Building a workspace

[shponglefan]

Currently I lack a dedicated miniature assembling/painting area. I'm using a bench I originally built for working with electronics, but it's problematic since I don't really have space for all the odd's and ends I am accumulating (mainly paint).

I'm thinking about dedicating another area and building a proper bench, shelving, etc. But I want to get some feedback on what people currently use, how much space they need, shelving/storage ideas, etc.

In terms of the bench itself, I'm currently aiming for a 60" wide by 30" deep by 40" high bench (the height is to allow both standing and sitting). And I'm thinking thin shelves for the wall above the bench for paints, and probably some pegboard to hold other materials. Beyond that, not entirely sure what I'll need or what would be entirely ideal.

thoughts?

 

[flashmanfe]

What's your budget?
My computer/painting area consists of 2 kitchen base cabinets and 3 wall cabinets with a hollow core door for a desk top from local DIY center. Probably cost just under $500. I was remodeling the room anyway and decided to treat myself. Lots of storage and looks very nice and professional, when it's not crapped up.

 

[shponglefan]

No real budget, as I already have a lot of materials I can use (i.e. lumber, etc). I should also mention this is going in the unfinished portion of my basement, so appearance is not a concern. It's strictly utilitarian.

 

[Bailey03]

I remembered this thread from a while ago. It's just a bunch of people's painting areas. You might find some useful ideas there
http://www.coolminiornot.com/forums/showthread.php?51443-Your-Painting-Area!

 

[Zab]

Just make sure the table is high enough you can rest your elbows on it for stability and keep your back straight so you don't cramp up. Your average desk and a few shelves or cabinets will be a good start but there is not stopping the overflow and creep of hobby stuffs. Just restored my basement and did an upgrade to the hobby room with a little purge, but the order won't last. I never does.:disapointed:

 

[kinaisan]

My Brother in Law custom built me my staging area but the actual painting area ((We are gonna put a air duct for sprays and such)) is yet to be constructed. He put sliders for jugs and pots to be held, a drink holder, lighting and a magnifying glass that unfurls from the 2nd tier. Well did til I broke that part moving.

 

[Dragonsreach]

Please remember the golden rule of painting/modelling:
Your workspace is destined to become buried under 20 inches of incomplete models, 62 times more paint bottles than you'll ever need and the vital component you need to complete THAT AWARD WINNING COMPETITION entry is in there somewhere.

 

[airhead]

easy workbench:
Two 2-drawer files (cheap - especially second hand)
Then off to find an interior door in the 2-0 to 2-6 range. A blem is ok as you can put that side down. Often the home supply has one that somehow has a hole on one side (forklift idiots) that they will let go cheap.
Instant workbench.

Used to use these for building model airplanes as the T-pins could be pushed into the door skin to hold parts.

 

[kinaisan]

Please remember the golden rule of painting/modelling:
Your workspace is destined to become buried under 20 inches of incomplete models, 62 times more paint bottles than you'll ever need and the vital component you need to complete THAT AWARD WINNING COMPETITION entry is in there somewhere.

I'd sooner have too much than not enough. Of course this might be why My tubs are overflowing with bits, pieces, and half done models. My only trouble lies in the painting. I suck at the fine detail :beerwave:

 

[shponglefan]

I remembered this thread from a while ago. It's just a bunch of people's painting areas. You might find some useful ideas there
http://www.coolminiornot.com/forums/showthread.php?51443-Your-Painting-Area!

Thanks for that link! I'd been searching for examples of work areas and somehow missed that thread.

Interesting that some people have very small work spaces and others have giant ones!

 

[shponglefan]

Please remember the golden rule of painting/modelling:
Your workspace is destined to become buried under 20 inches of incomplete models, 62 times more paint bottles than you'll ever need and the vital component you need to complete THAT AWARD WINNING COMPETITION entry is in there somewhere.

:rotfl:

Very true! In fact, I'm now thinking I may go with a 6 or 7 foot wide bench instead of the original 5 feet.

 

[Zab]

It's not the size of your desk - it's how you use it :silly:

 

[shponglefan]

Started on the new bench. Surface area is going to be 7 feet x 30 inches. Should hopefully be enough space to last for a little while at least. Plan is to put a couple shelves underneath the tabletop, then build out storage for paints, etc on the wall.

One thing I haven't decided on is surface finishing. I'm thinking probably laminate, although I'll likely have to order it.

View attachment 22596

I can't wait to get the new one done. It will be a relief to be able to reclaim my electronics bench and get back to working on some electronics again.

View attachment 22597

 

[Dragonsreach]

Can I make a suggestion; make sure you have an area which is sunken below the rest of the top where you can cut pieces in.
That way less chance of stuff going "Ping" and wasting 20 minutes scuffing round the floor only to find it via an unshod foot or worse hit the devoted dog beside you. (BTDT.....oooops)

 

[shponglefan]

^ Heh, that's something I've done many times.

I have been thinking about ways to minimize dropped pieces. I'm not quite sure how I could do a sunken area, given the cross support that's near the front of the bench. I was thinking putting raised "walls" on the sides to prevent stuff from rolling or scooting off there. For the front, maybe a small raised lip ala a counter top? Wouldn't keep thinking from being shot off the bench, but might keep things from rolling at least (I always seem to lose paintbrushes that way).

 

[shponglefan]

Basic bench done. Not the prettiest, but it serves its purpose. Tomorrow will be adding more lighting and starting on some paint/tool/etc storage shelves.

View attachment 22614

 

[shponglefan]

Got some initial shelving + pegboard up this weekend. Going to build another thinner shelf down the left side, then maybe a cabinet to finish off the wall storage.

Boy will it will be nice to get this finished and get back to painting minis!

View attachment 22716

 

[RuneBrush]

Wall based paint rack is something I really need to sort :s Like what you've done so far - you need a bigger cutting mat though Kitchen roll holder is actually a useful thing to have too, means it's not taking up desk space and you can just grab and pull for those panic spills.

 

[shponglefan]

A bigger cutting mat?? But I was told that size doesn't matter...? :doh!:

A kitchen roller is something I've considered... just not sure where to put at this point though.

At any rate, here's a current pic with additional shelving and lots more clutter

View attachment 22924

 

[timewizard]

That is really looking incredible!

I have been wanting you upgrade my current setup and you have given me some great ideas.

I used pegboard in my workshop in the garage but TBH never thought to use it in my modeling room until now.

Glad I decided to follow your progress. Can't wait to see more.