The workbench is the soul of the workshop. It is the place where the most important tasks are carried out, from simple DIY to carpentry masterpieces. It is an essential piece of engineering for worshipping craftsmanship and repairing objects.
Choosing a workbench for your workshop or workstation is not a very complicated task, and you already have an idea of what you need. But have you considered all the important factors? How are you going to use it? Who will use it? And with what accessories? Let’s get the hang of the important criteria for choosing this essential piece of furniture for the safety and comfort of your team.
Mobility
If you have to move the bench, choose a mobile work station with wheels. Check DycoVentures.com for heavy-duty workbench models on wheels. Note that the safety wheel locks are sufficient to stabilize the bench for work involving force. You must find a compromise between sturdiness (load supported) and weight, which can be a disadvantage when the bench needs to be moved.
Fixed benches are naturally more stable, can withstand higher maximum loads, and can be fixed to the floor. What about basic models or simple workshop tables? They are perfectly suited to basic work: lifting plants and other manual tasks.
Working Position
Fixed-height working benches are often the most suitable for working in a sitting position, as the ergonomics of the position are guaranteed by the chair.
Height-adjustable workbenches can be used in any working position. These benches usually require a few minutes to adjust with the help of simple tools. Before purchasing, check their minimum and maximum height, as well as the adjustment possibilities.
Foldable or with Drawers?
If you want a bench that can be moved from one location to another and is also easy to assemble, saving space in your workshop, you might be interested in a folding bench.
However, if you need compartments to store and organize your work tools, we recommend choosing a workbench with drawers. You will be able to create your own personal workspace with all the materials you need and a place to store them as you go about your task. You can also buy your workbench in isolation and purchase the drawers separately.
The ultimate in ergonomics? The motorized workbench. A simple button allows you to adjust its height instantly (or almost instantly). Some models even boast a system for memorizing several heights.
Price
Depending on the brand, features, and materials used, the price of a workbench may vary (like with any other product on the market). Light plastic models can be found for up to $100, while heavy-duty professional steel workbenches equipped with cabinets and drawers will cost you up to a thousand dollars. Pricey models usually come with a solid warranty to serve you for years. Budget-friendly workbenches are ideal for beginner DIY enthusiasts who need a bench from time to time for non-demanding projects.
Activity
There are three technical criteria to take into account depending on the work to be carried out on a bench.
1. Maximum Supported Load
This is the main indicator of robustness. Up to 300 pounds are just enough for occasional or light use; 500 to 1000 pounds for frequent work with heavy objects; and more than 1000 pounds for intensive activities (and if you hit very hard!).
2. Countertop Material
- Solid beech – for heavy mechanical work, since it is very resistant to impacts and heavy weights.
- Laminated beech – for mechanical and electromechanical work. Water resistant up to 180 °F.
- Phenol – robust and easy to clean, this resin-coated wood is resistant to water, oil, grease and even acid. It is ideal for mechanical, metrology laboratory work, etc.
- Laminated – particularly resistant to abrasion and drilling, this high-density (compressed) wood covered with a laminated material plate is the ideal solution for electrical, assembly, and laboratory work.
- Linoleum – for assembly, control, and laboratory mechanics work, linoleum is comfortable to the touch, easy to care for, and resistant to the most common liquids (solvents, oils).
- Polyrey – antistatic, thanks to the conductive laminated material that allows grounding, this is the essential solution for electronic work.
- Glasal – its mineral coating (asbestos-cement with a glaze layer) resists welder burns. It is ideal for electronic or electrical work.
- Stainless steel – the king of hygiene for the agri-food industry.
3. Integrated Storage Space
- Much more than just accessories, they must be adapted to your activity. Important elements to check:
- Size and number of compartments
- The placement of boxes, drawers, and shelves: under the workbench, above the bench
- The possible need for modularity: flexible dividers for drawers, perforated panels, foam molds.
- The choice of modules with doors and drawers, according to the function:
- the weight of the objects and tools: on wheels or on the base for the heaviest ones;
- the locking requirements: a lock on each drawer (for example, for multiple users) or a single lock;
- the different functionalities, such as the possibility of placing labels, changing the position of the modules with doors (and the direction of opening of the doors), fully opening the drawers, etc.
Extra Tips to Follow
- Check whether it is possible to install the accessories and equipment necessary for your activity on your future workbench: lathe, specific supports, magnetized bases, etc.
- Pay attention to the parts during assembly: each piece is important and plays a role in the robustness of the entire assembly!
- And, of course, ensuring the safety of your staff. Some models, for example, avoid protruding nuts and bolts as a way of minimizing the risk of minor (or serious) injuries to your team.
Conclusion
The workbench, after all, is the foundation of any workshop. It is the place where the most important tasks are carried out, from the simplest to the most complex.
Choosing the best workbench for your needs is truly a fundamental decision. We assure you that by following the advice we have described in this article, you will be able to choose the model that provides you with the comfort and versatility you need.
