Does anyone have their dream work space?

Not right now, but the footings been poured on it....

We're adding a garage to our house, and in back of it will be a rec room- half of which will be my work area. I'll have room for a desk, photo area and a spray booth. And all the shelf space in the room is for models and books! Mwahahahahaha!  

jwb wrote:

Not right now, but the footings been poured on it.... We're adding a garage to our house, and in back of it will be a rec room- half of which will be my work area. I'll have room for a desk, photo area and a spray booth. And all the shelf space in the room is for models and books! Mwahahahahaha!

I am extremely envious.

JoeU wrote:

jwb wrote: Not right now, but the footings been poured on it.... We're adding a garage to our house, and in back of it will be a rec room- half of which will be my work area. I'll have room for a desk, photo area and a spray booth. And all the shelf space in the room is for models and books! Mwahahahahaha!   I am extremely envious.

DURR wrote:

JoeU wrote:  jwb wrote: Not right now, but the footings been poured on it.... We're adding a garage to our house, and in back of it will be a rec room- half of which will be my work area. I'll have room for a desk, photo area and a spray booth. And all the shelf space in the room is for models and books! Mwahahahahaha!   I am extremely envious.

I'm so excited about it, I can hardly wait. Right now I work on the kitchen table, so I always have to clean it off. And drag everything out when I want to model. Right now I can't work because my wife is sewing at the kitchen table.

When it's all done I'll post pics! 

When it's all done I'll post pics!

Please do. One of my other sicknesses is that I'm a home theater nut, and I always like seeing photos of other people's HT setups. Don't know why because they always make mine look totally shabby. So I'd be really interested in seeing pictures of your finished space even though it sounds like it will put mine to shame.

Cool website you've got, by the way.

jwb wrote:

Not right now, but the footings been poured on it.... We're adding a garage to our house, and in back of it will be a rec room- half of which will be my work area. I'll have room for a desk, photo area and a spray booth. And all the shelf space in the room is for models and books! Mwahahahahaha!

Sounds great Jon.  I'll be looking forward to those pics. 

Since getting back into the hobby I started with a bench in the Laundry/furnace room which was okay but a year later we moved and I had to build a new bench in the corner of the unheated garage (not okay - there should be a smiley for shivering - I am in Canada afterall).  We have since closed in and heated the garage so that we could build a spare bedroom and a storage room and I got what was left over for my hobby bench.  I haven't built the new bench yet, still using a temporary one, but once I get the drywalling done I'll have an 8' long work area with shelving.

JoeU wrote:

Cool website you've got, by the way.

Thanks so much! It's right now, but I'm really enjoying doing it, and I've been really blessed by the number of folks who've been giving me encouragement and support in it. 

razordws wrote:

...and I had to build a new bench in the corner of the unheated garage (not okay - there should be a smiley for shivering - I am in Canada afterall).

Wow! That's dedication to the hobby!  

JoeU, I have the same addiction as you. I really liked mine until I saw photos where some guy did his in a total Star Trek theme. Very impressive.

NO, on the dream workspace.

I have an extra bedroom the time, skill, and equipment to build one but no plans. I'm really not sure where to even begin on a design or what to include. I'm continually saving pics posted by others and see interesting ideas but nothing that just says to me "thats it"

It wasn't the dream modeling space but, it was close.

Actually, it was a dream "do-it all" space. In one corner, plus the closet was my modeling area. In the opposite corner was my reloading bench. And in the third corner were my guitars and amplifier.

But, alas the price of gas took that away! When gas got REALLY high, about a year or so ago, we had to make a move for financial reasons. To live close enough, to our respective work places, we couldn't afford a three bedroom house only a two bedroom model. And with our grandson coming to visit every other weekend. Well, you get the picture. The second room is his. But, I am getting ready to buy an old computer desk and start modifying. 

as promised my work shop,its still abit untidy

My workspace is a work in progress. I am planning on gutting the whole room to insulate and finish the walls and ceiling to match the rest of the lower level. More lighting will be added as well as an exhaust fan with increased capacity. The floor will be covered with a thick anti fatigue matting covered with a thin carpet. The rest is just a matter of incorporating what I already have in place.  Is it my dream work space...its close.

Hi...

I am not sure there is such a thing as an "ideal" work space.

I built a 12'x12' hobby room in the garage few years ago. One wall has an 8' workbench with cabinets under it and a 4' wide, 7' tall cabinet next to it for storage. Another wall has a 4' long reloading bench against it and the room entry door. In the opposite corner is an L-shaped desk set-up for research and a computer workstation.

Positives: More than adequate lighting...room is separate from the rest of the house...room is heated and air-conditioned.

Negatives: There is no room for my library or to display finished models. All the storage area is full and I have plastic storage boxes full of stuff under the L-shaped desk. My modelling tools are in two toolboxes...the ones used most often are in an oak machinists toolbox on a raised wooden rolling cart. The balance of my modelling tools are in a plastic tool box sitting on the floor. All painting must be done in the garage.

I am seriously considering ripping the whole thing out and starting over. I should have made the room at least 16'x12' and built-in bookcases and display shelves. In retrospect, I should have designed a separate area for painting with outside venting.  

