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Furniture Ideas for Workshop?

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  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Chicago, USA
Furniture Ideas for Workshop?
Posted by MonsterZero on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 1:48 PM

I would like to turn one of my rooms into a proper modeling workshop but am not sure what kind of furniture will be optimal.

I was thinking in terms of a complete set, like an office set, but I'm not sure which or where to get it. The set should have a desk and lots of shelves and drawers for tools, paints, etc.


Does anybody have any ideas (with pictures)?

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 2:34 PM

Well, I go for the "eclectic" approach I guess.  Here are a few shots of my study:


"All you mugs need to get busy building, and post pics!"

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Chicago, USA
Posted by MonsterZero on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 2:50 PM

I think the glass cases are great. Can you buy something like that or do you have to make it yourself?

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 3:19 PM

Thanks!  Those were built by a local cabinet shop to my specs.  Here's the second one being finished in my carport.


"All you mugs need to get busy building, and post pics!"

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: St louis
Posted by Raualduke on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 5:16 PM

You may want to check out a place like office max .and look at computer desks. I have several benches and use one alot for several things, for a stool I use a drum throne,adjustable height,is very handy unless you need the back support

  • Member since
    December 2011
Posted by Chrisk-k on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 5:54 PM

IKEA sells some glass cabinets/shelves.

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  • Member since
    February 2007
Posted by mitsdude on Thursday, June 12, 2014 12:02 AM

The optimal furniture would be something you design and build (or have built) to your specific desires, which of course WILL change over time. Highly unlikely you will ever find prebuilt furniture that meets your every need.

I really like those display cabinets. They remind me of the trophy cases you see in schools

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Thursday, June 12, 2014 9:07 AM

I find normal desks found in furniture stores are not optimum for modeling. I built my own with simple techniques and parts, using a pair of those drawer sets found in office supply stores.

The top is made from a sandwich of 1/2 inch particle board with a 1x2 framework as the filler.  I screwed a piece of 1/8 pegboard (with quarter inch holes) to the 1x2 that is the back of that framework.  The sandwich is screwed to the top of the drawer units.  I find those drawer units often on sale, and have a third unit sitting near the desk, by itself, for more storage.

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Thursday, June 12, 2014 2:29 PM

I wish we had an IKEA store in my area....

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: St louis
Posted by Raualduke on Thursday, June 12, 2014 3:11 PM

If you're not opposed to dumpster diving at a construction site,solid core doors make a great bench top

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Thursday, June 12, 2014 3:28 PM

Raualduke

If you're not opposed to dumpster diving at a construction site,solid core doors make a great bench top

I'll testify to that as well!  My work bench in my tool-room has one for a top.  They are great for that job.


"All you mugs need to get busy building, and post pics!"

  • Member since
    February 2014
  • From: N. MS
Posted by CN Spots on Friday, June 13, 2014 8:14 AM

Our hobby tends to be quite harsh on desktops.  No way would I spend a lot of money on a new desk especially given the "quality" of modern furniture.  Check out a used office furniture store if there is one nearby.  Find something from the '60s and refinish it to your liking.  My next choice would be to build your own.  To me, that would be the most fun.

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Friday, June 13, 2014 9:20 AM

BTW, the white "top" on my bench a few posts up is Contact paper.  This is great stuff for modeling benches.  When it gets covered with paint drops and glue gobs, pull it off and put down a new piece.

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    February 2003
Posted by Jim Barton on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 4:20 PM

Whatever you settle on, make sure you add lots of storage space, more than you think you will ever need. You'll need it!

"Whaddya mean 'Who's flying the plane?!' Nobody's flying the plane!"

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 10:56 PM

Garage sales, goodwill shops for cheap desks, small table of sorts or workbench. Even furniture tossed to the curb in and around your neighborhood.

  • Member since
    May 2008
Posted by Mercury7 on Monday, July 7, 2014 9:43 AM

I purchased some kitchen cabinets from a wholesale shop.  I placed them far enough apart for a knee hole and used a regular counter top.  It is a the right height for both standing or using a stool.  The countertop keeps things from rolling off.  The entire set cost me less than $200.  

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Western North Carolina
Posted by Tojo72 on Monday, July 7, 2014 11:36 AM

I bought a simple workbench from Lowes,works for me

 

  • Member since
    May 2013
  • From: Indiana, USA
Posted by Greg on Monday, July 7, 2014 12:19 PM

Many cool ideas here, thanks guys.

  • Member since
    August 2013
Posted by Jay Jay on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 11:00 AM

I use 2  two drawer filing cabinets as a base, and a solid core door I found in a constuction waste pile.  Lots of room and storage ...cheers

 

 

 

 

 

 I'm finally retired. Now time I got, money I don't.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Houston, Texas
Posted by panzerpilot on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 7:56 PM

I made my own work "bench", out of various sized pieces of lumber. 2X2, 2X4, 4x4s. I cut a 3/4" sheet of plywood for the surface. The good thing about doing that is, you get to design your own size to fit your space needs. It's also very strong and sturdy. I think I only spent about $80 for all the wood, screws, and a can of blue paint overall and brown stain for the top. The best thing is, I don't feel guilty spillng stuff on it, clamping things, banging it, etc. since it's not a fancy expensive thing. I use a regular computer chair.

-Tom

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