Suggestions for Workbench layout

bobolink · May 4, 2023

I am retired and have been learning watchmaking using my desk and a folding table....very bad but I wanted to be sure before I really dived in. Will I dived in with buying more than the basics. So I am committed.

I have an area in my office that is 12 feet wide that I am considering converting to the watch area. I can add tables, built in, watch repair desk, whatever and am looking for suggestions on how best to lay this out. For example do I build it all higher than a normal table? Do I get a watch repair desk and put it in the middle with tables on both sides? do I do a regular long table and get a table top watch repair piece?

I will be getting a microscope which is what has held me up in doing certain things. I have a Boley F1 I am practicing on but that will remain in the basement because of the filings flying around. I also have a L&R Master that I rebuilt to almost new and an ultrasonic that I will put in the new area I create.

Any thoughts and help is appreciated, even pics would be awesome.

Thanks,

Bob

rossjackson01 · May 4, 2023

bobolink

Jealousy. Jealousy. Oops, must stop singing. I have 5'x3' table in our study on which I have my stock draws, case holders, computer, printer and screen. Then I have my tweezer, screwdrivers and timegrapher. I use a plastic box to work in so that I can stop most pings'. My bride has the adjoining one for her craft which has her tools sewing machine and computer and screen. Oh! And the room is carpeted.

What, me jealous of your 12' wide area. Jealousy, jealousy. Must stop listening to Billy Fury.

Edited May 4, 2023 by rossjackson01

GuyMontag · May 4, 2023

Mark has a weekly "Show us your bench" thread on the WRT Facebook page, you might want to check that out for some ideas. You may want to consider putting the L&R in the basement as well if you will be using solvent based cleaners depending on ventilation on both areas.

Edited May 4, 2023 by GuyMontag

oldhippy · May 4, 2023

If you have a window at a decent level in the room arrange your work bench to that. Don't have carpet on the floor, a light colour flooring is best. Make sure the walls are light in colour, Your bench need to be high so that you do not have to sit hunched over when repairing, an adjustable comfortable seat is a must. A good bench light make sure it doesn't cast a shadow over the work space. Try to arrange things such as tools around you so you do not have to keep getting up. Have something like wood beading around your bench to stop stuff from rolling off. You will need plenty of power sockets so try and keep the wiring out of the way. The more light you have the better. If you are going to clean watches/clocks in the room make sure you have good ventilation. This hopefully will help you. One last thing no matter how big your workshop is it will never be big enough.