Work Bench CLUTTER Must Go

[norgale]

This work bench is overflowing with all my treasures that I use to build boats. The bench is 6 feet long and can go another 6 inches max and 24 inches wide.
I'm thinking of putting a sheet of half inch plywood across the window which I never use anyway and putting a shelf across that at one foot high and two feet high with a top shelf at three feet for stuff I don't use so often.
I like the way Charlie Eaton has all his stuff in plastic boxes and labels on the outside so he knows what is where. I need to get my power strip up off the floor and a place to hang the Dremel and the electric screwdriver and the soldering iron. I also want to have a series of tubes to hold the wood sticks I have and all the stuff that's on the chair to the left.
I am open to all suggestions short of setting fire to the whole darned mess. That would put me in the woods and it's too hot for camping out.
So what works well for you at your work bench? Pete

[jeepers1940]

Don't know what to recommend about your workbench, Pete, but your yatch-it is looking mighty good.

[norgale]

Thanks Jeeps but that's another problem,nowhere to put it when it's finished. I'm gonna have to rent another storage unit just for my boats. Pete

[Schrott]

Norgales, in our area Sams Club has some outstanding workbenches and shelve systems. I use them in my heavy duty shop ( jump building and truck repair ) as kitchen furniture and were I do my model building.

The stuff is extremly strong, surprisingly well built, looks good and considering the quality rather cheap.

A workbench with a 2 inch hardwood plate, 150, industrialshelving system around 150, just bought a workbench cart with drawers top plate for 140.

First class stuf.

I use the industrial shelving in my business, all steel, powder coated or crome, wire type shelves, hold up to 1 ton, around 120.

gue

[woodybob]

Looks like it's time to clean up after yourself big-boy. Amazing what space you'd end up with. A new bigger bench, would just get more cluttered. Ha.

[Kmot]

Actually, I see tons of room on there still. :p

[Aerominded]

A new bigger bench, would just get more cluttered. Ha.

Too true!!! when I got my new workbench a few years ago, it was a big improvement over the last one... thought I was in boat building heaven... didn't take long for the new one to get totally cluttered too! :o

Charlie definitly has the right idea... drawer type storage bins and cabnets to store the bigger stuff makes a huge difference for organizing the small stuff that adds up to clutter... I see room there in your shop/workbench for some of those... :)

[Habanero]

CaptLee uses a hospital bedside table. Not a lot of space but you can easily adjust the height.

[Aerominded]

That looks like a great solution!

you might have a look at Rockler... they sell table kits with steel frames that you can make nearly any size... a small 'bar' type table that you can move out of the way when not in use could be good too!

[ropanach]

norgate:

Here are a few work benches, to look at they are all cluttered, so it all depends on how much clutter you need too get the project done.

The first work bench I use for electronics, sorldering, etc. and painting.
The second work bench I use for glueing and fitting of parts.
The third work bench I use for cutting out parts fitting glueing, actuly most every thing. I use the core door because I cut through it, drill through it, when it gets to bad I flip it over and use up the other side, throw it away and get another one for cheep.

Hope this helps?

[fooman2008]

guy I bought our place from has a dining room buffet cabinet that will be my work bench when I finally start to get something done. 12 feet long and about three deep just at waist height perfect. I would see if someone is doing a tearout of a kitchen or bath (do not suggest this to the boss or you will spend the next 6 months doing that and not building!) and see if they will give you the cabinets, another thought is talk to some of the local cabinet shops seems like they always have one or two that are orphans (hinged wrong, missmeasured, etc.) see if they will part with them. Also try Cragslist a lot of that kind of stuff is free just for them to get rid of it.
Foo

[tghsmith]

used cabinates, check if you have a habitat for humanity store by you they can some great deals... mount them on a 2x4 base and add casters and a top. (used kitchen counters work well or 3/4 ply with a sacrifial 1/8 top)

[norgale]

