You know you need one, you know you want one. Here’s a few things to ponder when planning a workshop!
How strong should your workbench be?
The big question. The more stable the structure, the thicker the bench surface, the stronger things are likely to be.
You need to choose a construction method that is not going to wobble, bend and buckle under minimal weight and can handle having objects on it that are likely to meet the hard end of a hammer.
75 x 50 or 100 x 50mm wood is ideal for legs, supports etc. You can make the bench surface out of whatever wood you have around – maybe an old hardwood table. Particle board a minimum of 18mm thick is a good start, but MDF no matter how thick is not so ideal as it is less resistant to liquids and ultimately softer.
Support legs should be no more than 1.2m apart, 60cm is better but you may find access to underneath is harder.
Power it up
In the perfect world you’ll need power at hand in the workshop, both for lighting and power tools. It’s essential you appreciate the law regarding working with mains electricity – there are limits to what you are allowed to do and if in any doubt, get a professional in.
In a nutshell if your garage already has power sockets wired in – great. You can plug in a couple of extensions with 4 way adapters on the end and you’re fine. Best not do anything with any existing hard-wired lighting, but a couple of desk lamps with plugs are fine.
On the subject of lighting – the brighter the better. You need to see what you’re doing. No need to go for football pitch night-lights, basically one or two strip-lights on the ceiling with a couple of movable desk-lamps will be perfect.
Multiway Mains Adapters
When running multiway mains adapters off extension cables keep in mind a couple of things.
- Don’t overload the boards.
- If you invest in any heavier power tools make sure their amp rating does not exceed the extension cable or power block.
- Most multiways have a couple of lugs at the back so you can hang them from the wall – this is a good move.
- Try to keep them off the actual bench where you will experience liquid spills – coffee and electricity don’t care much for one another.
Fixed tools?
Ultimately you’ll know what tools are essential to you but we think you can’t go far wrong with:
- A vice – a standard 100mm vice will hold most objects while you drill and cut. Allow room on the bench for one and make sure you bolt it down well!
- A pillar drill – well maybe this is extreme but since most projects involve drilling at some point this can be so useful for getting it right.
The reason for specifically highlighting these items is that they need fixing to your workbench and so you need to consider the space for them when planning.
The home run!
Be sure to think about storage, ventilation and safety when planning your workshop.
The back face of your bench, assuming it’s against a wall, is ideal for hanging those frequently used tools. A shelf or two on the wall at the back wall also provides a place to store items you need to get at often.
Consider other storage options:
- Under the bench is ideal, as well as vertically at the back.
- A shelf underneath is ideal for storing pots of paint, lengths of wood off-cuts, anything you wish.
- Heavier items can be on the floor of a bench 90cm deep towards the back.
- Neither the floor items of the shelves underneath if placed at the back should get in the way of your legs when sitting.
Ventilation
Odds are you’ll be painting and gluing at some stage. Equally odds are you won’t have a fancy extractor fan (though feel free to build one!).
Doors and windows matter. A build up of fumes are bad news. If you are in a basement you’ll need an extractor fan, or be realistic about what you should be using the space for.
Safety
We all know about Health and Safety, and yes a lot of it is common sense. But workshops are like your own private factory. Chances are you’ll have an accident, hopefully not a serious one. A small fire extinguisher, fire blanket, a smoke alarm, a exit that is not locked or blocked, goggles and no loose cables on the floor – you get the idea.
Please take it seriously and plan safety into your workshop.
In the future we’ll be rediscovering how to use simple hand tools, which are the most common source of minor accidents and wrecked projects. Look out for this if you are new to this.
