Lab Benches

[SteveChandler]

We are looking at replacing our small benches in the lab with good ones with reconfigurable shelves. Right now our lab is somewhat disorganized. When you google "lab bench" there are a bazillion results.

I am looking for pointers. What kind of benches do you have?  What kind of bench would you have if you could have any one you wanted? The kinds of equipment that we use is pretty standard. Oscilloscope, multimeter, power supply, a couple of computers, a toolbox, etc.

Also if you wouldn't mind showing off pictures of your highly functional and organized labs that would be appreciated

[johnsold]

In my basement lab (work at home) I have a porcelain on steel kitchen table (a hand-me-down from my mother 30 years ago). It is non-conductive (electrically), withstands occasional soldering iron contact, but does not react well to impact.  Organization follows the "File everything under M for Miscellaneous" protocol.

Put this one in the "don't do it that way" category.

Lynn

[Ben]

Since I wire for hire, my hardware comes and goes quickly. Today I slid out a desk draware and dropped a shelf form a 19 inch rack mount... instant bench.

my real lab is boring benches.

Sorry but I am of no help here.

Ben

[SnowMule]

wait... functional AND organized???

It's either functional or organized here. *I* know where everything on my bench is...

[crossrulz]

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@SnowMule wrote:
wait... functional AND organized??? 

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The benches I was used to was neither.  I cleaned what I could, but nobody else would put anything back.

[Ben]

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@crossrulz wrote:

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@SnowMule wrote:
wait... functional AND organized??? 

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The benches I was used to was neither.  I cleaned what I could, but nobody else would put anything back.

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As was my case as well. Past tense because I bought a roll-around cabinet and sorted all of the tools and labeled all of the drawers. Now my buddy knows WHERE to put things back and he does it.

It only took me about 20 years.

Recomendations for benches:

the best i ever saw was in governement labs (so think pricy!) but they were nice to work at. everything was adjustable built-in lighting and power strips. Even erogonic area for track-balling. I do not know the mfg but look for the adjustable options and think ahead. If you are going to do it, do it right.

ben

[SteveChandler]

That's what I'm looking for Ben, not necessarily what you have but more on recommendations for what the ideal setup is. At home I have a solid door on two file cabinets. Cheap, sturdy and lot's of space. Plus there is a big hole for power cords!

But we have a pretty good budget for an upgrade here at work.

[Wayne.C]

Steve,

Been using Sturdilite benches from Kewaunee for over 15 years now.   Love being able to set the cRIO next to my pc and test equipment on top shelf.

Sorry, but I'm NOT organized right now.

[SteveChandler]

Those are similar to what I want to replace. I am leaning towards something like these http://www.iacindustries.com/workstation/dimension-4-ergonomic-workstation-1-1/

[Wayne.C]

I'm pretty sure we use those benches in our electronics production facility for line benches.  Only problem I've seen is when an adjustable shelf isn't properly tightened down.  You could always build your own.