Scale Modeling 101-Work Bench Overview
Posted by: Gerald Voigt in Progressive Model Build, Scale Modeling-Tools, Uncategorized, tags: modelers tools, modeling workbenchI’ve received a few emails from fellow modelers who follow my threads on the various forums asking me basic modeling How-To questions. So let’s do a bit of modeling 101, the basics.
Let’s start with workbenches and tools. A tour of my modeling bench where we’ll look at the various tools of the trade. Though each modelers bench is unique, they do share a lot of similarities. Also remember…“It’s not the bench that makes the model, it’s the modeler at the bench.” So each modeler’s bench is suitable to their needs, not necessarily to anyone else.
There are modelers who have limited space. Some have the
space yet keep their work area small. Here is an example of one such bench. Everything is within easy reach. Paints, tools, paint booth, trash can and television! This modeler builds outstanding models from this little corner of a room in his home.
Workbenches may also need to meet certain household and child friendly requirements. When my boys were young I needed a bench that allowed me ample work room as well as means to secure it from little hands and fingers when I wasn’t using it.
My solution was making a self contained cabinet style bench that featured two doors that when opened, supported a fold up extension to the work surface. It could be closed up tight and locked.
Work benches can be small and cozy or huge and expansive. It all depends what you can facilitate and you are comfortable using.
Regardless of your bench layout, size or location there are some basic necessities you need.
Light! This is something that you can’t have too much of. Sunlight is best, but when you’re down in a basement, good warm artificial light is a must. Color correct or full spectrum is easier and more affordable than it once was, so if you can implement its use do so.
After light comes ventilation. You want your work area to be at a suitable temperature to keep you comfortable. But remember that many of the products you will be using have harmful fumes. You need adequate ventilation (exhaust venting preferred) to reduce the effects of inhalation of toxic fumes. I won’t harp on this topic, but please exercise some common sense.
Sitting or standing while you work. I prefer to stand, so my
bench is high off the floor. I do have the appropriate drafting chair that gives me a place to sit when I need to. A comfortable supportive seat is, in my opinion important. For those of use who stand, an anti-fatigue mat is a must.
Now we have a place to work, sufficient light, adequately comfortable and a comfy chair. Let’s take a look at whats on the bench. As you can see in the picture of my current workshop, I have tool boxes for storage of my tools and accessories. These boxes have been recycled from storage of my mechanics tools when I upgraded to a Snap-On roll cab. Again these can be locked to keep little fingers out of things little kids should not have access to.
Tool and accessories need to be accessible. If you can’t find what your looking for at the exact moment you need it, disaster can occur. Been there done that. Probably one of the hardest disciplines in modeling is putting the tools back where they belong so they can be found when needed. GUILTY!
Workbenches evolve. My is constantly changing though the changes have slowed down to a crawl lately. At one time I kept my tools and accessories on top of the bench within easy reach. However, when I needed more work surface, I shifted towards the use of toolboxes and the drawers they contained. You can find various tool caddies, drawers, bins and containers to hold your “stuff.” 
I’ve found that having all of my stuff on top of the bench made it prone to collecting dust from sanding, overspray from painting and sometimes it was just in the way of what I was doing.
Storing my stuff in drawers requires an extra step of opening a drawer, but it does solve the problems I mentioned. Again, you have to design your space to meet your needs and available resources. As your bench evolves and you collect more stuff you’ll find you need to adapt accordingly.
Keen organization is a must so everything is readily available when needed. Each modeler has his or her own methodology to their individual workbench and how they interact with it. My bench too does degrade into what some would call chaos while others see it as “normal.” This usually is the time when as some would say “the spirit leaves” and modeling becomes difficult. It is during these times I clean and organize the workshop, returning it to it’s “pristine” condition.
In the next segment we’ll take a closer look at what’s on the bench. Specifically the tools and the accessories I’ve acquired and found useful over the years. So until next time HAPPY MODELING!
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Once this model is assembled it is HUGE! Comparable in size to the 1:72 scale submarines that are now being released. It requires an extra large photobooth to contain it. I used a 60 inch wide backdrop and some PVC rigging to suspend it in place, hanging the model with fish line fastened to the molded in eyelets. It filled the full width of the backdrop paper!
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