Need inspiration for a new lab table

[moya034]

I'm looking for a table to perform my various electronics activities on. I live in an apartment, so I wont be building something from scratch, I want a plug and play solution. I'd like something that has either a hutch or built in mount so that a large computer monitor wont have to sit directly on the desktop.

I did find something on IKEA's website http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50219044/ but I'm not sure that it has enough depth or length for what I want. I need room for a computer, microscope, oscope and function generator, soldering iron and hot air station, and whatever circuit or device I’m working on.

Any suggestions?

[FireFlower]

Idea seems to be good, perhaps AiO monitor and swing it backside of the table? I trust you need computer and monitor just for reading datasheets etc?


That is my solution for computer, and XP code that is showing doesn't work. Used google to find Xp Pro license just to test will XP even work on XP embedded system and needed code just for testing.

Just imagine shelves on top of that and you have similar system as that Ikea table you linked. The working area between 'legs' is 100cm and I plan to keep it clean from instruments. At work I have similar amount of space to do my work and it is enough at least up to 500mm x 500mm. 

[moya034]

Yeah the PC and monitor is just for viewing documents pertaining to what I'm working on, not my main PC. I want a keyboard tray to keep the keyboard and mouse off the main work surface.

[rdl]

I just moved my lab out of a closet and into a corner of the bedroom.

Table $65 Office Depot
Shelving $100 Home Depot
Antistatic mat $15 used
Pegboard $65 Wallpeg

I got the table years ago, so I actually paid less than that.

Short lower shelf is to leave room for a monitor. When it was in the closet I had the monitor on a wall mount (until recently anyway) and just put the keyboard and mouse on the floor if they were in the way. I'm not sure if I'll go back to a wall mount, but I always keep the rest of the top clear except for the current project.

[nctnico]

The monitor will be too high that way. How about creating an L shaped desk where you can switch between a project and the computer more easely?

[moya034]

rdl, nice setup!

I want to avoid putting any holes in the wall as I would only have to patch when I move out. I just ordered a monitor arm on Amazon which will let me place the monitor where I want it. Just need to figure out a table... folding table is the right size, but I want something a little heftier.

[moya034]

This is one option from IKEA. It's too bad this doesn't come in a longer length. Adjustable crank height tables are awesome.

[KE5FX]

The secret to workbenches: buy cheap 5' folding tables and bolt two (or more) of them together with flat metal brackets.  The resulting work surface will be huge, inexpensive, and amazingly stable since the tables effectively brace each other. 

Best of all, you don't have to feel guilty about drilling into them.  When you move, junk them and buy two more.

Unfortunately it's getting harder to find wooden folding tables, just the plastic kind that fold in half.    These are scary from an ESD perspective and don't gain anywhere near the same amount of strength from being bolted together.

[FireFlower]

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80274864/

How about buying that and bolting it with SKARSTA frame?

Of course you could go for electric frame also http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50263225/#/80263224

Perhaps you could also ask would Ikea sell you Skarsta frame and your chosen table top. 

[rdl]

In the apartment complex where I live, when somebody moves out the maintenance people go in first to patch, repair, and then repaint. Most of the time they replace the carpeting too. I don't think they worry about holes much actually.

Anyway, if they even looked at me cross-eyed for putting up some shelves I'd just laugh and point out how much rent I've paid since I moved in. I did sort of spackle up the holes that were left in the closet, just to be nice.

[moya034]

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80274864/

How about buying that and bolting it with SKARSTA frame?

Of course you could go for electric frame also http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50263225/#/80263224

Perhaps you could also ask would Ikea sell you Skarsta frame and your chosen table top. 

That electric one is nice, but I'm not interested in spending that much on the table. The manual one is a little short I think to hold a 93" counter top. I may however consider this frame. I'll have to sleep on it.

In the apartment complex where I live, when somebody moves out the maintenance people go in first to patch, repair, and then repaint. Most of the time they replace the carpeting too. I don't think they worry about holes much actually.

Anyway, if they even looked at me cross-eyed for putting up some shelves I'd just laugh and point out how much rent I've paid since I moved in. I did sort of spackle up the holes that were left in the closet, just to be nice.

