[manishalive]

Hello All, I am back in Team-BHP. And wanted to give update on my small tool room / Workbench.

I have made a small room in the balcony to serve me for my hobby / tool room. It's adequate for now with small issues that need sorting.

The 3D printer will be located else where.



The L shape Bench is at different height so on the left side I can actually stand and work. Above the elevated section is my storage and also is my small hardware storage, this is for the commonly used item, rest go in boxes. Extreme right is the mini bench drill press. This table is 5 feet by 2 feet.



Different heights also serve as storage area for the tool box.



Next to that (corner bottom) houses the Vacuum and compressor pumps. Along with Vacuum and Pressure pot(not in the picture).



The main work bench area is where most of my hobby work will happen and comprises of 5.5 feet by 2 feet table. The height is 27 inches which is according to my ergonomics and aids in ease of work.

On top is the peg board which was bought from IKEA. I could not find any other ready made peg board locally and this was the best option. I am able to house most of my regular use tools and supplies on this board. I am very happy with this purchase.

On left is a hanging lamp which also acts as light for mini drill press.

On right is the IKEA table lamp which is mounted on vertical ply to save space. The lamp tough good is not flexible enough. So in future will replace that with Lock line (the ones used in CNC coolant / Lubrication). Those are very flexible, stay in place and can be make to any length. I got this idea from Adam Savage, who has built many of these.



Next to table on right is the storage unit. Which houses some of the smaller tools and also stuff that I am working on. Plus the whole paint cans and other spray cans.

You will also see a 1.1 kV UPS below table. This is for the printer - I get multiple power disruptions, so much needed for the printer.

Also since the 600 VA UPS for the Internet and TV is kaput - I intend to run a cable all the way up to living room to support those 2 equipment's as well.



On the extreme right is another storage for more stuff. Below this space, behind the door I want to locate my 3D printer, so that it can work undisturbed. Need to make a small bench for it tough.



The whole setup is made in a way to utilize the natural wind flow (plenty in a high rise apartment). And thus you will not see full length cabinets.

Now the issues that I have -

1.) Where do I keep big boxes full of my car parts (this a challenge) and I will have to find ways.

2.) Bench Vice - where do I locate this and this is important and very helpful tool. I do not see any right place for mounting this. I am looking at retraceable stand to mount this. But that may not be sturdy. Any ideas guys.



3.) Glue gun, Dremel, hot air gun, cordless - no space currently to mount them. This I was thinking on right behind the door but now the printer is coming there. So need another location. While I have plenty of space, what is need is mounting rack to hold these in place.

Behind the work bench is a great location, but there is the bedroom window. So it's a no no. Let's see what the carpenter comes up with.

Hope you guys like it. Suggestions if any are welcomed.

[Jaguar]

Originally Posted by manishalive

Hello All, I am back in Team-BHP. And wanted to give update on my small tool room / Workbench.

I have made a small room in the balcony to serve me for my hobby / tool room. It's adequate for now with small issues that need sorting.

Hope you guys like it. Suggestions if any are welcomed.

You are lucky to have a dedicated space, that too in an apartment. Could you also share a panoramic view or video of the room? Will help showcase the layout better.

Seeing the balcony door and paint, this appears to be a Sobha apartment, kitchen utility. If yes, where are you keeping the WM and stuff?

[manishalive]

Originally Posted by Jaguar

You are lucky to have a dedicated space, that too in an apartment. Could you also share a panoramic view or video of the room? Will help showcase the layout better.

Seeing the balcony door and paint, this appears to be a Sobha apartment, kitchen utility. If yes, where are you keeping the WM and stuff?

Thanks bro, it is indeed Sobha Apartment. How ever this is the bedroom Balcony. So the kitchen stuff stays it's place. I have few more changes / arrangement to do and post that will give complete pictures.

[Gannu_1]

Originally Posted by manishalive

Hello All, I am back in Team-BHP. And wanted to give update on my small tool room / Workbench.

Hope you guys like it. Suggestions if any are welcomed.