375supermag wrote:

Hi...   I am not sure there is such a thing as an "ideal" work space. I built a 12'x12' hobby room in the garage few years ago. One wall has an 8' workbench with cabinets under it and a 4' wide, 7' tall cabinet next to it for storage. Another wall has a 4' long reloading bench against it and the room entry door. In the opposite corner is an L-shaped desk set-up for research and a computer workstation. Positives: More than adequate lighting...room is separate from the rest of the house...room is heated and air-conditioned. Negatives: There is no room for my library or to display finished models. All the storage area is full and I have plastic storage boxes full of stuff under the L-shaped desk. My modelling tools are in two toolboxes...the ones used most often are in an oak machinists toolbox on a raised wooden rolling cart. The balance of my modelling tools are in a plastic tool box sitting on the floor. All painting must be done in the garage. I am seriously considering ripping the whole thing out and starting over. I should have made the room at least 16'x12' and built-in bookcases and display shelves. In retrospect, I should have designed a separate area for painting with outside venting.

when my kid moves out  i can have a 6x8 area  and   man   just the thought of that big of an area is better  than sex

At my previous house I had a very large workshop in my garage. It was actually half of a two and a half car garage. I miss that workshop with one exception...to expensive to heat in the winter months and no bathroom...detached garage. You only get to see the rear half in this picture.

It isn't the bench that makes the model, it is the modeler at the bench. 

It's not a dream space, but 95% of the time, it's mine.  I can leave everything sit until I get around to it.  It's about 12 x 12, with tv, vcr and dvd recorder, work space under the clutter and most of my stash in there too.

And Durr, I think I disagree with your summation.

We have a room set aside strictly for modeling.  I added the shelves to store the unbuilts I have and a desk runs along the length of one wall.  It's still not big enough as I have more kits stored around the house. I need to build a paint booth so I can start building my aircraft models again and I don't know where I'm going to put that if I do build one. Here are some pics of the current state of the room and desk areas though...

say 90REDSC i would like to ask this question

you have i see in your pics a johan 68 ply police car

 i have 4 purchased 23-26 yrs ago each has one small problem the windshields all came with cracks in them  does yours have a cracked windshied  ?

thanks

joe

DURR wrote:

say 90REDSC i would like to ask this question you have i see in your pics a johan 68 ply police car  i have 4 purchased 23-26 yrs ago each has one small problem the windshields all came with cracks in them  does yours have a cracked windshied  ? thanks joe

Joe,

Sorry, my windshield doesn't have a crack. It's BROKE completely in HALF! That's why it hasn't been built yet. Maybe someday I'll locate a good windshield for this car. Maybe I'll just turn it into a derelict car and keep the emergency parts for another project or sumthin...

thanks    i guess we got a bad batch together  i am not alone   i feel better now

qmiester wrote:

To me, my work space is a living thing or a continual work in progress.  When I put it together the first time, I was fairly satisfied with it (there were some things that I had wanted put didn't add because of either cost or non availability - if I come across those items that are cheaper or available I add them).  Now I find things that work better than what I currently have and change them, see an item another modeler has  in his work area and add it to mine - in other words, things are constantly being changed for one reason or another.  Doubt that I'll ever get my "perfect work space".  But to me that's part of the fun.

Same here, qmiester. I'm always tweaking the work or storage space at my workbench and adding more space little by little, but it's never enough! A lot of times, I'll see a little something or other at a yard sale that I think might improve workbench efficiency, so I'll buy it. Sometimes, it doesn't work out as well as I had hoped, other times, I'll find something that's quite terrific!

you know the old saying the grass is always greener in the other guys yard

well    i think for many of us our dream spaces are your spaces. when someone posts pics of their space and it has all the tools and cabinets ref. mat.  etc.....

me  i work on a tray table in the living room mostly  i would be greatful for a large desk to work on where i would not have to stop building and clean up all the time

I like my work space, but I must admit it's my wife's dream because:

NOW YOU SEE IT...

NOW YOU DON'T...

Mine is pretty much just missing sheetrock and some window framing-- but I get the whole entire upstairs of the garage...

I know this is late but I finally got moved and settled so here are some pics of my hobby room.

Its not perfect, I need a spray booth and display cases but eventually I'll get there.

The cars on the little table is a collection that I'm getting ready to post on Ebay.

Qmeister, That sucks.

Hopefuly your situation will change to allow you to have more fun with modeling.

Before this room, I was stuck in the corner of a dank, wet, smelly basement.

Mike

Man space? Model workshop in the same space? It has to be large enough to share with fellow modelers. My workshop is 228 sqft. The rest of the man space is about 800 sqft.

I host our IPMS chapter meeting every few months here in the man cave! 

HawkeyeHobbies wrote:

Man space? Model workshop in the same space? It has to be large enough to share with fellow modelers. My workshop is 228 sqft. The rest of the man space is about 800 sqft.   I host our IPMS chapter meeting every few months here in the man cave!

That is AWESOME!

DesertRat wrote:

Not even close for me! But with a 2 bedroom apartment, i'm content with what i have now

It took me 20 years! Hang in there!  

We all started small. I once had half of a table in the closet of the spare bedroom. There was barely enough space to set the kit on top of it! Then much later after we had kids I managed to have this oversized footlocker in the basement.

Which could be secured to keep the munchkins out of. It took empty nest syndrome and a new larger home to get a truly defined manspace. 

jwb wrote:

DesertRat wrote: Not even close for me! But with a 2 bedroom apartment, i'm content with what i have now It took me 20 years! Hang in there!

