Q: Since Model Railroader has moved to a new location, have you given any thought to a video or magazine series on building a workbench? I’ve got to build a new one to fit my new train room and am looking for ideas. — Jim Burns
A: Thanks for writing in, Jim. Our workshop space is pretty well set up at the moment, so I don’t anticipate any articles or videos on that topic.
As you may recall, the workbenches at our former Kalmbach Media headquarters were built into the room. At our new offices, we decided to use portable benches to make the shop spaces more flexible. In the modeling workshop, we have four adjustable-height work stations on leveling feet. This allows staff members to sit or stand while working. We cover the work surfaces with tempered hardboard or a self-healing mat to prevent them from getting damaged.
The room has overhead fluorescent lights and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Outlets along the wall provide space to plug in lights, tools, and computers as needed.
In our layout construction workshop we have Husky 24 x 52-inch adjustable-height workbenches. The benches feature a powder-coated steel frame, a solid wood top, two drawers (40” x 16” x 2-1⁄4”), leveling feet, and swivel casters with locking brakes. The crossbar support can be put in the middle or at the back.
The height of the Husky workbenches is also adjustable. When using the leveling feet, the height range is 26 to 39 inches. If the casters are installed, add three inches to both numbers.
Though we don’t have plans for a workbench article right now, I did find some stories in the Model Railroader archive that may be of interest to you, including “DMBM-2 workbench” (July 1984), “Build a practical home workshop” (July 1991), “Build a portable workbench” (December 2000), “Build a modular workshop cabinet” (April 2002), and “The model railroader’s workshop, part 2” (July 2006).
Send us your questions
Have a question about model trains, full-size trains, or toy trains? Send it to AskTrains@Trains.com.