I like the #1 bench in Ropanach's answer. That looks good and makes sense too. I only have six feet to work with and no money to speak of so I'll have to do some serious looking around.
No construction here right now so no scrap stuff laying around.I could use the existing counter top and remove the legs from it so two cabinets would fit under each end. Have to leave room under the middle for the dog. That's her favorite place to snooze as it's the one place I can't accidently step on her.This R/V is too small. Also that area where the bench is is a slide-out and has to be able to move in and out. I'd like to throw the couch out and then make the bench 13 feet long but then I'd lose my TV watching spot and that won't do at all. Gettin' some good ideas now. Pete

[toesup]

Thats NOT clutter Norgale...:p

THIS is clutter...
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1467469

[capt. spauldin]

Norgale:

What clutter? I see no clutter in your photos. I see the outward signs of the creative process. "From the clutter of the workbench emerges the order of the boat." Or something like that. :) (Try that on the wife/s.o.)

Cheers,
Capt. Spaulding

[der kapitan]

If you build things, there will be clutter in your shop. It's not supposed to be a neat and tidy showcase for your tools. ;)

If you need more room, put up a quickie workbench, using two small refrigerators, supporting a flush door---. :)

And don't forget to stock the fridges with adult beverages---. :D

Problem solved---. :p

[norgale]

Ahhh Kapitan you are talking my language except that I had to quit the adult beverges many years ago. However cokes will do just as well and some ice cream or cookies would be nice too.
Today I have started packing up all the stuff that's on the bench. I'm only about half done with that but already I can see where I have a lot more room than I thought.
There is also room for an "el" to the left that always had a chair in it. You know it's amazing how much stuff that gets accumulated around the building bench. I guess if you don't have a mess then your not doing any work. Makes sense to me. Pete

[frankg]

:) I try and keep my shop nice and clean the way the little woman would have it all the time, BUT WHEN THE BUILD STARTS, all bets are OFF until the build is finished. And GOD forbid if any one decides to clean before the build is finished, heads will roll. The sign on my shop door "NO WOMAN ALLOWED".

Point of interest; Even in what I call controlled clutter, I know where everything is , even if it buried under a pile of wood chips and sanding dust, but to take the time to clean during the build for anything less than to be able to see the model you are working on, you will surely lose pieces that you will never find again until you finish making the part over. :)

[der kapitan]

My shop is always cluttered, because there's always something being built, be it a hull, a master ot a mold. A mess is the natural order of things in there---. :o

Unlike Rich, my wife is allowed to come into my shop if she wants to, but almost always declines to do so. ;)

Maybe it's the fumes, or she's afraid that something will jump out and bite her---? :D

[woodybob]

A glass of wine & the elusive Mr. Darby. Looks like a well laid out shop.

[der kapitan]

A glass of wine & the elusive Mr. Darby. Looks like a well laid out shop.
You have a sharp eye for small details Woodybob---. ;)

Caught me sipping---. :o

The shop almost has to be well laid out, it's only 12' x 12'---. :p

[Habanero]

Thats NOT clutter Norgale...:p

THIS is clutter...
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1467469Got me beat- but just barely.

[frankg]

:) HABANEERO- Looks to be another JIM WILDER II in the works on your bench. You should post a build of the kit on the forum. The kit’s subject matter i.e.(gas powered tug) was off the mark for Midwest Products, but the hull was dead on for a period steam powered tug. Great kit for someone wanting to get started in plank on frame with really great instructions, a Midwest Products kit strong point.
:)

[norgale]

FrankG your right about there being something going on all the time. Only problem with that is that eventually the accumulating STUFF around my bench forces me out of the picture. It's like the STUFF is alive and always expanding taking over the whole area little by little. So now it's time to wipe the STUFF out and start over.
der Kapitan cracks me up. 12 x12? I would kill for that much space for a shop. Good thing I don't have a wife as I wouldn't have a shop at all being as how mine is in the living room. No wife would stand for that.
Habanero's bench is even smaller than mine and out in the garage no less. No A/C there I'll bet. There is some interesting clutter there like the remains of an electric airplane along with the boat superstructure under construction.
We've had threads on "your workshop" before and it's amazing where the will to construct a model takes you. If your a model builder of any kind you WILL find a place to build that model. As a kid I worked in our attic,legs hanging through the scuttle and building stick planes on a piece of board three feet long by eight inches wide. It worked too. Pete