Naaa, i ain't worried! Through the natural progression of life and career, one tends to make more income, get a bigger home, do a little better. I'm sure something bigger and nicer will come in time. In some ways, my small little corner is in many ways perfect for learning the basics all over again

Dream space, no, far from it.....but it does the job.  My only beef is having to go outside to my paint booth.  I actually added a den to the garage side of the house, but my wife told me she would rather I stayed in the hobby room with her while she does her scrapbooking (everybody say Aawww, alltogether)

It's not my dream space but it does work very well.It is in the utilities side of my basement.It's definitly better then working on a snack table in my apartment,and having to put everything away at the end of each session.So I am thankful

Anthony,

That paint carasel(sp?) thing is sweet. Did you make that yourself or buy it somewhere? 

Regards

Jeff 

Here is my workspace!  It's a spare bedroom in our house.

 These are 33 1/3 RPM records that were put out by Revell in model kits.  Some of them are the Japanese Zero, Dolittle's Raid, and P-47.

Now you see it.....

Now you don't.....

and up close....

It works for now. Trying to talk the wife into letting me finish part of the basement so i can have a better workshop!!

anthony2779 wrote:

It's not my dream space but it does work very well.It is in the utilities side of my basement.It's definitly better then working on a snack table in my apartment,and having to put everything away at the end of each session.So I am thankful

anthony, I was in your situation too, being in the corner of a basement.

I had a hard time dealing with all of the spiders, centipedes and other nasties and creepies.

But, we do what we have to. Its surprising what we modelers will put up with. jaja

Mike

thony,

That paint carasel(sp?) thing is sweet. Did you make that yourself or buy it somewhere? 

Regards

Jeff 

I ordered it some time ago from www.micromark.com search under paint storage.I imagine you could improvise with some sort of rotating spice rack.

 This is a old shot of my work space. It has changed alot but for the better.

Thad

KINGTHAD wrote:

This is a old shot of my work space. It has changed alot but for the better. Thad

Wait you have a locker in your basement?!  Oh man, that'd be the perfect place to store kits for drying.

jwb wrote:

I got mine and more! We added a garage on to our house, and behind it a bonus room. That bonus room is now the "Man Cave". Modeling space at one end, my recliner on the other, a couch, a computer, a plasma TV, we'll be adding shelves and my airplane prints soon! 250 sq ft. of styrene and Sports Center!

Umm, Jon - didn't you promise us pictures of your finished Den of Manly Activities - I mean, workshop - when it was finished?  Consider me a tardy progress dog.

 For myself, after years and years of planning and replanning (to tell the truth, I've been designing my ideal modeling workshop, over and over, since I was in high school), we finally built an addition on my house.  It's the house I grew up in - a Cape Cod - and the addition came close to doubling the square footage.  It was a vast simplification of my earlier dream plans (which included 2 stories, a balcony and a cupola for stargazing) and in reality consists of a huge main room, which is full of built-in bookcases (no, they're full of books) and a smaller room (8x15), which we call the work room, since it was intended from the start to be where I built models.  This was finished in late 2000.  What's in the workroom now?  A treadmill, a television and TV stand, my son's X-box Live, and a small couch across from the TV, where he sits as long and as often as possible playing X-box with his friends.  And I remain without a workspace to build models.  Everyone still refers to it as the "workroom", except for me - I bitterly refer to it as the "game room".  I do have a very small area down in the (unfinished) cellar, but since we're at the bottom of a hill and frequently get water down there, it is very dank and everything eventually gets mildewy.  And doing anything about making it useable is very low on the priority list, so I'm sans workspace for the foreseeable future.

I figure, though, as soon as I find a job I will be able to in good conscience devote some time to modeling, so I'll just use the kitchen table, like I did when I was a kid.  That should give the need for a real workspace a hefty boost on the priority list.  Especially when I start up the generator and start airbrushing in the kitchen. 

I have one half of a large room. There is a bookshelf with glass shelves and a "L" shaped computer desk coming out from the wall with a desk for modeling right behind them. It forms a nook I can easily roll around in (fake hardwood). I have my guitar there with the amp sitting in a fireplace. My computer has good speakers that I have spread out so you get good sound. I play my MP3s, surf the net, screw around on the guitar then model for awhile topped of with a little  Bioshock or Flight Sim X. Everything thing is right there. Even a bathroom.

The only down side is the cat litter is close.

We all started small.

Aint it the truth. I never had much space for modeliing, and after the ex'es Great Plastic Annihilation, something just popped in me and I didn't pick it back up. All that is to change in the coming season. We're celaring some space, Im buying a few tools I dont have or have allowed to get scattered and Im back in the groove. I figure I owe it to m'self, now.

Currently, here's what I affectionately call "The Hole." Really just a corner of the workbench.

