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Workbenches
are so varied, there are probably a million different kinds people
use. It usually breaks down to two kinds.
The
indoor desk: This is a model work area that's probably inside
the house, maybe a bedroom.
That's a bench that's usually much
neater for visiting guests, and a closet may be used for storage.
These typically use quality desks and furniture, meaning, they
won't likely be made out of old pallets and a 55 gallon drum.
If you live in an apartment, especially in the city, where you
can't modify any of the structure, chances are, you have a nice
model desk to work from. These are model desks that usually allow
you to be in a sitting position with a chair.
The
"outdoor" desk: This is usually in the garage (as mine
is), in a basement, or out in a shed separate from the house.
Anthing goes here, and modelers will make a desk, or bench, out
of whatever materials might be on hand. Most of the benches I
have seen in these locations are higher, and use a stool, and
/ or allow you to stand while modeling (as mine is).
Some are
lower and use a chair, but not too many. I like the taller option
because I won't be constantly getting up and out of a chair all
the time. (and if you have back issues, you know what I mean).
It's easier to slide off a stool and get some painting done, or
do some work on another bench (when I have 2 for different stages of
a project going on).
Whatever
type you use, a permanent modeling area allows you to get more
modeling done, with no previous setup. You can come home from
work, sit down, and start modeling right away. Once done, you
can just get up and leave it.
So there's a great advantage to
having a specific area set up for building models.
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Modeling
work benches to set up your dedicated model area.
Whether
you model inside your house, down in the basement, or out
in the garage, there's a bench style to fit your hobby needs.
You're not trying to speed up
your modeling process - you're just trying to maximaze your
modeling time. |
Garages
and Workshop |
Basic Hobby
Desk with Handy Storage Pocket
Wall
Mount Hobby Desk
(This is a great desk for when space is limited)
A Good Basic Hobby
Desk for any Room
Corner Shaped Hobby Desk
Budget Apartment Hobby Desk
Hobby Desk
Hobby Desk
Hobby Desk
Hobby Desk
Hobby Desk
Ultimate Stainless
Steel Hobby Bench
(extremely durable, easy to clean, includes shelf)
Hobby / Shop Bench
with Light, Pegboard & Drawer
Basic Hobby / Shop Bench
Stong Bench
Model Workbench Kit
Bench
Mount Power Outlet
(run multiple
power tools and devices.
Can be mounted on workbench or desk)
LED
Lighting for Workbench
(includes
power cord - just plug into outlet)
Model
Bench Stool - Padded
Memory
Foam Seat Cushion
Ultimate
Modeling Rack
(Great for
storage of model tools, paint, supplies and more)
Shelving Units
(storage for supplies, model kits, etc.)
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Working on modela
is a pleasant hobby, especially if you have a dedicated
work space. Some modelers do their craft indoors, even inside
a room in their house. Such as a spare bedroom, or in a
corner of a room somewhere.
But
many modelers have an area just for building. Usually in
a basement (if you live up north), or in a garage. Some
model builders have gone as far as to build a shed outside
and separate of their home. They then pack it full of work
benches, tool chests, power tools such as lathes, and of
course - model kits.
Scale
model building is an easier hobby with a dedicated area.
After a long day at work, if you want to do a little modeling
to unwind from the day, you simply walk to the area, sit
down and model. All without any needed prep, such as unpacking
a model on a table, and then packing up the kit and tools
afterwards. With a dedicated bench set up, you can walk
away when you're done, and then pick up where you left off
the follwing day.
Some
modelers work inside, and that can have some plus moments,
but I prefer to work in my garage. I can sand putty from
filled seams and joints, use my Dremel tool to carve up
some plastic, and make a mess if I need to. That's kind
of difficult to do inside your house (and will your partner
let you do that inside?).
Plus
I have room for a drill press, saws, and even a lathe or
spray booth. All within a few feet of my model workbench.
I
like to have my model supplies, such as hand tools, paints,
masking tape, within easy reach. So I tend to be organized.
I feel that this maximizes my modeling time, what little
I have. I don't have to waste time searching for any supplies
I need. I just sit down to the bench and model.
I
would say the most important thing is to have a work bench
you're comfortable with. One that will last, and has all
the accessories you need.
You're not trying to speed up
your modeling process - you're just trying to maximaze your
modeling time.
A good bench will make it more pleaseant
to work from, and help get you in the mood much faster with
less stress.
Some
model builders like shelves, some like drawers, and some
like bins and storage compartments. These are used to separate
things, like model parts, paints, and hand tools, such as
paint brushes, hobby knives, or sanding sticks.
If
you are a diehard modeler, you'll be building up a stash
of model kits, and shelving makes keeping those in order easy.
It also helps keep the boxes (and the models inside) from
being crushed and damaged over time.
Don't
be surprised what you find in a modelers work area. With
power tools like lathes, metal benders and brakes, saws
for cuting wood and other materials for dioramas and bases,
you'll find that you need a wide open space.
Some
modeler's work areas out class even a modern metal shop
or mechanics garage. Why? Because modelling often means
you have to scratch
build something - and you need the proper shop area
with tools to do that. You can't always buy the model parts
you need - sometimes you have to make them.
Then
there are the painting areas. With a bench to mix paints,
a spray booth, a drying
area (or dehydrater to speed up the process). If the modeler
casts his / her own parts, you might see a suction
pump and pot, as well as an area to make silicone molds
and pour the casting materials (usually resin). Nowadays you are even more likely to see a 3D printer.
The
next ting you know you have a full blown shop going, just
to build better and better models.
It
takes time to get a well thought out modelling work bench
set up. If you've modeled for a few years, you know what
works for you, and what doesn't. I recommend starting with
the bench that fits you needs and feels comfortable to you.
Then
expand into tool storage, supplie storage, and later shelving
to store models and parts.
If
you want to see my personal past work benches, click
here to check them out.
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