First off, an apology if this is mis-labled or has been posted elsewhere, but it seems that the Workbench falls (at least marginally) into the “tools” section.
I have been blessed with an empty space in the basement. This is to be my workarea. I’m curious if anybody has any workbench plans/descriptions/photos they’d share. Of special interest is venting of spray booths (and the inherent danger of using an air-brush in the basement. I fear the pilot light).
When I was posting yesterday with saltydog I took some time to view his photo album. He’s got images of some nice builds in there, but he also has his work area / workbench in a couple of shots. You may get a few ideas from his set up.
if yer in the basement, a dual carteridge respirator would be a good investment. i would say that a respirator is much cheaper than doctor’s bills. now go build some models ! [:D]
It’s not coming out until later this month, but wait until you see the article about Randy Fields’ “ultimate” workshop in the November issue: http://www.finescale.com/fsm/default.aspx?c=ni&id=30 It’s the kind of workshop most of us can only dream about (and sooooooo neat!), but at least it gives one a goal to work toward.
If you have an outside vent in your basement and you are not close to the water heater? With a good exhaust fan and spray booth you shouldn’t have a problem.
If you are still a little leary, you could always use acrylics for spraying.
I used some cabinets that I picked up from a friend of a friend for a really good deal. I also made the workbenches from 5/8" particle board topped w/ 3/4" oak plywood and trimmed in oak banding (All left over from other house projects - well, I over bought on the wife’s budget to accomodate[}:)]. The balance was done over a couple of months. In the end I like a finished look to my shops (I also have a wood working shop). It makes me feel a little more professional, even though I am not very good.
Currently making a new workbench with booth attached.
The exhaust for the booth is a length of flexible tubing that I run out the window whenever I spray, and roll it up when I’m done.
Being in a company house, I can’t make anything permanent at the moment, but the vent works well during testing.
My modeling area is in the basement like yours and it has one exterior window. When I installed my paint booth, I removed the window (which was hinged at the top) and stored it. I then cut a piece of 3/4" plywood to just fit into the opening, cut a 4" hole in it into which I installed an exterior dryer vent. Painted it white to match the exterior of the house. Glued weather seal around the exterior edge and installed it with sheet rock screws. Used it for two years now and no problems. If I have too, I can just remove the plywood and reinstall the window (which was a good selling point to the wife)