How to organize an ideal workplace.

Every craftsman’s workplace is his second home. This is where all projects are carried out – from the birth of a good idea to the finishing touches. For each stage of the project it is extremely important that the work takes place in an appropriate environment, that the workplace is equipped with everything you need, durable and comfortable. So how does the DIY handyman shape his ideal work environment? The DREMEL experts will show you and tell you.

How to set up an ideal workstation

The main principle guiding the craftsman to equip his place is the principle of conformity. This means that the workbench must fit the craftsman’s working direction. Moreover, its location should be technically suitable for the functions entrusted to it by the foreman: There should be enough space around it, access to electricity and good lighting. It’s also important to fit the handyman – the work surface should literally fit the height and size of the handyman.

So, the 7 rules of organizing the ideal workplace:

1. Location.

The guiding principle for the ideal DIY workstation is “as much space as possible. Alas, the reality is that craftsmen are often limited in square meters. Small but important details, like table castors and folding benches, or a tabletop, can help solve the “space problem. Such a mobile workshop can be moved around and remain functional at the same time. Of course, the craftsman must make sure that the construction is stable enough for the type of work in question: the greatest care must always be taken when looking for a compromise between stability and mobility.

2. Wires.

The modern DIY craftsman can hardly do without electricity. This is why it is important to have a set of power sockets close to your workstation. If the internal wiring in the room does not allow you to arrange a mains outlet directly at the workbench, it is worth taking care in advance about the extension cords. The main thing in this case – do not allow “disorganized” cables on the floor, as it is a serious violation of safety rules when working with powerful electrical appliances.

3. Lighting.

If your workplace is located near a window – fine. However, most DIY workshops are set up in basements or other poorly lit rooms. It’s important for a craftsman to see all the fine details of his “brainchild”, and it’s worth giving preference to local light sources, since a ceiling lamp can form a shadow of a person’s figure, which will make the work much more difficult.

4. Height.

To determine the optimal height for the working surface, two factors must be taken into account. First is the size of the foreman: Ideally, the workstation should be at the same height as the wrists when the hands are lowered. The second is the type of work that will prevail. If you plan to apply serious physical effort e.g., planing it is better to lower the table top by 15 cm. This helps the craftsman make better use of his own weight without losing stability. If lighter, more precise work is needed, such as drilling or assembly, it pays to raise the workbench surface by the same 15 cm.

5. Material

A pre-designed plan of action will also help in the choice of countertop material. Workbenches are usually made from hardwoods such as beech or oak. It is the ideal surface for most DIY tasks. Remember, however, that work such as welding, soldering, burning or drawing is contraindicated to a wooden worktop. You need a fireproof and/or waterproof flooring – made of metal or linoleum, for example. In any case the surface should be as smooth as possible. The presence of seams is highly undesirable, as they are very likely to collect dirt and small chips/fragments, which could eventually result in damage to parts or injury to the craftsman.

6. Fixing

The workplace must be conducive not only to the flight of fancy of a craftsman, but also to the performance of all sorts of painstaking and tedious work that requires the safe fixation of all tools and parts. All kinds of vices are used for this purpose, as well as special holes in the tabletop, which make it possible to fix parts of various lengths and shapes by means of appropriate bushings. As for the vise, they are mainly divided into side, foot, front and engineering. Side and face vices are located on the ends of the worktop and allow the workpiece to be clamped along or across the workbench. Foot dowels, respectively, are used for vertical fixing. Engineering vise, as a rule, are made of metal and are designed for heavy-duty fixation of workpieces.

7. Organization.

Creative clutter can only be good at the design thinking stage for quality workmanship, all tools and parts should be arranged as compactly as possible, yet easily accessible. As a rule, the choice of options for storage is quite wide and depends on both personal preferences and budget. Easily positioned on the wall above the workbench at eye level, each tool has its own location and is easy to find. Another option is to store tools in wall-mounted shelves or racks. You’re less likely to get sawdust, shavings or other such DIY debris on them. Many craftsmen also prefer to store tools in their desk drawers. But in this case, the time to find the right drill or screwdriver can seriously increase. Another golden rule of workplace organization is the principle of “popularity”: tools that are used frequently should always be at hand, and those that are used seldom should be safely stowed in a drawer or on a shelf.