Custom bench for electronics lab, using T-slot extrusion frame

[TiN]

Alright, it's shaping up into something now. I'm done today with 3 sections, one more to go tomorrow. Put some shipping pallet on section 2 to pile some gear and get a feel of layout.



Reach to scope by the left and to top gear is little too far, but nothing stops me from moving that gear 10-15 closer to the front. Otherwise distance is perfect, and I still have plenty of space in front half to work on full-size equipment.



I've put additional 2m beam on section 3 and loaded it up with ~200kg of calibration equipment.

   

Measured bend in the middle of the extruded beam is ~9mm. Once I get plywood on surface, it will be even less due to spreaded load across larger area.



Remaining section to build will be located by the right of the calibration gear. Long term experiments will be hosted on that part, with thermal chamber, datalogging stuff and auxilary hardware for that. Perhaps my primary voltage, resistance and current standards will be moved there too, onto top shelf.



Overall, I am happy how this shaping up, and 1.5m bench depth is just right. No siglols or riglols in my lab, so everything need proper depth to allow decent working area in front.

[Shock]

When you are done you can take a bottle of champagne and smash it across her bow.

[wizard69]

Added junction connectors, reduced depth of top shelf and minor tweaks.

I'd read up on ergonomics.   The front vertical posts are going to be a massive pain in the butt.   You wll end up having to work around them, look around them and generally cus at them for being in the way.

The depth of the bench is a variable and depends greatly upon what sort of work you will be doing.   Too much depth though wastes space, is uncomfortable.   I don't think anybody can say for certain what is the ideal depth due to al of these variables.

In general I would rather see adjustable instrument shelves.

Aluminum is a very good conductor and as such can be dangerous.   At the very least ground the frame.   However most extrusions are anodized so actual conductivity is unknown.   It might be better to do wood but apparently you have already considered that.   By the way particle board does mover over time, it should be well supported.

Wheels!    think about wheels to move the heavy stuff around, you will thank yourself as you get older.   I would rather see part of your bench become modules that you can roll about.   This starts to become non trivial as you mechanical design goes through the roof.

Finally steel is bloody cheap compared ot aluminum.

[Shock]

I'd read up on ergonomics. The front vertical posts are going to be a massive pain in the butt. You will end up having to work around them, look around them and generally cus at them for being in the way.

When designing mine I faced similar problems. There is no easy way to combine deep shelves and deep benches and it be ergonomic.

So I went with three sets of 2400mm industrial longspan bays of 600mm deep shelving and set them up so they sit over my benches. When I push my benches fully in there is only a small amount protruding. I can then easily access the rear of equipment to change cables and move things around. It's also easier to get to the top and bottom shelves which I use for storage.

It's a weird way of doing it but works surprisingly well.

[TiN]

Finally got the plywood delivered and installed in the bench. It's shaping up nicely. I am very happy with depth.
Sadly had to abandon idea with non-standard plywood sheets, so no more belly cutouts and extended overhangs.
Current table sheets cut from standard 2.44 x 1.22m size just barely make it depth-wise, but it will do for 2020 until covid situation improves.

Still have lots of work left for refining power routing, lightning and storage areas, but that's fun part and I can resume working on long overdue projects with current setup.

Photos of today's state:



Section 1 - RF and auxilary gear, storage for tools and long-time projects.


Section 2 - main working area, rework equipment, fume extractor, scope, logic analyzer, power supplies, SMUs, microscope.


Section 3 - reference DMMs, calibrators, AC measurement equipment




Equipment layout. Bench have enough room to put full-size full-depth 19" equipment in front of lab gear, which was primary goal for bench depth choice.


Section 4 - calibration standards, temperature chamber box, AC standards. xDevs server on top 3rd shelf.


Storage IKEA boxes for connectors, parts, etc.


Various tools hanging off vertical beams


Underside supports for benches. Can see IP-controlled power switch.

[Shock]

I admire the work you have put into it, it's a beast for sure.

Whats your thoughts on the front uprights now that you look at them? I'd be tempted to move them half way back to ~600mm deep and put bench height legs in the front. It also would make the room feel a bit more open and the bench look less chaotic.

You can still have ~600mm deep shelving if required which should be plenty deep enough if you want the top shelf to have overhanging lighting and still let in good lighting from the ceiling. As a bonus you would also gain the further possibility of a ~600mm deep recessed shelf under the bench for concealed storage.

5 of the old shelf supports become the new legs and if you get the ~600mm depth right the off-cuts from those can be re-purposed to give more shelves.

[bjbb]

Get rid of the carpet. Not good for most electrical/electronic work places.

[rhb]

Nice looking bench.   I'm using rectangular steel tubing for mine because Dad left it to me.  My major question is weld vs bolt. I was going to weld, but if I bolt it's a lot easier to change.

In my case I'm building two benches on casters with ESD flooring on the tops.  One bench will be racks for the HP gear and the other will be shelves for the Tek and other non-full rack width gear. I'm putting down ESD flooring, so the bench tops will be made from the scarp from the flooring.  Unfortunately, the flooring is not cheap. 

For anyone wanting to do something like TiN's design but not wanting to spring for the aluminum extrusions, this should be a lower cost option:

https://allmetalsinc.com/steel-perforated-tubing.html

It should be available worldwide.  It's commonly used for street signs which is the application I saw a few days ago leading me to think I should have a few pieces on hand in my steel stock pile.

Have Fun!
Reg

[Renate]

Fortunately I'm in the minor leagues, I make do with 1" square aluminum tubing.
I buy the stuff with a 1/4" slot to slide in panels which divide the foot space from storage and add structural integrity.
https://www.mcmaster.com/structural-framing/structural-framing/press-fit-framing-and-fittings/

I'm actually very, very glad that I don't have that much stuff.

[ramon]

Congratulations. Seems that it have fit your purpose goal.

I found missing the 43" monitor. Where is it?

Wait ... don't tell me you are going to buy a 86" monitor?   

[Shock]

I'm actually very, very glad that I don't have that much stuff.

Good way to get into hobby repair is own enough things till they break .

[TiN]

In case someone missed, Dave featured this bench build in 1420 Mailbag episode:

. 

[Shock]

Tin yours is the best precision bench I've seen. Shahriar probably has the best RF bench. Dave the best scope bench.

I have the strongest bench shelves! Heh, I don't do too badly picoamps, microohms and microvolts is all I need. I do have a gpsdo though for a reference standard so not in total ppm denial.

[NukeET]

For what it’s worth, aside from potential rigidity issues, I really like the layout. I’d say your best bet would be to just find an electronics bench or lab bench second hand. They are surprisingly common and not usually very expensive. I managed to find one that had an electric lift and everything for like 160 dollars (a steal considering it was over 3000 dollars new) That would be far cheaper and a lot more robust than a constructed one. There are deals to be had on Facebook marketplace. It pays to check it daily.

[Shock]

Depends were you live, they are really uncommon here. The ecosystem created from areas like the valley create a huge supply there. In Australia it's old printers and dead chinese TVs.

[NukeET]

I have been undoubtedly blessed by a wealth of marketplace junk. Amazing what people throw away here.