Lovely setup Manish. The space in your apartment balcony is massive and you seem to have utilised it quite well.

The portable air compressor looks very compact and cute. Can you share some details? Like the manufacturer, pressure output and what all do you use it for?

Do you plan to install a tabletop lathe?

[GTO]

Thanks for sharing, manishalive ! Moving your post out to a new thread. A new thread means 100X the views & 100X the visibility in search engines, including Google. Will add to homepage later this week .

@ BHPians, if you should spot any good post in an existing thread that deserves its own new thread, please report the post and we'll move it out for greater visibility.

Thank you!

[manishalive]

Originally Posted by Gannu_1

Lovely setup Manish. The space in your apartment balcony is massive and you seem to have utilised it quite well.

The portable air compressor looks very compact and cute. Can you share some details? Like the manufacturer, pressure output and what all do you use it for?

Do you plan to install a tabletop lathe?

The space is certainly good for a small setup and yes the design worked out well. I have the layout drawing that I will post later.

The air compressor is certainly cute and compact, but is useless. I bought the below from Amazon. I use Amazon a lot as going to Market is 2 hours of driving one way.

https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B07...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought it for pressure pot, air brush painting and general workshop use, but it's not fulfilling all the requirement - the pressure only goes up to 3.5 bar and that the tank is only 3 liters. So the pump is not able to maintain steady pressure. I still use it for blowing dust out from mixing cups, from the silicon mold and occasional Air brushing. But I need a bigger machine 1 - 1.5 HP with 15-25 liters of tank.

Yes Benchtop lathe is very much in wish list so is he Proxxon Milling machine. Bu then that brings the inevitable question of a Bench to CNC.

I for long have been looking at Pocket CNC. But prices have gone up so much that it beyond the realm of hobby work bench. But I certainly have that in back of my mind.

Originally Posted by GTO

Thanks for sharing, manishalive ! Moving your post out to a new thread. A new thread means 100X the views & 100X the visibility in search engines, including Google. Will add to homepage later this week .

@ BHPians, if you should spot any good post in an existing thread that deserves its own new thread, please report the post and we'll move it out for greater visibility.

Thank you!

Thanks you very much GTO, I am delighted.

[prashantuchil]

Well stocked and organized work area Manish !!

Nice to see our apartment complex on the post (Amethyst).

[Newtown]

This is a really good setup in terms of size.

Could not help noticing the silicone sheets for kneading and baking. They are really useful, and this is super use for them. Another option is to get felt lined sheets that have a rubberized bottom.

[Yieldway17]

Nice setup. Even though I have a similar space, I can't put anything I value in my apartment balcony as the monsoon rains here are quite ferocious and the wind direction sends streams of water in to the balcony.

That Wurth toolbox has certainly attracted my attention and looking to buy one right now.

[aargee]

Hello Sir
If I may offer a minor suggestion in addition to your arduous effort: Pls stick a transparent white acrylic sheet {as marked in RED} so as to prevent bolts & nuts falling from the balcony floor & there by not obstructing the natural light as well pls?

[adrift@life]

love the setup. Been meaning to organize my tools myself. but I know that's not happening because of my laziness.
I can't help but notice the "I rex" vacuum pump you have got there. it retails up to 7.5 k on Amazon. I am in the market for one, the purpose being self-maintenance of home air conditioners up to 2 tons. Can you comment on its performance?

Thank you.

[dass]

That is an amazing set up for an even more amazing hobby.

Mine might be the most irrelevant observation out there, so please do not mind.

Most balconies do not have a supporting beam/pillar below them, they are kind of hanging and I have always assumed that the builders consider that place to be used for stuff which does not put too much weight in there. Now, I have also seen people convert balconies into a bedroom/study room with associated furniture. The question though - Would these modifications (if it can be called that) create a structural integrity issue, to the balcony as well as the building?

[dextor]

I can only say this post is inspirational. For people who are into DIY and part time creativity this is treat to eyes.