[der kapitan]

Habanero's workspace has one really recognizeable item on it---. ;)

A jumbo Swiss Army knife, complete with corkscrew, saw, scissors, nail file, pliers, magnifier, pen, toothpick, screwdrivers, tweezers, etc. Even has a few knife blades---. :)

It's a little beat up, but I've had mine since buying it at the PX in Saigon back in the '60's---. :D

[Schrott]

The problem with the clutter, it does not matter how big a shop is, I can clutter it in no time. I do my model stuff in the house on the dining table, which is a actual workbench, I just have enough room left for a beer and a plate.

I got a shop for my equipment repairs and my jump building, it is rather large, 20 feet by 40 feet and when I built it I thought I would have plenty of room, wrong, took one repair job and all that was left was a narrow trail to the toolboxes.
Took two days to sort it out afterwards
Pete a very cheap way to store things are those cardboard boxes for files, some are top loaders and some are built as drawers, or those clear plastic boxes that the china outlet sells.

gue

[Habanero]

>:) HABANEERO- Looks to be another JIM WILDER II in the works on your bench. You should post a build of the kit on the forum.<
:) I considered it but because it was my first build I wasn't entirely sure I would finish it :o but also ropanach (sp?) already did an excellent thread on it. I'm finishing it up now I'll get some quick pics of it on the water before she plummets to the bottom :p

And norgale I live in the Bay Area so heat's not a problem maybe in a couple months it will be.

[Habanero]

Habanero's workspace has one really recognizeable item on it---. ;)

A jumbo Swiss Army knife, complete with corkscrew, saw, scissors, nail file, pliers, magnifier, pen, toothpick, screwdrivers, tweezers, etc. Even has a few knife blades---. :)

It's a little beat up, but I've had mine since buying it at the PX in Saigon back in the '60's---. :DYeah I've had that thing for over 20 years and somehow have managed not to lose it. The pen and tweezers are long gone tho.

[charlie eaton]

PETE, If it's not cluttered, you just ain't doin your job rite. (A.G- MINE Speakeasy- graphixman's)

[norgale]

Looks like some unfinished business on the bench there Charlie. Can Sam finish it up for ya? Whats those things on the wall to the left?
So all my STUFF is gone off the bench and look at all the room I found. Found a lot of dust and cobwebs too but that's an easy cleanup with the vac. So now to decide what to do to organize this thing.

[Jerome Morris]

Charlie, look like the your cat maybe trying to tell you to get that fishing boat built so I can have some fish to eat.

[Kmot]

Oh no! You didn't! :eek:

[charlie eaton]

PETE,You are officialy disowned!!!!!! My God! a clean workbench yuk!!

That's graphixman's bag, nothing is sacred from Sam.

[Aerominded]

My God! a clean workbench yuk!!



Totally! I think Norgale has broken some kind of law or model boat builder code! :mad: Kindly turn in your membership card, Norgale! After you have re-cluttered your workbench, we may consider allowing you back in the club! :mad: :p

[Schrott]

Norgale, now you have to start with the esentials.

First for the domestic peace, determ the place for your 4 legged Lady, most important, she needs to be in the way.

second a very good place for the ashtray, not to far away, easy reach, ergonomicly well placed.

third you need a can or glass holder for you unadultarated beverage, spill proof, insulated.

[norgale]

Awww Geeee! I been breaking laws all my life but this was unexpected. When Charlie disowns ya you are really in trouble. PLEASE don't take my membership card away. If I can't get to this forum everyday then life isn't worth living. Well almost. Ha!
Lord knows I'm sorry for the clean work bench guys so here is the new work bench. I can mess it up some more ifen ya want. Ha!
I'm looking for a long skinny plasma TV for right in front of me. Pete

[Kmot]

Okay, that looks better. You get a reprieve. :p

[Aerominded]

Much better! You can have your membership card back... but let this be a lesson, mister... :mad: :p

[norgale]

Gee thanks guys. :D

[der kapitan]

Norgale, is that an original bakelite-cased Dremel tool sitting on the right side of your bench? If so, that's gotta be an antique---.

