Workbench: Work surface? Clutter collector?

[Lelandwelds]

I like the Steevo workbenches. If you own one, what jobs (if any) do you tackle on its surface?

The jobs I think of actually performing on top of one(electronics testing, assembly work) really cry for a knee space. I cant picture tearing down a transmission on one. The tools I would store in one are mostly car related. Other than staging replacement parts what purpose would it serve other than a place to constantly need cleaning?

What jobs are done well on any bench bolted to a wall? I use one more like a saw horse and work on all sides. It is in the open and I move it sorta often with a pallet jack. When I think back and look at photos of stationary benches along a wall I see them covered with so much clutter not much work could be done on one.

 

[Majordisorder]

I fully agree about the need for a knee space if you actually spend time working at the bench. The clutter is a personal thing you either live with or don't.

 

[PWC Repair]

I do most all my work and assembly from my bench bolted to the wall. Its handy to have tools and shelves right there. Mine is taller because i stand up, i sit down enough at my day job. I have also assembled many automatic transmissions at my bench. Nice to have everything clean and layed out in a row ready to assemble. You could easily leave a gap for a stool if you're a sitter. I also have peg board hanging behind mine so i can keep all my most used stuff right there and not taking up space on the bench.

 

[Shootinok]

A walk around top would be nice, but if it's not feasible in your space you work with what you can.
It is a challenge to keep tops clear. I really need to stay diligent on mine or it will fill up with junk quickly.
As to what jobs I do on mine - whatever I can while standing at it.
An example; Recently I helped my son put a lift on his truck and the bench was a perfect place to bolt on the spacers to the struts.
I would have no issues putting a transmission on it - but tearing one down would require more depth than I have. For that I have a lift table.

 

[Lelandwelds]

I do most all my work and assembly from my bench bolted to the wall. Its handy to have tools and shelves right there. Mine is taller because i stand up, i sit down enough at my day job. I have also assembled many automatic transmissions at my bench. Nice to have everything clean and layed out in a row ready to assemble. You could easily leave a gap for a stool if you're a sitter. I also have peg board hanging behind mine so i can keep all my most used stuff right there and not taking up space on the bench.

A walk around top would be nice, but if it's not feasible in your space you work with what you can.
It is a challenge to keep tops clear. I really need to stay diligent on mine or it will fill up with junk quickly.
As to what jobs I do on mine - whatever I can while standing at it.
An example; Recently I helped my son put a lift on his truck and the bench was a perfect place to bolt on the spacers to the struts.
I would have no issues putting a transmission on it - but tearing one down would require more depth than I have. For that I have a lift table.

Wow, I really perked up when you said "lift table".

I suspect the tops just collect **** for most people. I think most people walk back and forth to get tools. Some will get a cart and load it up in a single trip. I greatly admire the colossal amount of relatively inexpensive compact storage. Even better, it is new and matching storage. Same height and depth greatly simplifies construction compared to random repurposed finds.

I think my best use (other than attracting clutter) would be mounting a mitersaw on one end (can you imagine the involved cleanup) or temporarily storing partially completed projects under shop rags or upside down plastic boxes. (Useful and necessary clutter at least)

What about eliminating the worktop? Raise the HF toolboxes and add a single row of deep drawers on the botttom level? Add overhead kitchen style cabinets. Fill the former worktop space with storage like the examples below. I picture a compact tower of storage.

I really like the spray can cabinet with welded in shelf guides.

 

[MikeF2316]

My workbench tends to collect clutter. But I need a solid bench bolted to the wall with a nice big solid vise bolted to it for those occasional things I really need to yoink on. On nice days, I've started with temporary work surfaces outside, it forces me to clean up at the end of the day. Of course, some of it ends up on my workbench...

 

[AldeanFan]

If you’ve got a place for everything then there no reason to leave it on the bench.
My work bench is or working on, tool boxes are for tools and shelves are for supplies.
If there’s anything left out on the bench it’s because I’m lazy and either haven’t put stuff away or haven’t taken out the trash.

This requires constantly reorganizing so that everything has a place.
When I bought a parts cleaner I had to make room on the shelf so the boxes of spare car parts got moved to the attic, otherwise that parts cleaner wound still be sitting on my bench.



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[Lelandwelds]

If you’ve got a place for everything then there no reason to leave it on the bench.
My work bench is or working on, tool boxes are for tools and shelves are for supplies.
If there’s anything left out on the bench it’s because I’m lazy and either haven’t put stuff away or haven’t taken out the trash.

This requires constantly reorganizing so that everything has a place.
When I bought a parts cleaner I had to make room on the shelf so the boxes of spare car parts got moved to the attic, otherwise that parts cleaner wound still be sitting on my bench.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have worked at three companies that went from no formal plan in place to a "continuous improvement" system. ( 5S was my favorite). Ditching the "thats the way we have always done it" for a bit of measuring, thought, and planning is a game changer.

Also, I have covertly observed household members walk through a room, move three things, and stick another in a random drawer. All without realizing or remembering they did it. I also have a bunch of "not me" who leave a bunch of half empty cokes scattered around my livingroom.

I do not want a bunch of perpetual clutter buster chores unless I see a real payoff.