Large Model Association Forum

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.