|
Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
Workshop Design?
Workshop Design?
Page:
1
HarpNinja
950 posts
Jan 10, 2011
6:59 AM
|
My wife and I are finishing off the lowest level of our house (which is actually like a second basement with a second medium sized family room, full-sized bedroom, storage room, and utility room). The layout of our house is sorta weird in that it has two split levels, or four total levels.
Anyways, my current work area is spread out through our basement (the already finished one). In February, I will be able to take over the whole family room in the lowest level of the house (that will be sheetrocked next week).
I have plenty of room available for harmonica tech work, but need some inspiration for how to set things up. I'd be interested in any pictures of work areas for harmonica or other generally small hobbies/jobs.
I have all my tools, standing toolbox, light box, small drill press, desktop magnifier, lights, etc...I am just not sure how to best organize everything for what would be a relatively small workshop.
My initial thought was two tables instead of the one I use now. That would let me use smaller storage containers right on the desktop...I can also install shelves above the tables. One table can be setup for all the intricate work, while the other would be where I would flat sand, drill, etc.
In theory, I should be able to leave any large tools (like the drill press) out and ready to use. I can also leave most my small tools laid out as well.
My kids would never have any reason to be down there, and guests staying the night would use a totally different room. The main goal is easy access. I do not want to have to set-up and tear down every time I do something like I have to now.
The room is good sized and I should have enough space for a couch and tv/entertainment center. Eventually - many years down the road - I am sure my son will take over the guest room and we will want my area to be a lounge for the kids and their friends, but by then I should have a heated garage (MN is cold!), and access to a bedroom for a workspace.
Thanks!
----------
Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
|
toddlgreene
2447 posts
Jan 10, 2011
7:16 AM
|
One important consideration, Mike, since you know you'll be running power tools down there, is to set aside a separate circuit if at all possible for that room.
I'm jealous of folks with extra room in their homes for a workshop!
----------
Todd L. Greene, Codger-in-training
|
ncpacemaker
80 posts
Jan 10, 2011
7:27 AM
|
Hang on while I get out my slide ruler. :-)
----------
My YouTube Channel
|
HarpNinja
951 posts
Jan 10, 2011
8:16 AM
|
I should be covered there...or at least it appears that way. The box for the house is actually in the same area.
Someone sent me a pic of their mic modding shop, but I can't find the email from this fall. Gr!
Currently, I have a small workdesk with enough space to store all my small tools (up to Dremel size). I have my light source out and magnifier all the time.
Otherwise, all my other stuff is in a large walk on closet in a different room. Anything large, is stored in the garage.
If I want to use my lightbox, for example, I have to go into a different room and get it (where I have shelves and containers for everything). Then I have to put it away or I won't have space to work. Really, it works, but if I am going to have the room, I might as well make it efficient.
I'll probably get fat not having to burn the calories to do everything, but it seems like a lot of wasted time with the current format.
----------
Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
|
toddlgreene
2448 posts
Jan 10, 2011
8:25 AM
|
As far as a good work table goes, and for size-planning purposes, if you happen to find an old manual drafting table(Hamilton made nice ones), you'll have a true surface to work on. It was a thick-ply wood top with steel rods throughout, and usually sat on a steel frame, hinged towards the front, and you could use it flat or pitched(ideal for drafting). The resilient green rubber covers made for them were great as well. I belive the dimensions were 3' deep by 6' wide. Most older engineering/design/drafting firms may still have some stored away, since CAD programs are now the norm. I had one and sold it, and regret it-it was the ultimate work table. You could also clamp vises, etc. to it. Just a thought.
----------
Todd L. Greene, Codger-in-training
Last Edited by on Jan 10, 2011 8:47 AM
|
nacoran
3616 posts
Jan 10, 2011
8:44 AM
|
Just make sure you leave room for the laser-shark tank. A trained shark with a laser can be invaluable for laser cutting reeds and combs!
----------
Nate
Facebook
Thread Organizer (A list of all sorts of useful threads)
|
toddlgreene
2449 posts
Jan 10, 2011
9:03 AM
|
For the sake of ergonomics, since you have total control of the design of this space, try to mount storage shelves/cabinets about standing torso level, to avoid reaching up/down as much as possible. If you can score some blemished or second-hand cabinets with roll-out shelves, or even a corner unit with a lazy susan, than would be a great convenience. I used to have a workshop with some old cabinets that had roll-out shelves, and the lids of baby food jars and other small glass jars were screwed underneath the shelf, and the jars were great for holding small pieces. Just screw them right into the lid, and they were clear so you could see the contents. This would probably be great for your harp work with reeds, rivets, tiny screws, etc.