MaxPower wrote:

I have one half of a large room. There is a bookshelf with glass shelves and a "L" shaped computer desk coming out from the wall with a desk for modeling right behind them. It forms a nook I can easily roll around in (fake hardwood). I have my guitar there with the amp sitting in a fireplace. My computer has good speakers that I have spread out so you get good sound. I play my MP3s, surf the net, screw around on the guitar then model for awhile topped of with a little  Bioshock or Flight Sim X. Everything thing is right there. Even a bathroom. The only down side is the cat litter is close.

and you don't have a carpet monster  you have  the litter box to sort through  when a part flies      man   i think i would rather buy a whole new model  if just one part flies into that

I got my work desk back in order today. A few final touches and storage options are still in order, but I can work now. Here's what I had before - -

Just the corner of the workbench with nothing but a hard a@@ed stool to perch on. An hour up on that thing and I was done in. Now, I've done some re-arranging, thrown out some clutterstuff and here's what I will be going into the next modeling year with - -

This is really all I've ever had, and it was my desk from before. I merely hung onto it and it has been used for other in the last few years. Some say it's too small, but I find you only use 12 square inches, anyway. The rest is just space for your tools to clutter up. There is a bigger room here which I share with my wifes sewing endeavors. I have space for airbrushing behind me, plus the workbench is still there to the left. But now I have a dedicated modeling space... a bonafide "Man Hole."

This desk features a slide out drawer, magnifier and the CD player with speakers. This is really an old computer desk, and I do the real work on the pull out section. When Im done working, I just slide the tray in and leave all the stuff on it. Nothing gets lost and it stays protected. Oh sweet joy! This is something you may want to look into.

The magnifier is just a simple one. I will be putting a flouro lamp in there next. These are perhaps one of the most underrated tools you can have. I got this one for $10 off eBay foe Xmas to Myself and plan to get a magnifier visor soon, as well. If you dont have one of these, get one. The CD player? It's really an old guitar loop trainer, but it works. Hey man, you gotta be jammin' at the bench. Ill get an MP3 player soon and get that going, too. Crank up that Jethro Tull! 

All I need now is a 'fridge.

Personally, I think you're all nuts. A zillion models and loads of space ... what does one do with all that? It's impressive to see a room full of models, but it looks more like a hobby shop than a studio. I imagine the process of accumulating so many models would be a waste of time and money. I have only one complete, three WIPs, and just four in the stash, and I currently paint on the 7'x7' concrete "patio" right outside my apartment. I build on the floor and I have no shelf space. I have one toolbox with paints in the tray on top and my equipment below, and a tackle box for parts organization/drying and such. Where I live right now, extra space is currently occupied by my bikes (bicycles) and maintenance stuff, protection, parts, etc. I wouldn't mind having a room with a formal workbench and some shelving for display/storage/reference (and a wall-mounted bike rack would be awesome), but I think I'd want a simple space large enough only for what I need, so I don't get carried away with it all.

Nope, I don't have my dream workspace. But even if I did, I don't think I'd work any better than I do without it. I kind of like it even, because the lack of kits forces me to stay focused on the models I've got, and the lack of space also forces me to be clean and organized.

I am in the process of building a set of desks that we will both use. I'll post pictures when I've got them.

Will, what's wrong with 'to each their own'? It seems kind of 'nuts' to me that you feel the need to have multiple bikes. You can only ride one at a time, so isn't having multiple bikes just a waste of money?...after a while, doesn't it just seem more like a bike shop then a home?  

If that comment bothers you I'm sorry, but that's basically what you just said to all of us.  It may not work for you, but some of us like to have a lot of space. If you don't want to have a nice space in which to work, fine, but its not very nice to criticize those of us who do.  I'll get off my now.

Good night all. 

willcombs wrote:

Personally, I think you're all nuts. A hezillion models and loads of space ... what does one do with all that? It's impressive to see a room full of models, but it looks more like a hobby shop than a studio. I imagine the process of accumulating so many models would be a waste of time and money. I have only one complete, three WIPs, and just four in the stash, and I currently paint on the 7'x7' concrete "patio" right outside my apartment. I build on the floor and I have no shelf space. I have one toolbox with paints in the tray on top and my equipment below, and a tackle box for parts organization/drying and such. Where I live right now, extra space is currently occupied by my bikes (bicycles) and maintenance stuff, protection, parts, etc. I wouldn't mind having a room with a formal workbench and some shelving for display/storage/reference (and a wall-mounted bike rack would be awesome), but I think I'd want a simple space large enough only for what I need, so I don't get carried away with it all. Nope, I don't have my dream workspace. But even if I did, I don't think I'd work any better than I do without it. I kind of like it even, because the lack of kits forces me to stay focused on the models I've got, and the lack of space also forces me to be clean and organized.

the pisser wrote:

willcombs wrote: Personally, I think you're all nuts. A hezillion models and loads of space ... what does one do with all that? It's impressive to see a room full of models, but it looks more like a hobby shop than a studio. I imagine the process of accumulating so many models would be a waste of time and money. I have only one complete, three WIPs, and just four in the stash, and I currently paint on the 7'x7' concrete "patio" right outside my apartment. I build on the floor and I have no shelf space. I have one toolbox with paints in the tray on top and my equipment below, and a tackle box for parts organization/drying and such. Where I live right now, extra space is currently occupied by my bikes (bicycles) and maintenance stuff, protection, parts, etc. I wouldn't mind having a room with a formal workbench and some shelving for display/storage/reference (and a wall-mounted bike rack would be awesome), but I think I'd want a simple space large enough only for what I need, so I don't get carried away with it all. Nope, I don't have my dream workspace. But even if I did, I don't think I'd work any better than I do without it. I kind of like it even, because the lack of kits forces me to stay focused on the models I've got, and the lack of space also forces me to be clean and organized. wow! is all i can say there...where have you been for the last 20 years...have you not seen the aviation through out history.... maybe you weren't informed as a youth that talking out your butthole in the middle of a discussion is a recip