I can put shelves and stuff up, but I'm liable to fix the holes myself before I move out, otherwise they will take the "cost of repair" out of my security deposit. I don't plan to here more then another 8 months or so... Just not worth it for me.

[moya034]

Well, it turns out a buddy of mine had a desk he gave to me for FREE, and he even delivered it!

The way I have everything positioned, the microscope will swing out without hitting the o-scope or monitor.

[moya034]

Oh, and I decided I'll be just using a wireless keyboard and mouse. Next step is digging up a PC to use. (and a good chair)

[ez24]

If you are a member of Costco:

This is what I did:

 Bought a 6 foot folding table.  It is strong and has adjustable height.

Bought 2 plastic shelving units (5 shelves)   18 inches deep, 36 " wide, 72 " high

I placed the s units at 90 degrees to the the table at each end.  I then placed 8 foot boards (I had these) over the table and resting on the shelves.  I also put a 2x3 8 foot on the top shelf as far away from the wall and zipped tied it to the s units.  I zipped tied a LED shop light from Costco to the 2x3.

I have a lot of shelves next to the work bench and 3 shelves over the work bench and many outlets and lights.  All with only zip ties.  No holes, no screws, no bolts.

Cost with the light came to about $150 (excluding the wood boards)

If I had to buy the boards here is what I would get:

4 - 2x12s   

Use one each for the top 2 shelves and two on the lowest shelf for scopes, etc

So for $200 this could be done.

[fivefish]

Yeah the PC and monitor is just for viewing documents pertaining to what I'm working on, not my main PC. I want a keyboard tray to keep the keyboard and mouse off the main work surface.

Computers and monitors are bulky. Even a laptop is bulky on an already cramped workbench.

There is where a tablet/iPad comes in very useful, for pulling up datasheets, PDFs, assembly manual, googling, quick ordering of parts from eBay/Mouser/Digikey/etc. 

If you're doing some R&D, the ipad comes in useful for recording notes, taking photos, videos, etc.  Use Evernote, and your notes are automatically synced with your main desktop PC. 

[rdl]

Oh, and I decided I'll be just using a wireless keyboard and mouse. Next step is digging up a PC to use. (and a good chair)

Get a Brix and stick it on the back of your monitor. I've got one, it's awesome. Less than $200 unless you want Windows on it.

[nidlaX]

I'm a big fan of this dining table for use as a base: http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/20161756/

Extremely stable and solid, great surface finish, and relatively cheap ($99 on sale).

[miguelvp]

Well, it turns out a buddy of mine had a desk he gave to me for FREE, and he even delivered it!

The way I have everything positioned, the microscope will swing out without hitting the o-scope or monitor.

That looks a lot like my desk

[ez24]

I'm a big fan of this dining table for use as a base: http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/20161756/

Extremely stable and solid, great surface finish, and relatively cheap ($99 on sale).

Two laptops will take up all the room on this table
I guess ok for a closet lab 
I think we should start a topic on closet labs.


Size
119x74 cm

[Armxnian]

Tabletop space is important when choosing, but I think there is another important characteristic to look for, and that is leg room. Many desks, like mine, have huge real estate, but the leg room is quite limited. It is an L shape, and has drawers on the bottom sides, and so I can only really fit my chair and sit in the right angle. This means I can't slide around and use equipment or work in the other two sides. Good for storage, but it's annoying in terms of flexibility.

You should also look for a sturdy desk. I think you should be able to jump on top of it and not be afraid of it breaking and you going to the hospital for a broken neck. There is nothing worse than a wobbly desk. Not only can it break when you put your heavy $30k scope on it, but it can also fall and squish your chihuahua!

Obviously you can't have maximum stability while having unlimited leg room, but a balance of the two will make you happy. As for specific models, I have no idea. Check the big box stores like Costco or Ikea if you got one around.

[nidlaX]

I'm a big fan of this dining table for use as a base: http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/20161756/

Extremely stable and solid, great surface finish, and relatively cheap ($99 on sale).

Two laptops will take up all the room on this table
I guess ok for a closet lab 
I think we should start a topic on closet labs.


Size
119x74 cm

Yes, that's why you get two or three and put them together!