Work bench Ideas

That would be pretty cool, to see where the pro's work. Its a part of our hobby, I mean, it may not be quite as critical as, say, plastic model kits, but still, there are lots of people out there looking for ideas and diffrent setups that are the best?

Does working for FSM constitute me as a "pro" ? Well, in the technical sense, I have been paid for my work, so I guess I qualify.

I need to clean up the mess (it is quite messy right now, as I have two projects going), and I'll take a few snapshots of my shop.

I was fortunate when I moved out to Wisconsin that I bought a new house with an unfinished basement. I negotiated with the family CO to acquire space in the basement in exchange for not getting glue and paint on the new dining room table.

I actually spent some time planning this, and although it's a small workspace, it's efficient, and I can reach just about everything without getting up. This also works out well because I'm lazy.

I started with a pair of 4-drawer kitchen cabinets and a left-right corner countertop cut to fit. In one set of drawers, I keep tools, plastic stock, surgical gloves, etc...and in the other, my paint. The top of the counter is occupied by a lathe, drill-press/milling machine, stereo, and TV. I've drilled holes into the concrete and installed shelves on both sides of the shop for holding things like paper towels, filler putty, paint thinner cans, etc. The airbrush holder is based on the lowest shelf, and the compressor is on the floor (foot switch operated).

While I realize that most modelers operate in a corner of the house somewhere on a desk (I ruined a dining room table back in NJ), most of us eventually end up with a dedicated workspace. The best part of my shop is that I can leave a project sitting there and not worry about cleaning it up. In the past, I used to spend more time cleaning and putting things away than I actually did building.

I'll post some pics this weekend.

Jeff

Hey Jeff, sounds like you and I were in a similar situation. I have been banished to a corner room (7x7) in the basement. I have an old work bench from my father and a cabinet I baught from Lowes for about 50 bucks, and a plastic stacable shelf, wich when added to the room , becomes quite tight, but compared to most others in this hobby, it's alot. A flood in the basement last october did not make matters any better. One day, in my next house, I hope to expand my claim to this hobby that I love.

I would Love to see an article even if its once and a while, on this subject, so many of us need that one idea to make that little corner of the world, bigger if not more practicle. Thanks Jeff, I Love your mag, you guys keep up the good work. Can't wait to see the pics.

I would love to see articles about this (Fine Scale Housekeeping?) I would also like to see more articles about tools and their proper usage, care and feeding. Right now my workbench is a 4' X 4' section of 3/8s plywood attached to an old military style metal desk. I don't own an airbrush yet, but I have a spot already designated for it at the desk.

i have a conflict ( i know it sounds crazy,  it is crazy) i would like a fancy work area too, but at the same time working  on the kit. table or on a tray table in the living room keeps me next to the family. so i honestly have a hard time  in deciding

isolation /work-area   or    tray table/no room to spreadout, but everyone is around me 

and yes i know most of you will think it crazy

DURR wrote:

i have a conflict ( i know it sounds crazy,  it is crazy) i would like a fancy work area too, but at the same time working  on the kit. table or on a tray table in the living room keeps me next to the family. so i honestly have a hard time  in deciding isolation /work-area   or    tray table/no room to spreadout, but everyone is around me  and yes i know most of you will think it crazy

I'm the same way Durr, if I am pretty far away from everybody, I don't know whats going on, or what I am missing out on, so I like to be at least on the same floor as everybody. I don't think I am going to have a workshop in the basement unless we have a living area down there.

The April 2006 issue has a feature article on one modeler's fantastic, custom-built model shop. It's pretty amazing.

Matt @ FSM

 Hey Matt, You where right on saying its a pretty amazing work shop! On page 24 in Aprils FSM Keith Hudson's "Magnificent modeling Room" is just that! This has to be every modelers dream room!  Thank you for adding this to this isssue...I have my whole bedroom converted into my modeling and computer room.. I sleep in my recliner in the front room..I've got everything I need but a TV in here.. I'm really proud of it, it took me a year to compleat!..Buying all the modeling tools, shelves etc ...,but I didn't have the money to invest in a table top like this one has Wow! Beautiful job on that modeling room......

         "RC"