[Kmot]

Norgale is an antique too! :p

[charlie eaton]

Norgale is an antique too! :p

Oh Balderdash!!!! You beat me to it!!!!! :p

[norgale]

Hahahahahahahaha! What a bunch of funny guys. 3000 comedians out of work-----.
I don't know if it's bakalite or not Kapitan but it is pretty old. The front bearings are almost totally shot but it keeps on turning so I keep using it. It's at least twenty years old by now.
Looky hea to ma mo betta clutta.

[Habanero]

lol

[ropanach]

norgale:
Nice job looks like you got every thing where you won't it to be.

[norgale]

Long way to go yet before I can start building again. I needed a break from the Athena anyway. get some more done tomorrow. pete

[MILLERTIME]

That's more better!!!

[jeepers1940]

A lot more gooder, Pete!

[der kapitan]

I don't know if it's bakalite or not Kapitan but it is pretty old. The front bearings are almost totally shot but it keeps on turning so I keep using it. It's at least twenty years old by now.
.
About 6 1/2" long, one speed, external brush caps---, yup, got one in perfect working order---. My dad got it for me in 1966. :)

You can probably still get replacement parts---. ;)

[norgale]

Kapitan that pretty well describes the one I have. It needs new brushes too. Do you think I can still get the parts for this old a tool? Pete

[pick013]

That old Dremel is probably a lot better made than my new battery powered one.......mine has no torque. I'm going back to my older corded unit.

[norgale]

Oh yes. It has plenty of torque. Hardly even slows down under hard pressure. Be a great motor in a boat if you could change the voltage. Pete

[Kmot]

http://www.dremel.com/en-us/AttachmentsAndAccessories/Pages/AttachmentsDetail.aspx?pid=90930

[norgale]

http://www.dremel.com/en-us/AttachmentsAndAccessories/Pages/AttachmentsDetail.aspx?pid=90930
my model number is 270-5,the link above starts at 275. I'll mess with this later. Too much else to do right now. Besides the thing still runs after I reversed the brushes. Pete

[der kapitan]

Kapitan that pretty well describes the one I have. It needs new brushes too. Do you think I can still get the parts for this old a tool? Pete
Norgale, yours is slightly different in the body, in that mine lacks the vent slots at the rear, and has no label. But the tool head is the same. :)

You should be able to get replacement brushes pretty easily. Not sure on bearings, but you may get lucky there too---. ;)

On a long shot, try Sears for parts, as they carry a rotary tool built by Dremel---.

[RC-Archer]

My workbench. Everything I need and a TV too.

[JerryTodd]

I put wheels on my building board/table. I hope the boat moves as much after she's launched as she's been moved about the shop now!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF7EgoYJAqc

[norgale]

My workbench. Everything I need and a TV too.

Now we are getting to the worlds smallest work bench. Guess I'd better quit complaining. The dog is a great idea. Cats will get right into whatever your doing big time. Good one Archer.

Way togo Jerry, That's really clever. Pete

[norgale]

Norgale ship yard open for business.

[BigDutch]

I sort stuff in large freezer bags that have zip lock tops and are clear. The bags then go into file cabinet drawers. File cabinets are cheap at used office furniture places and frequently come in many styles. I have a wide 2 drawer lowboy on big castors that I use for tools. Cost? Zip? I dumpster dive routinely. Work bench is a throwaway formica counter 30 inches by 10 feet from a business renovation. It sits on concrete blocks outside of and inline with the end of my shed. Doors open, boats go out for working on and at end of day its back into the shed.

[pops52]

Nice job on the retracts JerryTodd!

Norgale your back in operation with a tidy bench. (clicks stopwatch)

The great looking tidiness just doesn't last long enough. :)

[mxz70017]

I see the Andrea Gail box Is out..I see It sitting next to Freds Bag with Sam on top of It all!!!!Did you start It by chance???Or just out looking....

[norgale]

http://s242.photobucket.com/albums/ff287/norgale/?action=view&current=Shed001.flv