Workshop Planning

[Jonathan Pelham]

I'm starting to plan a workshop to have a proper place to lay up wings and build models.
Previously I've just done it in the house and i'm looking forward to having a dedicated space for building.

Does anyone have any advice for layout or structure?
It will be about 4m by 8m

Currently i'm planning a long bench along part of one wall where I can assemble wings and keep them straight.
Similar to the EAA 1000 workbench approach i'm going to have some small benches(possibly with flip down castors.) So I can get everything nice and level.
http://www.eaa1000.av.org/technicl/work ... rktabl.htm

[Steve Mansell]

when I did my workshop, one thing I wish I had done was to have a building surface in the middle, so I could gain access all the way round without turning the structure round (especially if it was being jig built). If it's big enough, a seperate partitioned area for spraying/painting will is handy, as it is tempting to spray small items inside if the weathers bad, but everything else gets a fine mist of paint as well as it settles out of the air!

A tunnel to the local pub from the workshop would have been handy as well.
Cheers
Steve

[Jonathan Pelham]

I've also admired some jig systems previously. Especially the magnetic one done by airfield models.
http://www.airfieldmodels.com/informati ... /index.htm

Does anyone have particular thoughts about their layout and how it makes it easier or more difficult to jig up a wing, airframe, or empennage section.

[ChrisBerry]

I'd go for concrete block or celcon, insulated with foam and clad with ply. If you want storage and building then you may want to create a partition or separate area. I'd also put in a decent DPC and foam insulated floor with skim. Include a couple of air bricks for ventilation.

It sounds like a daunting project to do all that, but it soon comes together and is both secure, strong and damp proof.

If it were me I wouldn't have any windows and a i'd have a decent door with key locks.

[Bob Thompson1894]

deffo put bench in the middle. Worst thing is not being able to get to the other side. If you can go to those lengths, a brick built single skin, with pitched roof, insulation to walls and a floating, insulated floor is preferable. Ceiling with led spots.

[Jonathan Pelham]

Ok so definitely a central workbench. Possibly on flip down castors so it's sturdy but can also be moved if needed.

Any other tips?

[Bob Thompson1894]

Most useful thing I have, if you can find one, is an electric rise and fall bench. Comes up to around four feet, and down to 18". Saves the back massively.

[Steve Mansell]

A tape recorder with a recording of you sawing, banging and swearing so the missus thinks your in the workshop when your down the pub.

[Cary Bailey]

My central bench is on wheels so that I can move it round, plus move it out of the way when the pub calls me to say my pint has been poured!
Cary

[Chris Lane]

I use an light weight interior door with a panel of fibre board attached to it to take pins. It is stored until needed and then erected on trestles in the centre of the workshop and levelled.

[Jonathan Pelham]

Being able to raise and lower the work surface sounds very useful.

Has anyone tried using a structural jig for assembly? If so was it worthwhile and was it one which allowed the fuselage or wing to be rotated about its long axis? I can see that being very useful if in a rigid jig to allow fit up and covering.