the pisser wrote:

the pisser wrote:  willcombs wrote: Personally, I think you're all nuts. A hezillion models and loads of space ... what does one do with all that? It's impressive to see a room full of models, but it looks more like a hobby shop than a studio. I imagine the process of accumulating so many models would be a waste of time and money. I have only one complete, three WIPs, and just four in the stash, and I currently paint on the 7'x7' concrete "patio" right outside my apartment. I build on the floor and I have no shelf space. I have one toolbox with paints in the tray on top and my equipment below, and a tackle box for parts organization/drying and such. Where I live right now, extra space is currently occupied by my bikes (bicycles) and maintenance stuff, protection, parts, etc. I wouldn't mind having a room with a formal workbench and some shelving for display/storage/reference (and a wall-mounted bike rack would be awesome), but I think I'd want a simple space large enough only for what I need, so I don't get carried away with it all. Nope, I don't have my dream workspace. But even if I did, I don't think I'd work any better than I do without it. I kind of like it even, because the lack of kits forces me to stay focused on the models I've got, and the lack of space also forces me to be clean and organized. wow! is all i can say there...where have you been for the last 20 years...have you not seen the aviation through out history.... maybe you weren't informed as a youth that talking out your butthole in the middle of a discussion is a recip

LOL! and a big ol'

Glad to see that I wasn't the only one... 

cardshark_14 wrote:

LOL! and a big ol' Glad to see that I wasn't the only one...

the pisser, I don't know if you're having technical problems, but if you are, what I often do is close the window, then re-open it, and just edit my old message, rather than type a new one...I'm easy to confuse, when it comes to this sort of thing...

Also, that's a very interesting building out your window...what is it? 

Willcombs, I see you have 5 total posts. Bluntly put, it seems you weren't taught good manners and you might want to review the TOS for FSM forums.

Back To Topic >>>>

Personally, I think you're all nuts.... It's impressive to see a room full of models, but it looks more like a hobby shop than a studio. I imagine the process of accumulating so many models would be a waste of time and money.

This is one of those "to each his own" things. Tolerence is important, because everybody is screwed up somehow - even you. No small part of this hobby is about acquisition. Let's be honest: We know we have more kits than we'll ever build and more than we can display, should we actually finish some. So we succumb to a bit of avarice, so what? Fortunately, this hobby isn't so expensive that we can't afford to do this. You said you had a space full of bikes, tools, gear and so on. It is in our nature to get "carried away with it all." How much more of that biking stuff would you like to have? 

Nope, I don't have my dream workspace. But even if I did, I don't think I'd work any better than I do without it. I kind of like it even, because the lack of kits forces me to stay focused on the models I've got, and the lack of space also forces me to be clean and organized.

There is a certain Thoreau-esque nobility in austerity, I'll give you that, although it is often only in our own mind. The whole "Struggle Makes You Stronger" thing, if you will. But here I have to disagree with you on the point of work space. I've recently just re-created a nicely outfitted work desk. It's small, but it is comfortable and it is pleasant. Before, I had a pretty pitiful little corner where I had to stand (see my latest post up-page).

Will I get more done, and do it better or neater, because of it? No. It doesn't work that way. And like you, I dont measure my success that way, either - building models is a journey. It's not how many I finish, but the process of the building that lures me. But I will enjoy it more when it's convenient and I dont have to live like a hermit to do it - therefore I will derive more pleasure from it. Having a dedicated, focused work space will also afford better results in the end product.

At one point in time, I would have sat on the floor like you, feeling smug because I had "discipline" over those who were less focused than I. Maybe I would have even felt like I was the only one who wasn't "nuts", even.

But not now. See, I've struggled, I've worked, I've pushed against the river and come away the winner many times over. Today I prefer to be comfortable and relax without any self-imposed guilt that somehow I am slipping. Wait'll you get about 25 more years on you - you'll understand. 

willcombs wrote:

Personally, I think you're all nuts. A zillion models and loads of space ... what does one do with all that? It's impressive to see a room full of models, but it looks more like a hobby shop than a studio. I imagine the process of accumulating so many models would be a waste of time and money. I have only one complete, three WIPs, and just four in the stash, and I currently paint on the 7'x7' concrete "patio" right outside my apartment. I build on the floor and I have no shelf space. I have one toolbox with paints in the tray on top and my equipment below, and a tackle box for parts organization/drying and such. Where I live right now, extra space is currently occupied by my bikes (bicycles) and maintenance stuff, protection, parts, etc. I wouldn't mind having a room with a formal workbench and some shelving for display/storage/reference (and a wall-mounted bike rack would be awesome), but I think I'd want a simple space large enough only for what I need, so I don't get carried away with it all. Nope, I don't have my dream workspace. But even if I did, I don't think I'd work any better than I do without it. I kind of like it even, because the lack of kits forces me to stay focused on the models I've got, and the lack of space also forces me to be clean and organized.

well in your case i think your dream space would be  just a nice desk with 2-3 drawers in it

keeping your parts-paints etc in the drawers and just enough space so you can just get off the floor.  modeling on the floor might be ok while your young but the dream space i have just described for you will be better for you back when you get older         just something practical -simple- neat

Hello all. Well I hope to move out to the garage after the weather warms up. But till then I`m stuck in this 10x10 room with the computor &tv set...

