Electronics Workbench

[Alvetro]

Hi

I am looking to setup a dedicated workbench area to work on my electronic projects. I have gone thru the workbench thread but have not seen anything specific for electronics. Does anyone have some good ideas or at least links to some good threads I can go thru.

I will add some pics of what I currently have.

Thanks

Alwie.

 

[chillrich]

My bench. Mostly 2 way radio service, lots of DC circuits. Couple of DC power supplies, scope, soldering stations and DMM's. Some specific RF testing equipment like RF signal generator, RF probe and RF millivoltmeter.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/q2k5r02k9vd5y9p/20140203_074203.jpg

 

[Chilliwack Murray]

I've always thought the more or less modular commercial office furniture make good electronics work bench stock. You can add to it in any direction and have endless drawer, cabinet, light and shelf accessories... And usually pretty cheap when it's not cosmetically perfect. Nice tops that don't scratch up what your working on and the older, perfectly good desks get swapped out because there a little to high for secretary chairs - but just right for a stool.

 

[theoldwizard1]

A single or even double row shelf along the back is a MUST for various meters and p0wer supplies, solder station, etc.

Non conductive, heat resistant bench top. Soap stone would be great !

A power strip with about a dozen outlets. This can be hidden on the back because it will be used for your bench top tools. A second power strip with at least 6 outlets in top of the bench (or some place with easy access) for items you are working on.

"Hot" chassis and 'scopes don't mix, so get an isolation transformer.

Also, some kind of a "rack" off to the side to hang various patch cords.

A vise with grippers for circuit boards and probably a portable vice with alligator clips for hold wire to be soldered.

 

[parnass]

I used two 2-drawer file cabinets (not shown in the photo) to support a solid core door as my electronics work bench.

Atop the bench are two halves of industrial steel shelving unit which hold some of my test equipment.

Less frequently used test equipment, scopes, and power supplies are on other shelves or wheeled carts (not shown).

 

[Robert Hall]

I used two 2-drawer file cabinets (not shown in the photo) to support a solid core door as my electronics work bench.

Atop the bench are two halves of industrial steel shelving unit which hold some of my test equipment.

Less frequently used test equipment, scopes, and power supplies are on other shelves or wheeled carts (not shown).

Thank you so much for being a prime example of what I could be like to my wife.

73s

 

[BigGMC]

NERD ALERT!!

J/K - nice selection of gear there parnass! I dont think we had that much stuff in the TV repair shop I worked in years ago.

 

[Falcon67]

Unless you're working on tube amps, you need a conductive work surface and a grounding strap. That could be as simple as a roll up pad with connections. So include the necessary connections in the layout.
http://www.apogeekits.com/antistatic_mat_astmg1.htm

 

[MFolks]

I doubt you'll need as stringent soldering conditions as what I experienced at General Dynamics/Convair in San Diego. If the relative humidity went below 30% or above 70%, we could not hand solder connectors, or PC boards. Every lab that had soldering going on had a temp and humidity recording devise, so the QC people could monitor the swings in the environment, and if it exceeded the parameters, put a big red stop tag out so people working there would notice it.

 

[NC4AB]

+ 1 on Parnass's layout.

I have been using a similar setup I built from 36" x 80" solid core door for the work top with 18" deep shelves mounted at the rear of the work bench. Power supplies / scopes / service monitor are sitting at ~ eye level leaving room on the work top for repair work.