Window Above Work Bench

[35mm]

My detached garage / workshop has a few windows in it. Part of me thinks it would be nice to have a window above the workbench for natural light and views. The other part of me is worried about smashing the window while working on something.

What do you guys think?

PS. I am not too worried about people looking in, in the woods, alarm system, stuff is not that nice.

 

[Steves32]

I have a window over mine.

 

[koditten]

You will hate having that window above your bench. Every time you look up and outside, you will constrict your pupils. Things on the bench wont look bright no matter how much lighting you have. same thing happens when you are looking for a part or tool among a cluttered bench top. You will have a hard time finding what you are looking for. Yeah. I'll admit it, I don't put away every tool as soon as I'm done using it. They might sit out for a week. Don't judge me.

My first shop I had the windows installed low with a bench in front, what a pain(no pun). I ended up just using the bench as storage because the only time it was comfortable to use was at night and I really didn't like that because it felt like I was "on display" for anyone outside looking in at night. My new shop has the window ledge at eye level, which is much better but is still a bit distracting when looking at bench top.

Later

Kirk

 

[G_P]

My buddy has one above his bench. Needless to say it has a sheet of plexiglass screwed over the lower part after he broke it a few times.

 

[pysen78]

If you can manage it, natural light from the side is the best option in my mind. If you have the window in front, use blinds "venetian" or smaller, to direct the light downwards, and shield your eyes. This gives you the occasional view if you want it, and well lit work area daytime.

 

[rvr6000]

I don't know what the others are hammering on that they break windows but I like having mine. It sits about 14" above the workbench surface. The windows are on the east side of the garage so other than for a very short time in the morning as Mr. Sun is rising I don't have any problems with glare or not being able to find my tools.

If you're worried about it breaking you can always cut a piece of plexiglass and attach it to the window frame I suppose.

 

[darkk]

My buddy has one above his bench. Needless to say it has a sheet of plexiglass screwed over the lower part after he broke it a few times.

My problem also..ended up removing it when I sided the garage...

 

[Marty256]

Here in central NJ we're not worried about pupil restriction or busting one out while working on a project; we're worried about some little piece of *hit breaking in to fuel his drug habbit. Only window in my garage is fifteen feet off the ground. I have a nice bright light over my bench!

 

[1991Syclone]

I used to have my workbench under the window but found that I would rather have readily accessible tools in front of me instead of a view of the neighbors house. I haven't finished the remodel yet, but I would say it's nicer to have "work" stuff nearby rather than a window.

 

[sscustom]

i have a window over mine lets alot of natural light in which is nice

 

[35mm]

I didn't think about the problem of having the window being too bright, that may not be a problem for me as I am completely surrounded by trees. I am leaning towards putting my bench to the side of the window.

 

[Brad54]

I see windows in a shop as two things: An entry point for thieves, and sucking up valuable space on the wall for pegboard or shelves.

-Brad

 

[wssix99]

Why not put in a skylight or a light tube? It might even give you better light by shining down on your work.

 

[dittle fart around]

I would find a window to be distracting. At my age focusing in on a project is tuff enough, catching a nice view out of the corner of my eye might end any train of thought I might have.

 

[Cryptic1911]

Here in central NJ we're not worried about pupil restriction or busting one out while working on a project; we're worried about some little piece of *hit breaking in to fuel his drug habbit. Only window in my garage is fifteen feet off the ground. I have a nice bright light over my bench!

exactly why we have 0 windows and steel doors on ours

 

[holdover]

wall is north facing so I get light but no summer heat.

 

[Falcon67]

I put two windows in the front and three in the back of the new shop for air flow. The front windows face a shaded area with trees and the road, so I can see all the neighborhood kids playing and carrying on.