Finished my EE workbench! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cvriv
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2016, 08:05:22 am
content: Whaooo! Now I just have to occupy it with gear.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2016, 08:24:52 am
content: Quote from: cvriv on June 16, 2016, 08:05:22 amIt will be much more interesting when you do, it's far too clean.There'll be 2 threads that you'll have to post the pics in; this one and:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/whats-your-work-benchlab-look-like-post-some-pictures-of-your-lab/

author: cvriv
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2016, 09:38:03 am
content: Ok will do. Ill be purchasing equipment soon. Cant wait to get started.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 16, 2016, 11:49:48 am
content: How do you like stacked monitors like that? I have 2 computers here with dual monitors but they are side by side. I would really have to crane my neck as I wear bifocals and for me, that would be very uncomfortable.

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2016, 12:11:30 pm
content: Quote from: cvriv on June 16, 2016, 09:38:03 amVery clean setup. Can you tease us with a short list of gear coming?

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2016, 12:26:19 pm
content: One needs a lot of 'depth' (front to back) for a workbench - less so than one used to need as modern LCD DSOs don't have as deep a footprint as old CROs, but that table-top looks pretty restrictive if you are working on anything larger than Arduinos and handheld gadgets.. Also, cable management can be a major problem. I don't like the low first shelf or the vertically stacked monitors - its really rare to need two monitors on the bench provided the bench monitor has multiple easily switchable inputs, or use a LCD TV with picture in picture capability, composite video, VGA and at least two HDMI inputs. The only exception which would make two moitors worthwhile woud be if you have a lot of PC based instruments.Assuming you actually need two monitors, I'd put them side by side , with a full length shelf over them a little lower than the second shelf shown. IMHO the bench should also have a back-board with mains sockets etc. and a cable management tray with a flush fitted sectional lid running along the back of it between the main work-surface and the backboard,The underside of the shelf should have supplemental lighting, maybe a LED strip in a black plastic U section channel so it cant put glare on the monitor or directly into the user's eyes.Mouse and keyboard should be wireless, in a pull-out draw. Being able to easily slide the keyboard into safety when soldering makes life a lot easier.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2016, 07:49:09 pm
content: Yep Ian it will be very tight for working space and the easiest solution would be another *working* bench to the left at 90 degrees. Test gear on the shelves and they'll be plenty of room.

author: FireFlower
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2016, 08:37:43 pm
content: I like those monitors!But you do not have enough work room on your bench, it is not wide enough. You need a side table where you can put all the necessary papers, diner etc

author: cvriv
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2016, 09:31:45 pm
content: Ok. I like the monitors the way I have them. I have always had stacked monitors. I probably will only use one monitor for most of what ill be doing. the other monitor(top) will be for other unrelated stuff I'll have open. As high as I'll be sitting when using the computers for extended amounts of time, I wont be looking up at the top monitor all that much.As for work space... it's enough for now. I have more room in my room for another table if I need it, but for now I dont. The bench is 7' long and 35" deep. Each shelf is 5" long and 12" deep. For now it's good enough.I dont have a list of gear ill be buying yet. Still trying to decide. I'll be purchasing all the basic stuff every lab, or whatever, has.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2016, 09:43:49 pm
content: Quote from: cvriv on June 16, 2016, 09:31:45 pmThe type of work you do be it audio, digital etc will likely determine your needs.Have a good think about it and come back with your thoughts, they'll be plenty of opinions as to best choices.

author: System Error Message
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2016, 11:23:27 pm
content: If you have space you could add a shelf next to your bench. The shelf not only will let you organise more things but can also be used to expand your workspace with more surface area depending where you place it and how you use it.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2016, 01:11:48 am
content: Although 35" is quite good for bench depth, you've got 12" obstructed by the shelf, only leaving 23" for taller/deeper items (as there is nothing much worse than working on stuff you cant turn over on the bench without sliding it half-way off the edge) so you'll end up working on larger stuff up at the monitor end, which will be a P.I.T.A without a keyboard draw. As I said earlier, its not a problem for small stuff, but if you are working on desktop I.T. equipment, TVs or HiFi, you'll probably regret this layout.Also I hope you're left handed, because the dominant hand end of your bench is prime real estate for soldering and rework stations, which are likely to make it awkward to use a PC there.

author: cvriv
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2016, 09:32:44 am
content: I am right handed and having the PC on that end seemed right to me. Oh well. Whats done is done. I have an old cast iron table saw on a stand in the room. Ill convert it to an additional table.There are 5 metal shelves next to the bench to organize my stuff. You can see them in the pic.

author: StuUK
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2016, 09:35:29 am
content: Hope you've something more comfortable to sit on than the stool.....