Innovation & The Workbench

[gahrajmahal]

No one has commented on the superior photography used to show off this bench. I need to spend more time on presentation.
For all who take the time to comment on my projects I post, thank you. I often make the improvements I couldn't see while building it.

 

[fattogatto]

Is no one thinking outside the garage? As it is it is emminently practical as a table (I.e. for eating) that will seat 6 that turns into a usable desk, complete with light and storage.

 

[larry_g]

Is no one thinking outside the garage? As it is it is emminently practical as a table (I.e. for eating) that will seat 6 that turns into a usable desk, complete with light and storage.

Well seeing that this is the Garage Journal one must restrict thinking to inside the box...

lg
no neat sig line

 

[three arms]

After long and careful consideration of the object pictured, our committee has voted unanimously to adopt a similar contraption for our dear leader that will be placed in a semi-darkened room. After he disrobes and places his posterior over the opening, smoke will be blown up his **** orifice, in a fashion similar to many of the comments. Form follows function. Surely that must the function of such an object.

 

[smsteve]

I think it's pretty cool!

 

[cordreel]

That is beautiful! I love the idea of turning something old (or something new!) into something else. Very nifty!

 

[RaysnCayne]

First off, this isn't Ryan's work. (Is it?) I took it as something he found, wanted to share and get thoughts on.

Regardless, this is a discussion forum. People are allowed - heck encouraged - to give their 2 cents in a constructive manner. I don't think anyone said it *****. Most everyone thinks it's a cool piece, just not the most functional piece - in or outside the garage.

 

[fidopup]

I dig it

 

[lwlobo]

I really like it for the aesthetic effect, styling, etc. It's innovative in that it has parts that move in a way that isn't typical. Definately interesting and worth discussing. Good pictures, and great choice of a chair to go along with the effect. I see it best used as a fixed desk or table.

As a practical workbench it has some weaknesses. The issue of needing to clear the horizontal space before opening the panel is a big one. It's also poor ergonomically, in that the pockets and back plane in the open position are too far away from the user, and there is an awkward open space things are likely to fall through. It uses space innefficiently, in my opinion.

If the overall design were to be kept and improved, I'd like to see the hinged panel be able to slide forward after opening, closing the gap and putting the back plane and pockets closer to the user. One could also mount the light directly to the underside of the hinged panel.

If the overall design were to be redone (and enough vintage materials available), I'd consider: a liftable front panel, like a school desk, with pockets attached and a fixed tray underneath. A fixed back horizontal panel, with a hinged vertical back plane that could fold all the way around the back or underneath It could fold all the way underneath (if full clearance is important, i.e. for a a table) or just down along the back legs if the purpose is just to clear the top space.

Last thought: the awkward opening in the table and spacing of back plane could be deliberate if the desire is to be used as a fixed desk (to set a laptop on?) and limit the amount of horizontal area available to accumulate clutter on. Just sayin....