I have about a 14x10 space in our unfinished basement, strategically close to the boiler for wintertime comfort....have purchased the lumber to build a  30" deep, L-shaped workbench...8' one way....4' the other....leftover wood to go for shelving etc.

I'm over 50 now, can spare the expense and time a little bit....after getting back in after a long layoff.....I just want to build my next....and last, workspace.

The paint booth I'm building (airbrush thread) is going to be located in the other end of the basement on a 4x5 table. Never gets too cold down there to paint (well, maybe tonight!).....and stays nice and cool in summer. The workbench should be finished shortly after the paint booth.....I'll post some shots of it.....if you promise not to laugh at my lack of supplies!

I feel for those dealing with cramped or transient workspace.....been there, done that!

Nam 

Well I don't know if it's a "dream workplace" but it does the job very nicely. There are a few inprovements I'd like to make but I get along alright. This is apic of the main work area.

These are pics of the snake cages that almost always become overflow area to hold seperate peices that are drying or just in the way of finishing something alse.

 My favorite peice that I have is the main work table that is an old glass dining room table, I LOVE IT. I suggest that everyone has one It's great when a model is done or the area gets to messy, you just take a razor blde and scrape off all the old glue.paint and what not and you have a pristine work area again. Honestly I can't say enough about a glass table for your main work area.

This Is my current setup:

Do I have a dream workplace? Yes...first I would like my own workbench.. 

I am pretty lucky as I have a 12x16 room in the basement that I keep my game computers and hobby bench in and have complete privacy from the rest of the house. Only stipulation was I had to build a room of similar size for the wife.It was a small price to pay.

 Racedriver that is one impressive stash you have there,not to mention a beautiful work station, I see that you prefer the tamiya paints. One word to sum it all up AWESOME!!!!

sf_plane_nut wrote:

i finally moved into the game room... it looked like this... now it looks like this... now if i can just get some damn work done...

Racy- as perfect as I can imagine.

I've got a really nice setup, but it's a block away from my house, and you know, I really miss my family when I'm over there.

prowannab wrote:

Racedriver that is one impressive stash you have there,not to mention a beautiful work station, I see that you prefer the tamiya paints. One word to sum it all up AWESOME!!!!

apreciate it prowannab - now I just have to build more than 1 model so far to justify it.

i have a 2 questions here

1       does anyone have Their dream space  or is their dream space what they see here in other people's photos

2  if you really have your dream space  how long is it a dream and when does it turn into a nightmare? what i mean by this is your dream space today is a 10x12 rm and today you have a lot of space but 1 1/2-2 yrs from now and the place is over loaded with your stash and shelves of built stuff etc........

i know  it's another of my wacky thoughts   but......

Like anything in your home, you have to adapt the space based on the needs at the time. Go from a 13" television to a 72" widescreen (I can only wish) you'll have to make some adjustment in the floor space allocated.

My workshop(s) has gone from a toolbox and a TV tray to one half of a 2 1/2 car garage back to being virtually non-existant to what I have now. Like anything in life you have to remain flexible.

For 2008 I decided to start the year off with a clean workshop. I had planned on gutting the entire room to do some finishing work on the walls and ceiling to match the rest of the man cave, but the time and the opportunity passed. Cold freezing weather gave way to rain and lots of it. Transporting building materials in the rain sucks so, I let the project slide in lieu of others that were more pressing.

What I did do was consolidate my spares, relocated my paintbooth, gave myself greater access to my bench top and put more of my tools and accessories inside enclosed storage to help keep them cleaner and easier to locate. The one thing I must do, is acquire more display cabinets and build about 30 kits from my stash to free up more space. The stash has grown and space is getting tight.

I once sold off most of my collection (this is where it went to being virtually non-existant), something I regretted doing ever since. So that isn't an option. So building more is the only choice I have! Anyway, here it is as of yesterday.

Here is my little slice of heaven... not my dream work space but it is better than what I had a few years ago. 

Here is mine. It's not perfect and I am making changes all the time but it works well for me.

Mike,

Is that booth on the left the drying booth that I've heard you mention before? And If so, would you mind giving me a brief run down on how you made it and or what it is made out of?

Regards,

Jeff 

firesmacker wrote:

Mike, Is that booth on the left the drying booth that I've heard you mention before? And If so, would you mind giving me a brief run down on how you made it and or what it is made out of? Regards,   Jeff

Jeff,

Sure! It is nothing more than a cardboard box lined with aluminum foil that I put in with 3M Super 77 spray adhesive. I cut a hole in the top of the box and installed a light bulb socket with a 100 watt bulb in it. I hang an old black T-shirt in front of the box to keep the heat in.

Here is a closer shot:

Sweet!

Sounds pretty straight forward. When I transfer in March and get back home I'm going to build one.  I'm using the "stick it in front of a fan method." Thanks for the reply.

Jeff 

Here is another heat source to create a drying oven. I dug this out of my resin casting supplies, almost forgot about it. A good old fashion warming platter. Scour the yard sales and kitchen gadget collections of all your relatives, someone must have one. I got mine from a cousin.

