Electronics workstation suggestions

[gatorgrabber]

I'm a bit tired of playing 'hunt and scrounge' every time I have an electronics related project. I'd like to take a 4' section of one of my benches and dedicate it to all things electric (primarily automotive and computer related). Soldering, DMM testing, wire repairs, etc. Does anyone have a wiring workstation they can share photos of? I'm getting stuck trying to sort out the storage of small parts and just making the whole thing 'flow'. Thanks!

 

[Outlander]

^^ this, plus where to attack my Raspberry Pi projects

 

[gatorgrabber]

Exactly...you get the point. It's amazing how much room "little" projects can take up!

 

[UpNorther]

good idea. im always digging in my storage too
subscribed

 

[MFolks]

You'll need a good ESD (Electro Static Discharge) mat,ESD wrist strap, ESD rated solder sucker,SN60 or SN63 solder with flux core, and liquid flux. Not forgetting the solder removal braid or a ESD rated soldering station with adjustable heat ranges.

I like the 0.031" diameter solder for delicate jobs, and then you'll need a way to remove the flux buildup after completing the repair. A cut down 1/2" wide small paint brush, makes a good scrubber using 70% or higher rubbing Alcohol.

 

[gatorgrabber]

Thing is, I have most of this stuff and more...in boxes, hidden from the light of day. Sad.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Shelves. Lots of shelves ! If you don't want to attach them to the back wall, then you want a hutch back. You need to keep all of the "bench tools" (solder/desolder station, power supply, bench DMM, 'scope, signal generator, etc) OFF OF THE BENCH TOP !

You will need one or more power strips. You need a dozen or more outlets. Mount them upside down on the bottom of the shelves.

You also need space to hang various patch cords

The bench top needs to be made of a non-conductive and heat resistant surface. Soap stone would be perfect, but a concrete counter top would also work well.

A small vice and a set of "third hands".

Space for a laptop and/or tablet, possibly on articulated arm so it is not on the bench.

A magnify light is also a good idea.


(I sat at an electronic bench for many years, but not in a long time.)

 

[gatorgrabber]

All of my benches are 30" deep and a laminated wood construction. They were constructed when I was involved in building 426 Hemi engines years ago. I'm fond of saying a fat elephant (Hemis were called 'elephant motors') could jump on them and they wouldn't squeak! Lots of shelf space above and below the bench top; pegboard on the walls. I'm big on modularity and being quickly able to adapt. All I need is a plan!

 

[dclassical]

I would not try to build an electronics workbench in a garage where there is dust, dirt, grease, ... (even though I understand it would be a separate workbench).

I actually prefer to keep all my electronics stuff in cases and boxes (clear top, labelled) and clear a space and use what I need.

I also only do car electrical in my garage. When I want to repair a TV, pro audio equipment, ... I set up on a spare desk in my office, in a "clean" environment. Same thing for the Raspberry Pi projects. I am not going to have a logic analyzer in my garage.

Edited to add that my garage is also tiny (modern 2 car) and a place where I do all I need (repair cars, mower, chainsaw, wood work, ...) which is also why I do not find it the appropriate environment.

I have repaired a couple of modules (transmission computer, SRS) but I brought them to the "office" as well.

 

[Kpaige]

I took an extra chest and set it up with everything to do my electronics

 

[pmiranda]

Tons of light. Getting older even the same components look smaller than they did in school... and the new ones really are a bunch smaller.
A drawer of tiny screwdrivers, which you have to buy in trilobe, pentalobe, torx, and other anti-user variants to fix stuff the manufacturers would prefer you to just re-buy.
Another wishlist item: a small, quiet suction machine to whisk away soldering vapors and use for pick-and-place of small components.

 

[matt_i]

I don't have one but I have seen the "half width" Lista, Vidmar drawers, or Kennedy workstations, usually with a laminated solid wood top, likely maple. I think you could do the same exact thing if you found the wood top and put at least one standard rollaround toolbox under it sans casters, with a kneehole for a stool or chair.

 

[gatorgrabber]

For me, the computer building takes place inside on a large desk I use only for serious precision work. For this project, I'm thinking more of a pedestrian workplace where all of the needed goodies are within reach. I'm mostly thinking soldering, tinning, building and terminating wires, testing stuff with the DMM and the sort. NASA clean room...not so much!

