Production Workbenches (Commerical) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: forrestc
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 02, 2021, 02:05:34 am
content: It's time to (finally) replace our "workbenches" in the manufacturing line. The ones we have been using are either self-built or are just commercially available folding tables (wood) where they weren't all that critical. The intent was always to fairly quickly replace them, but this always seemed to take a back seat to production. We are rearranging things due to the acquisition of a selective solder machine, and as such, it seems like a good time to actually do this replacement.I wonder if anyone has had good/bad experience with any commercially available workbenches that are obtainable on the US side of the pond? Obviously, the actual configuration of any given workbench will need to vary based on the location on the production line (i.e., whether it's set up as a 'test/rework/repair' configuration or an 'inspection' configuration or so on). So some flexibility in the product line would be helpful.Obviously, I'm a bit cheap - I don't want to spend way more than is needed, but I also don't want to buy crap which will need to be replaced next week... I'm a big fan of the 'least expensive thing which will work but will last.' I'm also willing to pay a bit more for something which has a bit better fit+finish.

author: Reckless
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2021, 05:31:14 am
content: I'll mention my story but it may be of no use. I had a friend call me about a bankruptcy auction of a midsize company nearby he found on craigslist. We went to see fork lifts (he is obsessed with them), I tagged along to find some other equipment. While there we saw a number of heavy workbenches in like new condition, it wasnt listed for sale but I threw $50/ea - they agreed. We could only fit 3 benches in my ford van and we did 3 trips. One trip one workbench ended up breaking back van window and I had to replace. To this day I wish I had gotten more from that auction as he had 50 of the heavy steel workbenches and 100 of the lab benches. The ones I got had tons of outlets and fuses and heavy duty. I think global industrial sells them $700 brand new. Personally buying new is never an option, we shop bankruptcy auctions. Alot more fun when you buy pennies on the dollar. I dont have much time but I love auction shopping especially for stuff I need/want, like Toys R Us for grown ups. Its luck of the draw, sometimes you find like new equipment in lab auctions and some times you find stuff beaten to the ground. I used to keep an old isuzu npr cab over for $2000 just to do auction hauling but ended up selling it for $4000. Not into shopping these days but it was fun while it lasted.

author: olkipukki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2021, 01:17:33 pm
content: Quote from: forrestc on June 02, 2021, 02:05:34 amDYI from aluminium extrusions. Actually, some brands made from these too.If you don't have a facility to cut on the site, just find a supplier who can do it. You should have plenty in US with online quotes, from big names to a small local shop.The biggest downside - you will need to design, purchase and assembly by yourself.Also, I wouldn't say this is a cheapest option, but flexibility and fully adjustment for personal needs are worth extra a time investment in a long term.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2021, 01:55:20 pm
content: When I had to buy a bunch of stuff like that I used Global Industrial. I think their stuff is generally at least 'OK' or better and was the best priced option for stuff that was professional-looking and durable. I had the same issues--I didn't want crap, but I didn't want to spend a fortune. Everything I bought from them lasted over a decade of industrial use and was still in service when I sold out. Some of the cheaper stuff I bought collapsed and disintegrated in short order.https://www.globalindustrial.com/t/work-benches

author: fcb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2021, 03:55:02 pm
content: We built our own production benches - mainly 'cause we couldn't find what we wanted at a sensible price. All except one electronics company I know locally did the same. I drool overwww.qmp.uk.comwork-benches. The link:https://www.globalindustrial.com/t/work-benchesis throwing up a 403 error at the moment, perhaps this thread crashed it?We went for low (desk height production benches) and have tall benches in R&D we bought sometime back from RapidRacking.