I use it to warm the molds for casting. For drying, I suspend the 'oven' slightly above the warming platters surface, as these babys do throw some heat. You can use a cooling rack from the wife's baking supplies to act as the spacer.

Addendum: This warming tray is the Warm-O-Tray...they can be found online. There are also newer versions both corded and cordless which I would suspect are more energy efficient. 

I don't know if it's my dream space, but it's pretty close

My work bench and supplies

My spray booth

And my Ikea display cabinet (best $60 you can spend)

Enjoy,

Fred

what is that baby incubator looking thing on your bench?

Looks like one of those inflatable/collapsable mini booths. I saw one at HL Saturday - 27$

Would make a good drying booth, but soo would a foil lined box.

That would be my photo tent.  See the lamp next to it?  I have another one on the other side of the tent.  The bulbs are trumpet style compact flourescent.  30 watts, 5000k color range (daylight simulator) and almost zero heat (after a few hours, they get a little warm).  Plus the one lamp swings around and acts as a work lamp.

It's for taking shadow free photos and eliminates the need for the flash.  I got the tent on ebay for about $25.  The lamps, I also got on ebay, for $60 (both lamps) though they retail for twice that.  If you're interested in taking decent pictures, it's definitely worth the investment.

-Fred

I tried to include everything I do computer, games, TV, coffee and models. It's tough to be handicapped. Btw excuse the mess; it's how I work.

Dan

dante wrote:

I tried to include everything I do computer, games, TV, coffee and models. It's tough to be handicapped. Btw excuse the mess; it's how I work. Dan

To open up a little more space, get a TV card for your computer so it can do double duty. Then enclose the place where the TV sits as a place for a model or small diorama.

Looks good!

Well, it's not a 'dream' work space but, it's a dream in progress. We just moved and I got my own 'Cave'. It's about 16'x16'.

These are some 'Before' pics. I will try and post some, later in the week, of the 'In progress' pics.

I don't know how these boxes got in here. They are gunsmithing tools, reloading tools and supplies. But, hey they made it!

The bench and part of the stash.

Well, it's a start!!

chopperfan wrote:

Well, it's not a 'dream' work space but, it's a dream in progress. We just moved and I got my own 'Cave'. It's about 16'x16'. These are some 'Before' pics. I will try and post some, later in the week, of the 'In progress' pics. I don't know how these boxes got in here. They are gunsmithing tools, reloading tools and supplies. But, hey they made it! The bench and part of the stash. Well, it's a start!!

It's definitely got a lot of promise, Randie

Just draw a quick and dirty floor plan and some tables and furniture and see how it all fits together.

Looking forward to progress and completed pics. 

-Fred

 Looks like a good start to a hobby room...

Remember...first things first...set up the reloading equipment first.

You can build models whenever...priority #1 is the reloading setup. 

Im with 357SM - reloading first! Then models...

I have a dream of a big workspace but right now I just have a small room for my stuff. At least I am fortunate enough to have that. One of these days I'll have it though. (hopefully).

BTW all of these work spaces give me lots of ideas. 

Hey, I just came across this thread so I am jumping in: we were able to purchase a home recently and my first project was to build a guy's playroom: It is about 11 by 14 feet, plus I have a closet that goes under a staircase. My son gets a big corner for his HO trains and I get the rest of it for my models (as well as for my woodworking, electrical and repair shop, etc).   Wow it's like a dream come true!!! Not finished though... I built a new workbench with a formica top last week, put up lots of shelves... today I just painted the second shelf unit, and I still have lots of little details to finish...  All my modeling stuff has been packed up since September when we started the whole moving process, and I am looking forward to getting back into it. 

I live in a tropical climate so I don't have to worry about cold temperatures... but I do have to consider tropical storms and hurricanes!  One wall looks like it has some filtration problems when it rains hard against it.  

Steve

stevebrauning wrote:

I live in a tropical climate so I don't have to worry about cold temperatures... but I do have to consider tropical storms and hurricanes!  One wall looks like it has some filtration problems when it rains hard against it.   Steve

Good luck with those storms.

I would be afraid to commit to an area like that.

Mike

Dream!?, well, lets just say that it works for me, & once I get the paint booth hooked up to the window, I should be set.

 Bench worksurface is 6' x 2'

Do I have my dream work space??

The easy answer is NO.

But like the Ant I've got high hopes.

sf, Wow an Atari 2600 I haven't seen one of those in years I used to have Sear's version till 1989 when I had a house fire that pic. brought back some memories like tank pong lol.I have since slightly upgraded to an X-box 360 and PS 3 little bit better graphics but would still love to play them oldies lol. Cool room to by the way....

John

Well, I finished mine just last Sunday.  I've been working on it on and off for about a year.  I bought the cabinets unfinished from a home improvement liquidator and stained and varnished them myself.  The countertops are 3/4" underlayment with maple flooring.  The edge is made from stair nosing.  The wall mounted cabinets hold my reference books, the bottom cabinets for tools and such, and I've got space on the counter for my Gerstner.  Really proud of how the soffit (sp?) turned out above the wall cabinets.  I built the frame for the ads that I mounted to the soffit.  I'm given flags a lot for some reason so I decided to use them.  There's a 48 star American flag and genuine flown over the capital Texas flag!  When my alma mater changed their name to the Missouri University of Science and Technology they changed all of the signage and sold it on Ebay so I ended up with the sign for the building that I did all of my studying in.

