Ideal size for a workbench?

[Curare]

Hi guys, this might be a bit of an odd question for some, but I'm currently setting up my workshop, as I've moved house.

What's brught this question on was a trip to see a modelling friend, a consumate builder, and what was noticeable was his workbenches: 3 island workbenches all about 50 x 30" equally spaced apart.

My current setup is a legacy of building pattern models, that as some of you know are usually 2m x 2m (78" x 78"). Accoridingly I built my bench to be 2m x 1m (78x 36).

I'm now wondering whether that's a the best use of space. It does make it nice to be able to bench trim a model on it, as nearly all of the aircraft can be referenced to the bench, but it is BIG!

What are your thoughts on the ideal workbench?

[Curare]

Oh yeah, I'm a big advocate for island benches wherever possible. I had the same bench in my last house pushed up against one wall, and found that any part of it that is up against a wall collects crap - tools, plans, kit boxes, you name it!

[Dennis Nunes]

I'm using my 2-car garage as my workshop with the ability to still park two cars in the garage. I have one workbench that is fixed against the wall that is 30" x 72".

I made a "moveable" workbench the same size that is on 3" lockable caster wheels that I can move to where ever I need it. The movable workbench is my "building" table and though not shown in the picture it now equipped with a 1/2" thick glass top. I also use a 30" x 72" folding table where my tabletop drill press, band saw and disc/belt sander sits.

To me one of the most overlooked part of a workshop is lighting. It seems that you never can have too much lighting. I just recently when through and replace all the florescent lighting with LED lighting. Boy what a nice difference!

Dennis

[Arlan McKee]

From a standpoint of both building airplanes and my professional work, you will not regret an island of any size on castors. Good castors are an investment, though.

[Roger_Pion]

I'm using my 2-car garage as my workshop with the ability to still park two cars in the garage. I have one workbench that is fixed against the wall that is 30" x 72".

I made a "moveable" workbench the same size that is on 3" lockable caster wheels that I can move to where ever I need it. The movable workbench is my "building" table and though not shown in the picture it now equipped with a 1/2" thick glass top. I also use a 30" x 72" folding table where my tabletop drill press, band saw and disc/belt sander sits.

To me one of the most overlooked part of a workshop is lighting. It seems that you never can have too much lighting. I just recently when through and replace all the florescent lighting with LED lighting. Boy what a nice difference!

Dennis

Hey Dennis, can you please post a pic of your folding table?  I need space for those same three tools and never even thought about a folding table...

[George Grossardt]

This thread is helpful.  We just moved to a new house and I am setting up my new shop. Bob Hunt has had articles on this topic that I thought were well done.  Thoughts and pictures are helpful.

[Dennis Nunes]

Hey Dennis, can you please post a pic of your folding table?  I need space for those same three tools and never even thought about a folding table...

Hi Roger,

Attached is a pictures of my folding table (in the background) that I use. I bought this one some 30 years ago. They are available at Home Depot, Lowes, Office Max, etc.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/72-in-Mahogany-Wood-Table-top-Material-Folding-Banquet-Tables-CGA-YT-21749-MA-HD/308688181


Dennis

[Roger_Pion]

Hi Roger,

Attached is a pictures of my folding table (in the background) that I use. I bought this one some 30 years ago. They are available at Home Depot, Lowes, Office Max, etc.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/72-in-Mahogany-Wood-Table-top-Material-Folding-Banquet-Tables-CGA-YT-21749-MA-HD/308688181


Dennis

So nothing fancy, just a simple folding table.  OK that looks like a good idea, thanks Dennis.  Hey, nice plane!