Yep, lots of light is a must and I'm in great shape. I will add a powerful LED spot/magnifier for really small stuff. I have a small fan that was part of a fume hood in my old shop that would be perfect to duct away soldering fumes. Thanks for the idea!

I'm thinking this bench will evolve with each new job I subject it to. If I do my job well, each subsequent time I use the bench for similar projects, it will get easier. Yea, nice theory!

 

[James-W]

I do computer repair work in the basement on a table that can be folded up when not needed. If I need to solder something, I do that out in the garage instead of in the basement.

 

[92GreenYJ]

This is an older pic when I was still getting my benches set up and it's missing a fair amount of tools and meters I have on it now, but this is my electrical bench.

 

[gatorgrabber]

Thanks for the photo! Lots of individual ideas I can use and it's a simple layout.

 

[sberry]

I have a crude one.

 

[CoogarXR]

I am getting ready to build one. I had built a great one where I used to live, but I got lazy toward the end of moving out and decided to leave it there.

I made a shelf about eye-level with an 8" face on it. I mounted everything I need in the face of the shelf. Power supply, speakers, car stereo, outlets, etc. I am going to do the same thing again, but this time I am going to add a few small monitors and an SD Card video source player to the face too (back when I built the last one LCDs would have been too expensive).

I work on a lot of stereos, computers, TVs, etc. I agree with whoever said "keep everything off the bench top!". When I have to flop a 60" TV on the bench, EVERYTHING is in the way, lol.

I also have a billiard lamp hanging over my bench with LED floodlamps screwed in. Makes a nice white light that isn't fatiguing.

I don't have any pics of my old bench, but if I ever get around to building this one I'll surely post it up.

 

[gatorgrabber]

It's good to see I'm not the only one with this affliction; kind of like AA for mechanics! "Hi, my name is Mark and I keep all of my expensive electronic gear in a box that looks like a rat's nest..."

 

[astroracer]

This is mine.

It's a mess because I was going thru a cleaning/re-org of the shop when the pic was taken and it had became a catch-all. The "desk" is a couple of old wooden filing cabinets with a plywood top. You can see my soldering station on the shelf at the left.
I keep most of my automotive wiring supplies in a 100 dollar garage sale roll-a-round.

This is nice, especially when I am working out at a car. The tool box goes where I need it.
Mark

 

[nanofrog]

You might want to take a look at the What's your Work-Bench/lab look like? Post some pictures of your Lab thread over on EEVBlog forum for ideas (74pgs worth of photos).

BTW, you don't have to register to see the photos either. Oh, and most of the photos can be clicked on for full size.

 

[TerryH]

You might want to take a look at the What's your Work-Bench/lab look like? Post some pictures of your Lab thread over on EEVBlog forum for ideas (74pgs worth of photos).

BTW, you don't have to register to see the photos either. Oh, and most of the photos can be clicked on for full size.

Wow. Thanks for the link. Those guys are serious. I'm still working on black to black and red to red.

 

[gatorgrabber]

nanofrog, that's a great resource. Thanks!

 

[kart-racer]

Its a work in progress. I just started building this room in one of our spare bedrooms. Currently working on shelves and permanent power supplies.

 

[gatorgrabber]

nanofrog, that link is amazing. Hundreds and hundreds of evil boffin workstations!

 

[Davi]

You might want to take a look at the What's your Work-Bench/lab look like? Post some pictures of your Lab thread over on EEVBlog forum for ideas (74pgs worth of photos).

BTW, you don't have to register to see the photos either. Oh, and most of the photos can be clicked on for full size.

I was just going to suggest a few of Daves videos for inspiration but you beat me to it

 

[nanofrog]

Wow. Thanks for the link. Those guys are serious. I'm still working on black to black and red to red.

You're welcome.

Absolute beginners to the most seasoned of pros are welcome there, so don't be nervous of being blasted if you're not an expert. It's very civil there (good group of members as well as moderators).

nanofrog, that's a great resource. Thanks.

Hundreds and hundreds of evil boffin workstations!