 Hopefully, you all can see these pics - I'm new to this.

 later,

max

WOOHOO!  Figured this out! 

Enjoy,

max

jtrace214 wrote:

sf, Wow an Atari 2600 I haven't seen one of those in years I used to have Sear's version till 1989 when I had a house fire that pic. brought back some memories like tank pong lol.I have since slightly upgraded to an X-box 360 and PS 3 little bit better graphics but would still love to play them oldies lol. Cool room to by the way.... John

Karst451 wrote:

Well, I finished mine just last Sunday.  I've been working on it on and off for about a year.  I bought the cabinets unfinished from a home improvement liquidator and stained and varnished them myself.  The countertops are 3/4" underlayment with maple flooring.  The edge is made from stair nosing.  The wall mounted cabinets hold my reference books, the bottom cabinets for tools and such, and I've got space on the counter for my Gerstner.  Really proud of how the soffit (sp?) turned out above the wall cabinets.  I built the frame for the ads that I mounted to the soffit.  I'm given flags a lot for some reason so I decided to use them.  There's a 48 star American flag and genuine flown over the capital Texas flag!  When my alma mater changed their name to the Missouri University of Science and Technology they changed all of the signage and sold it on Ebay so I ended up with the sign for the building that I did all of my studying in.  Hopefully, you all can see these pics - I'm new to this.  later, max " border="0" />

 A fire right now would kill me I have over 700 1/24 scale Nascar diecasts( alot of Dale Sr.) his 1/4 scale engine,the crash car,sliver car etc.. stuff I couldn't easliy replace.I even have a diecast of his souvineir hauler that people signed,My name and two buddies are on the real one,we drove down to Rockingham and DEI the week after he died,great road trip I will always remember but was a sad time. Thats cool about the weekly gaming. The only reason I have a PS 3 is it fell off a truck and I got it for $100.00 Crack head ha no idea what he had<i got it when it first came out and was like 500.00 lol,plus I got him to throw in like 5 games lol.

John

Karst,that has to be one of the nicests (?) set ups I have seen,Can't wait to get my new bench finished I hate waiting on people with pick-ups(mine is off the road,wont pass inspection) the 4x8's I need wont fit in my tahoe..

John

Thanks, I'm pretty proud of it and thankfully I've got a very supportive wife 'cause I hate to think what over time I've spent on it.  Now I've just got to get back into building.  Soooo many models, soooo little time.

max

I can't say that it's my dream workspace, but it works, for the most part.

We moved in February, to a duplex closer to both of our work places. That cut our drive times in half, from 12 miles at least. She drives about 6, and I drive about 2.5. Yeah, she picked the place, but I got the benefit. LOL

When we moved, we both claimed a bedroom for our "offices" Mine has turned into a modeling/art room. So, I have put my computer on one side of my desk, and the computer on the other. And, then I have put some shelf units up and filled them with parts, kits, tools, etc.

Ultimately, I'd like to adjust a few things in the basement, where I have my "other" workspace...Yeah, I sucked up the useable half of the basement for my tools (I like to build furniture and stuff) and train. Of course, I think the train may come down again, since I don't have time for it right now....and I can use that space for more modeling stuff. LMAO

 Soon, I'll embark on another desk. I want to build one more before I tackle the one that my fiancee wants me to build for her. She VASTLY over estimates my building capabilities at this point. I am hoping to get more things figured out though, so we'll see how that goes.

 Came across this thread a few days ago and decided to post a pic or two or three, of my little corner of the modeling world.

 I have this room between the family room and back porch that at one time served as a bar room with the previous owner. We kept it as such and even remodeled the "bar". It looked great, but was only used once in a while when we had some kind of party or get together.

 About four years ago, I got back to the hobby, and used the bartop as my workspace. This went on 'till a year ago when we purchased a new computer. I figured to use the space of this room more effectively. So was born the family craft/computer/homework/modelling room.

 Started out with just the desk , which I built from scrap pieces of lumber in my workshop/garage. I've just updated my corner with the bulletin board, book shelves, an extra shelf unit next to the desk.

 Is it my dream work space ? No, not yet, maybe never . But it's comfy, and it works. It continues to be refined. The "I could put ????? in here, or ?????? over there". One day I'll have an air brush booth, plus other refinements. Right now, this is just great.

Yea just Came across this thread today and I know some of you have seen my space but I wanted to post for the people that have not. What can I say I LOVE my Space and want everyone to see it !

This is in a back room in my house.

Bud

Hey Dubau and daddy, those are cool spaces, very neat.  I really like the blue walls Dubau.  Mine is a basement hideaway.  Nowhere near as presentable to the public but it works and I don't have to worry about spilled paint and dropped parts are usually easy to find, again and again.

As I said, it's in the basement, so it's cool all year, and it's with the model supply, so it's very relaxing to be in and work.  So far it's working fine

DD

Very Cool tankboy51 and everyone else. Took my 9 years to get this room and everything I could want is in it....... well almost everything

Bud

Bud,

That is one sweet Man Cave my friend.

Thanks MikeV, Waited for this all my life and we movied in this house 9 or 10 years ago and this year I got MY ROOM !  

Now I just got 2 more prints of Corsairs and can't find a spot for then

Bud