it. you probably only work on tiny subcircuit for testing and then tidy up.5) if you dont like those above and still want your desk to be tidy... find another hobby... dota is the tidiest hobby i can imagine.

author: BMack
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2017, 03:43:11 am
content: If you're taking things apart, I like little baggies. For stuff you do often and know which screw goes where, one bag. For something unique I do one bag per "layer." I consider external a layer, eternal face a layer if it's complex, then separate where I need to go from there. Then small boxes or bins for putting the screws with the parts I removed.Often bins, small boxes or baggies is the way to go, in my opinion.

author: JanJansen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2017, 10:29:51 am
content: Just admit it : ordering new parts is simpler then cleaning up.Dont get me wrong : my computer is also buried under parts at the moment.I have this plastic storage box where i can throw in 1 move all the parts ( bugs can not walk on smooth plastic and die in the box VERY IMPORTANT no carton box, they feed on that those silver things )Those silver bugs also feed on the glue in the strips those resistors are in.

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2017, 11:07:41 am
content: my bench at work is a mess.my table at home is a mess.actually, that's not true. everything is where i left it so that I can go on doing my work, constantly putting everything back is a giant time waster to me.The only moment the bench/table is in order is after i finish a project and before starting a new one

author: TheUnnamedNewbie
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2017, 01:59:45 pm
content: Quote from: Messtechniker on May 05, 2017, 06:55:05 pmI never shut my computer down tho... My desktop is more like a workstation/server so i keep it on for weeks on end because I also use it remotelybut the idea is good. Perhaps I should find something that takes time to load and teach myself to use the time to move stuff around.I think one of my main issues is that I have the same desk for my computer (with 3 big monitors) work and project work. I'm planning on getting a second desk for projects. I hope that this will make it easier, since I can leave my projects on there while working on simulations/uni work at my desktop. Right now, it's all too common that I get stuff out and then quickly need to do something (run a simulation or whatever) and then *whoosh* everything gets pushed to the side.I've also orderd me 100 of those 10x10 cm antistatic bags with a zip-lock thing. I'm planning on making little trays that fit them perfrectly so I can sort components that don't work in my component racks nicely.I'll have a look out for trays. I've started using little placeholder matts for projects, but they are subideal - not antistatic, they melt when you put hot stuff on them (I've almost lost more than a few conectors to them because I put them down after soldering and don't notice they are slowly melting themselves into the plastic).And finnaly: little tricks to force myself to clean a bit. Do it as a break. Every time I get coffee, I try to find at least one thing on my desk I can put in my rack on the way to the kitchen, ...

author: amitchell
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2017, 02:12:24 pm
content: Always be Knolling.