You're welcome.

Lots more in there to look at so feel free to look around. Register if you want as well, as new members are always welcome.

Regarding workbenches, I've two currently under construction (nearly finished). To give you an idea, they'll give me ~10.5ft of clutter-free table space when butted together (designed to keep the top clear of gear and **** due to shelving, drawers, pegboard, and arms for computer peripherals).

I was just going to suggest a few of Daves videos for inspiration but you beat me to it

I never mentioned the videos, so it's good you did.

 

[gatorgrabber]

I'm still ODing on that site; lots to take in.

So, black goes to black. Check. But what what do you mean, red goes to red?!

 

[CoogarXR]

I also scoured that thread, all 70+ pages. Thanks for the link. I might have to join that site too.

 

[CoogarXR]

(whoops, duplicate post)

 

[jimgood]

I would not try to build an electronics workbench in a garage where there is dust, dirt, grease, ... (even though I understand it would be a separate workbench).

I find this funny considering that guys assemble engines in those same garages. Another task in which dirt and dust are the enemies.

 

[nanofrog]

For additional ideas, you might also want to check out the following links.

Build Your Ultimate Electronics Workstation (Popular Mechanics article).

Regarding the ESD mat in the photo ^, the type displayed is vinyl which melts when exposed to molten solder. Fortunately, 2 layer rubber ESD mats can handle the heat, and is the preferred type. Not exactly cheap, but not even close to prohibitive either (well worth the investment IME). One way to save funds on this, is think large place mat size, such as 24"x36" rather than covering the entire table top. For those in the US & Canada, there's an eBay seller located in Canada that offers very good pricing on quality mat material.

Some examples of professional workbenches (I borrowed a few ideas from some of these).

• Formaspace
• IAC Industries
• Arlink/Lista
• Pro-Line
• Benchpro

Here's a reseller/dealer that has lots of images (Production Automation Corp).

 

[MFolks]

Ya need a bottle of Alcohol in the Wasco dispenser(push down on the top, to get the cleaning fluid), along with a cut down 1/2" paint brush to scrub with.

 

[TerryH]

But what what do you mean, red goes to red?!

So I've heard. Our dragster works much better that way anyhow.

 

[TerryH]

The only thing I do electronic is whatever needs doing on the dragster. Right now it's changing connectors on replacement battery modules for the pack. My "electronics bench" is the outfeed on my table saw. Hate to admit it but I totally **** at electronics. It's a full blown miracle that our junk even runs.

 

[gatorgrabber]

Don't feel bad, lots of pilots are scared of heights! BTW, nice looking dragster; which class?

 

[TerryH]

Don't feel bad, lots of pilots are scared of heights! BTW, nice looking dragster; which class?

Thanks. We run in the NEDRA (National Electric Drag Racing Association) as a "B" voltage class dragster. The "B" class has measured voltage between 211.3 and 264.0. Our pack is 222v nominal.

nedra.com

 

[dclassical]

Don't feel bad, lots of pilots are scared of heights! BTW, nice looking dragster; which class?

It's not the height I am scared of, but the fall.

Electronics is my first love, but it is hard because you either love and understand math and then can design a very good circuit, or you rely on experience/other circuits/guess/intuition/... and you can have a hard time to get something working.

The charge and discharge of a capacitor is the base of a lot of circuits (including the famous 555) and if you want to understand it properly you are doing differential equations.

I also feel I got lucky that I started as a young teenager when there was no surface mount components and it was easy to solder/desolder components.

 

[dclassical]

I find this funny considering that guys assemble engines in those same garages. Another task in which dirt and dust are the enemies.

True, but different I think. If you get dirt/grease/fluid on some parts you can clean them again. Also dust can be removed... but can be a big pain once it gets inside electronics equipment.

I think Eric O. (SMA on YouTube) had a video where he said he had coolant spray everywhere in his shop. I don't want that happening next to my expensive electronic equipment. Those with big garages can designate different areas, for me it is a tiny 2 car garage (2 cars fit but don't try to open the doors lol).

 

[ez-duzit]

More important to me than a dedicated electrical/electronics work area are my organized, portable electrical tool and terminal kits.