Any advise on workbench build?

[Hairic]

Ok so you may have seen some of my other post that I am wanting to build a small leather workshop, I'm going into it as I did my woodshop and that is the workbench should be the center and focal point, of the shop, so that's what I am currently designing, I would love to hear input from anyone that has more experience, I don't want to regret building something that just wont flow, So I have attached some pics of what I think could be a basic layout, it is all correct dimensions lol , like I said its not a very large space, So I want to be able to store as much as possible in my center bench, Im just wondering with this design what would you put in it and where, I purposely did not add the drawers yet as that's my question what would you do with this empty shell, The center of the one side I want to be able to sit and do things so its going to be empty for my legs like a desk with a small drawer above the thighs for a random things I suppose but I will add holes for adjustable shelves in the event I never sit, either side of that I want drawers, I think, I was thinking to the left have all my sewing equipment as directly behind that will be the area I keep my sewing machine.  On the far end I think I want to install a paper roll to quickly pull and layout over the worktop for staining and gluing, speaking of top the entire top 4x8 and will be topped with a cutting mat. all the red is just ideas for layout and nothing is permanent I only include it so you can get a feel to what My plans are as the bench is priority to me also it does not show it but that room is totally boxed in just didn't include the wall next to sewing area, Any ways I would love to hear thoughts for what you would do. 

[fredk]

Forget drawers. The woodwork of the drawer takes up valuable space. Shelves with a bar across them. Hinge the bar at the bottom so it can drop down like a flap, but only to horizontal so it can act as extension to the shelf whilst you get things off the shelf. Bar hinges up after use and small catches hold it in place

Use that wall space; open plan shelves up there, long lengths which can be partitioned to your needs as you progress

Use the ceiling; in very old time houses they used to have a clothes drying rack attached to the ceiling. It could be dropped down for putting clothes on then via pulleys it was hoisted up out of the way. Use a similar idea to hang light weight leathers

Don't forget power points; you can never have too many. But not at floor level. Bring them up to desk/worktop height. And build an open front box over them; to protect the plugs and stop too much stuff getting left in front of them and preventing you access to them

Is that big square on the end wall a window? if it is shift your sewing area over to there. Make use of any daylight available

[LatigoAmigo]

36 minutes ago, Hairic said:

what you would do. 

Here are some pics of what I did as I had limited space. I needed a bigger bench for laying out my materials, so I made the bench U-shaped with a sort of convertible table insert, and hung my tools on the walls. 

Please excuse the clutter.

[Hairic]

8 minutes ago, fredk said:

Forget drawers. The woodwork of the drawer takes up valuable space. Shelves with a bar across them. Hinge the bar at the bottom so it can drop down like a flap, but only to horizontal so it can act as extension to the shelf whilst you get things off the shelf. Bar hinges up after use and small catches hold it in place

Use that wall space; open plan shelves up there, long lengths which can be partitioned to your needs as you progress

Use the ceiling; in very old time houses they used to have a clothes drying rack attached to the ceiling. It could be dropped down for putting clothes on then via pulleys it was hoisted up out of the way. Use a similar idea to hang light weight leathers

Don't forget power points; you can never have too many. But not at floor level. Bring them up to desk/worktop height. And build an open front box over them; to protect the plugs and stop too much stuff getting left in front of them and preventing you access to them

Is that big square on the end wall a window? if it is shift your sewing area over to there. Make use of any daylight available

No sir that big box is a garage door, right now, during remodel it will become bay windows.  I like your idea of shelfs, however I have found they clutter things in the back, So sliding shelves are also a thought, this is a frameless design so it does not take up much more room doing it that way.  

[Hairic]

6 minutes ago, LatigoAmigo said:

Here are some pics of what I did as I had limited space. I needed a bigger bench for laying out my materials, so I made the bench U-shaped with a sort of convertible table insert, and hung my tools on the walls. 

Please excuse the clutter.

that's a really good idea! I was going for the hopes on not having to do that with the large bench lol, and may come to that if I cant make this large table work... I have been thinking of making it a bit smaller, however I have a 1300 sqft area I can use if I find leather more than just a hobby, So that again is why I kind of want to make a larger bench as it wont need to be rebuilt/ upgraded later.  Plus I build cabinets for a living and I know it well lol.  Just don't know what I want on this one.  Normally people tell me what they want and I build it.  I also want to make it crazy fancy with the trim and work that is not shown on the design as that's just the frosting when the main structure is done lol.

[Hairic]

Think I'm going to go with this design, I will have both empty spots able to have adjustable shelves just did not picture them in, what you all think? Will I regret it? 

[HaloJones]

As long as it suits your working ways should be fine.

I am in a similar position, the space I have is 3x4m I plan on a long workbench along one length with storage behind me, under the bench will be a tool box on wheels to pull out as I need, and some form of leather storage 

what I am still trying to nail is the height of the bench, what did you opt for?

[Klara]

Where are you planning on storing your leather?

I have it under my improvised cutting table, easily accessible and out of direct light. For tool storage I am a huge fan of magnetic rails on the wall within easy reach. 

Have you checked out the YouTube videos on leather workshops? There are quite a few where people show off their new space.

 

[Frodo]

My opinion of a bench  is a 4' [1.21m]  x 8' [2.43m]  in size with  Lift/lock casters

this allows the bench to be moved about the room on wheels then it sets down in position 

You need 4 separate work stations

Cutting

gluing  with overhead exhaust hood

stain

sewing /machine/hand 

 

DIY FOLDING WALL MOUNTED WORKBENCH - YouTube

[toxo]

I think you just like playing with Sketch Up.