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Electronics Workbench

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13K views 5 replies 3 participants last post by  Grumpymike 
#1 ·
Starting Thoughts

I like to do small electronics projects. I've been using a 4' long plastic table and as I've accumulated test equipment and soldering equipment it has all gotten too crowded. Here's what I think I need:

  • Larger bench than 4 ft wide
  • Wide enough to do soldering in a different area than testing
  • Deeper bench than 30" deep
  • Work surface in contrasting color to most small parts (light color probably)
  • Sturdy construction
  • Shelf for Test Equipment like Oscilloscopes, Logic Analyzers, Power Supplies
  • Spots for plenty of AC Power connectors
  • Inexpensive (commercial units cost $500 or more) which probably means 2×4 lumber
  • I don't care if it's pretty, just not too ugly
  • Place to mount lighting - either florescent tubes or LEDs

I'm leaning towards using a piece of laminate counter top like they sell at Lowe's Depot. For less than $40 I can buy a 36" wide x 8' long piece of kitchen counter top laminate. [Edit: a friend just pointed out to me that is the price of the laminate material, not the counter top].
 
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#2 ·
Sketchup Model

Starting with the laminate countertop idea, I did some work on Sketchup to get an idea of what I wanted my workbench to look like. Here's what the Sketchup model looks like.



Here's some of my thoughts,

  • I chose to go with a 29" tall top rather than use tall chairs like some benches require.
  • The top shelf is 20" deep
  • I placed the legs in a bit so that I'm not running into them as much.
  • I recessed the upper shelf front support edge back so that I could put power strips on them.
  • Lights could conveniently mount under the shelf and if they were towards the back would shine just fine down to the desktop.
  • 2×4 parts are cheap but I need some fairly straight pieces
  • You can't see it in the picture but I put a 2×4 on the bottom of the benchtop mounted the short way so that it only goes down 1-1/2" below the bench bottom. I might run into it less that way.
 
#3 ·
Hey Doug,
I built a bench just like this years ago when I was doing electronic service work.
After about a month of using the bench I removed the front legs for the top shelf, they were always in the way.
I put a 45 degree suport from the front of the shelf to the back of the workbench; it gave me alot more room to work but still in the way alot of the time.
I had my scope, meters and other test equip. on the shelf for many years. I also had some parts bins up there.
Of course the chassis that we were working on "back in the day" were alot larger than what we see today.
If you plan to sit on a stool while working at this bench, might think about a shelf under the table about 6" off the floor and inset about 6" for a foot rest … and to store the extra junk that always needs a home.
I would suggeat that you put your AC outlet strip along the back wall; the hanging cords from front mounted outlets will cause lots of stuff to be pulled off the bench by rolling chairs, feet and phantoms. And with the AC outlets along the front edge, it invites electrical shock at a very tender spot.
I used to use carpet scraps for the top covering, I found that laminate and masonite was too slick, and the most expensive chassis would slide to the floor #$%!@#%$.

Just something to think about … Great drawing on the Sketchup.
 
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