Work benches / Desks

[Tmuir]

I hope in the new year to get myself a permanent work bench / desk.

Where I live getting an actual watchmakers work bench is just not an option so I'm left with making or re-purposing something else.

I'm not a carpenter so making a workbench from scratch is not going to happen, so I'm left with trying to make something else do.

One option is to put together a workbench using Ikea furniture as others have done with the difference I would buy a solid wood bench top and put roll guards on the side and back and route a lip on the front, or buy one of those height adjustable desks like this one.

http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/stilford-electric-height-adjustable-desk-1600mm-jbstiha16

Has anyone else tried to use a desk like this in particular how stable are they having only two legs rather than four like a normal desk?

[Watchtime]

Hi, an adjustable frame from Ikea is not expensive.

http://www.ikea.com/nl/nl/catalog/products/S49084965/?cid=a1:ps|a2:nl|a3:shopping|a4:S49084965|a6:google|a7:ikeanl|id:S49084965|cc:915&gclid=CjwKEAiAs_PCBRD5nIun9cyu01kSJAA-WD-rPsS_Rj1-Uq9KZXWs2BF8CSgHW9eyCO6gow8VFNl4ARoCU37w_wcB

Here is also a link for the Bergeon workingstation, it has a drawing with the sizes. Maybe it can be of help.

http://www.watchtool.co.uk/bergeon-7870-dune-watchmakers-workstation-p-7723.html

Or this, built by watch enthusiast Arie Kabaalstra in the Lowlands. He uses a alu profile cut on the right size.

 

Edited December 23, 2016 by Watchtime

[Tmuir]

Thanks I didn't know that Ikea did a cheaper version of the adjustable desk, that is now on the top of my list.

For the price of the Bergeon desk I would expect the watches to fix themselves once I placed them on the desk.

[Watchtime]

Yeah, the Bergeon has a built-in watchmaker.....LOL.

This dutch guy made a project of it and posted photos every other few days. It seems pretty straight forward to make the frame with this aluminium profiles.
 Then again, with the Ikeatable, you are for 80% done in 1 go. For drawers, they have these for only 60 euro

http://www.ikea.com/nl/nl/catalog/products/10192824/#/70342284 put on a set of wheels and you're done.

[Tmuir]

I do like the project desk, but I am mindful of my spare time.

I would rather spend my spare time learning and improving my skills repairing watches and clocks than building a really good desk to work at. I am hoping towards the end of next year my skill level will of improved enough that I can make myself some 'pocket money' repairing clocks and servicing basic watches.

I did look at those IKEA drawers and was wondering on them or to try and find some drawers that are not as deep but have more of them, but drawers can come later the work desk is more important.

[BUSAKAZ]

2 hours ago, Tmuir said:

I do like the project desk, but I am mindful of my spare time.

I would rather spend my spare time learning and improving my skills repairing watches and clocks than building a really good desk to work at. I am hoping towards the end of next year my skill level will of improved enough that I can make myself some 'pocket money' repairing clocks and servicing basic watches.

I did look at those IKEA drawers and was wondering on them or to try and find some drawers that are not as deep but have more of them, but drawers can come later the work desk is more important.

Hi Tmuir,

This is what I did, the table with white legs is from ikea my friend made me a simple raised platform as I found it was to low and starting to make my back ache.

this is what it use to be like.

if you need more info give me a shout......

Regards

Kaz

[chadders1966]

I've posted elsewhere about my own adjustable desk/table, which I am very happy with. I think mine probably cost more than the one you listed, but it has a greater range, lifting capacity and a (heavy) wooden desktop. I didn't consider the IKEA hand crank type as I have my microscope clamped on the surface, and I think you are supposed to clear the surface when changing height.

The top is completely stable, apart from when at the top extreme height which I do not use.

Stephen

[Tmuir]

Yes I would prefer an electric lifter rather than a hand crank, I'll see how my bank balance is looking towards the end of January as that will make the derision as to whether I get the cheap Ikea one, or a better quality one.

[jnash]

my ikea one i did a while back, has changed since then but will give you an idea

 

http://watchinprogress.com/new-ikea-hacker-style-watchmakers-bench/ 

Edited December 30, 2016 by jnash

[SSTEEL]

I'm in the process of a remodelling of my workspace, bench and storage, so will post some photos when my drawings, measurements, and ideas are realised, I have the lumber already, and two full size office desks which will be the structure to which I will be building the wooden framework on to raise the working height of my main work area.

[david]

This isn't exactly a watch bench but it will do in a pinch.

david

[david]

This is a watch bench:

[Watchtime]

16 hours ago, jnash said:

my ikea one i did a while back, has changed since then but will give you an idea

 

http://watchinprogress.com/new-ikea-hacker-style-watchmakers-bench/ 

very nice bench indeed,....

[SSTEEL]

Here's where I'm at right now, its just a mockup, and missing a secondary work platform, heights are to be levelled, and main work area raised.

Mockup of initial layout, a long way to go yet including wall units by Micky Aldridge, on Flickr

[SSTEEL]

And its almost done, the ALVIN covering needs to relax a little while longer, then I can adhere it down with double sided tissue tape, and then add mat edging, and finally unpack my tools, and resume work.

Almost there, covering needs to relax a while longer, then to adhere and trim by Micky Aldridge, on Flickr

[BUSAKAZ]

On 30/01/2017 at 6:26 AM, SSTEEL said:

And its almost done, the ALVIN covering needs to relax a little while longer, then I can adhere it down with double sided tissue tape, and then add mat edging, and finally unpack my tools, and resume work.

Almost there, covering needs to relax a while longer, then to adhere and trim by Micky Aldridge, on Flickr

Stunning old lad I wish I had that much room.

 

[SSTEEL]

Thanks, less of the old though  I'm only 47, almost.

[BUSAKAZ]

On 31/01/2017 at 2:57 PM, SSTEEL said:

Thanks, less of the old though  I'm only 47, almost.

I'm only 49 and I feel old every time I get out of bed in the morning   

[SSTEEL]

I hear you there, I took a fall last night outside, very cold, and icy, landed on my back, took the wind out off me for sure.

[BUSAKAZ]

23 minutes ago, SSTEEL said:

I hear you there, I took a fall last night outside, very cold, and icy, landed on my back, took the wind out off me for sure.

Yeah it shakes you up aswell you soon realise how old you are. 

[SSTEEL]

Aint that the truth.

Total I fit some edging to my working areas

DSC04920 by Micky Aldridge, on Flickr

DSC04921 by Micky Aldridge, on Flickr

DSC04922 by Micky Aldridge, on Flickr

Currently only secured with hot glue as I wanted to see how it looks, and then remove it again to stain it to match my vintage drawers.

Edited February 4, 2017 by SSTEEL

[Geo]

1 hour ago, SSTEEL said:

Currently only secured with hot glue as I wanted to see how it looks, and then remove it again to stain it to match my vintage drawers.

 Can't get the picture of you standing in your vintage drawers working on watches out of my head..................it ain't pretty! 

[SSTEEL]

[Vich]

Obviously Bay City Rollers Fan [emoji6]

[david]

I swear I saw those pants running laps around a London Police Station about 25 years ago.