----------
Todd L. Greene, Codger-in-training
Last Edited by on Jan 10, 2011 9:03 AM
|
nacoran
3619 posts
Jan 10, 2011
9:30 AM
|
Lots of lighting! You can get fancy stuff that slides, or you can just get a lamp that can hang from a hook that you can move around for extra light.
Have you seen those kits for 3D printing? I don't know if the quality is there yet, but it might be worth looking into.
----------
Nate
Facebook
Thread Organizer (A list of all sorts of useful threads)
|
HarpNinja
952 posts
Jan 10, 2011
10:13 AM
|
Lighting for sure...not sure the best way to attack that, but it will for sure be something on a stand, or such. I though about drilling into the ceiling, but then if I ever move location...
I actually have been looking at scrapbook rooms (mother-in-law owns a store). There is a huge overlap with harp...lots of small pieces and small tools. I like the idea of putting the shelves in easy to reach spaces - which is often how it is done in scrapbook rooms.
My wife actually has a desk, which for some reason I don't want to use, that would be a good fit, and she I could have it. It is large enough to have all the basics out. I then have a table I can use for power tools, etc, already down there. The scarpbook desk is deep and has shelves already built in.
I think it is wide enough to have my work mat, light box, and flat sanding area all permanently laid out.
I guess the con is it is made of particle board and not very tough looking, lol. It just seems like it would get beat up...but if I covered the desktop with something....and I have clear plastic containers that would fit on the shelves...it would be perfect for securing a lamp too...dammit! I am going to end up using it.
That'll be a few bucks saved...which means a nice TV mounted on the wall. ;)
----------
Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
|
nacoran
3620 posts
Jan 10, 2011
10:40 AM
|
If you get one of those shop lamps with a S-hook you could just put plant hooks in the ceiling to hang from. (That's fairly typical in garages.) Shelving with adjustable height shelves also have holes that could be used to hook a light to.
A small light table surface might be useful for checking embossing. It would only have to be a little bigger than a reed plate. If it was tempered glass you might even be able to do the embossing right on it.
A small parts table with a high lip and the ability to slide around might be useful. Magnets on a stick to find those nails when they fall!
You might want to think about the acoustics too, so when you've got the harp all perfect you don't have to go into the next room to test it.
Old type set drawers might be useful for keeping old reeds in.
----------
Nate
Facebook
Thread Organizer (A list of all sorts of useful threads)
|
toddlgreene
2451 posts
Jan 10, 2011
11:05 AM
|
Don't forget the important stuff(you already mentioned the TV): a beer fridge and proper signage, such as this:
----------
Todd L. Greene, Codger-in-training
|
HarpNinja
953 posts
Jan 10, 2011
11:07 AM
|
I am having lava rock insulation put in to help dampen any sound in the ceiling and interior wall (everything else is an outer wall and already insulated). I don't think the other ceiling is insulated between the other two levels and I wish it was.
For embossing, I actually use a lightbox...it has a nice tray already on it for small tools and you can have it angled. Pretty sweet. I think mine is 10x12" or so. I found mine on Amazon. But yeah, I need a big magnet. I have been lucky so far and have only ever lost one screw.
I got what I thought was a sweet shop light that let me use it on a table or with an attachment that had a clip. It burnt out in less than three hours use and I've gone back to a more typical lamp and haven't upgraded again. My magnifier has a light already on it, but I might even go out today and look at lighting.
----------
Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
|
toddlgreene
2452 posts
Jan 10, 2011
11:12 AM
|
There's such a thing as too much light-somewhere I have seen a chart that lists lighting for work spaces in lumens...it gets technical, but we've all been in such a place-so bright, there's a glare.
----------
Todd L. Greene, Codger-in-training
Last Edited by on Jan 10, 2011 11:14 AM
|
clamsharpplayer
42 posts
Jan 10, 2011
11:43 AM
|
This might seem wacky but try googling dental laboratory work stations. Nevin, or Kavo are really good companies with expensive benches. They have modular designs that a clever guy like yourself could imitate with less expensive materials.I have built many a workbench in my day and would be happy to talk with you about it. my email is in my profile.
Sean M.
----------
get off the computer and play some harp
|
LeonStagg
244 posts
Jan 10, 2011
7:16 PM
|
You could finish the surface of your wife's particle-board desk with an inexpensive piece of laminate. Just use a good contact cement, cut the piece of laminate large enough to overhang each edge,then roll it down with a roller. After it dries, use a router to flush up each edge, it will look just like a pro did it.
Good luck!
|
Post a Message
|