I would love to know how you are utilizing this setup. Please share details of what all tasks you are doing (repairs, fixes, creations etc).

I am also passionate of doing lot of such stuff although it might cost lot of time and efforts and sometimes money but its sheer pleasure which not everyone understand and they start comparing with professional help.

It would surely be tough to create & maintain this setup.

I would also like to understand how your apartment committee is allowing to cover the balcony? In our society there is very strict rule that we cannot do any modifications which are externally visible. Not even grills on windows.

[GutsyGibbon]

Originally Posted by manishalive

3.) Glue gun, Dremel, hot air gun, cordless - no space currently to mount them.
Hope you guys like it. Suggestions if any are welcomed.

Looks awesome. Custom problems need custom solutions.

Not a suggestion, but a general comment. There is always room, when you start thinking of space in terms of 3D. I thought my peg board was full with just 1/4th of what is here in this pic. I simply switched some of the 2 inch pegs to 8 inch pegs, I can hang a lot of bigger stuff now. Every time you hang bigger things on the peg board, make sure you reinforce from the back with weather proofed wood, or something sturdy. My pegboard is chaotic, but the longer pegs have things that I dont use much at the back. I have already rearranged much of this now. You can see some of the changes in the second picture. Key is to keep everything configurable. You will keep buying new tools, and getting rid of things that go bad.


Also, do you get any moisture in the balcony? Cast iron tools and particle board will crumble very easily. I cant tell from the pics, I assume the balcony is sealed by glass. Just make sure you seal the edges so that too much moisture does not enter your balcony shed. As you use the workbench, the paint/seal will wear, and if there is moisture in the air, it will mess up the work surface. If you think moisture will get in, add moisture absorbant pads, and gel packets everywhere.
I store a lot tools that may corrode in my tiny back yard shed. I have added weather stripping to the door edges, and moisture absorbant packets all around. Keep the shelving configurable, so that rearranging things is easier.


With a tool shed, you are the carpenter now

Just one suggestion. Dont leave Lithium Ion batteries in the tool room, if you cant control temperature. Move it to your bedroom. In my pictures you will see that I dont follow my own suggestions. Don't be me.

[manishalive]

Originally Posted by prashantuchil

Well stocked and organized work area Manish !!

Nice to see our apartment complex on the post (Amethyst).

Hello Prashant, Thanks a lot, I am surprised and pleased to see a fellow resident in TeamBhp.

Originally Posted by Newtown

This is a really good setup in terms of size.

Could not help noticing the silicone sheets for kneading and baking. They are really useful, and this is super use for them. Another option is to get felt lined sheets that have a rubberized bottom.

Thanks, Yes 8 feet by 5.5 feet is just about enough. I do epoxy / resin casting and the silicon sheets are perfect for spill over.

Originally Posted by Yieldway17

Nice setup. Even though I have a similar space, I can't put anything I value in my apartment balcony as the monsoon rains here are quite ferocious and the wind direction sends streams of water in to the balcony.

That Wurth toolbox has certainly attracted my attention and looking to buy one right now.

I am in the 18th floor and wind+ rain is even more of an issue. I just have to be cautious to close the windows. The other big issue is micro dust. That is a huge problem with open and windy place.

Wurth tool box was a lucky find on OLX at less than half the market price. I can't thank enough the seller.

Originally Posted by aargee

Hello Sir
If I may offer a minor suggestion in addition to your arduous effort: Pls stick a transparent white acrylic sheet {as marked in RED} so as to prevent bolts & nuts falling from the balcony floor & there by not obstructing the natural light as well pls?
Attachment 2469989

Sure will do that and it's a great suggestion.

Originally Posted by adrift@life

love the setup. Been meaning to organize my tools myself. but I know that's not happening because of my laziness.
I can't help but notice the "I rex" vacuum pump you have got there. it retails up to 7.5 k on Amazon. I am in the market for one, the purpose being self-maintenance of home air conditioners up to 2 tons. Can you comment on its performance?

Thank you.

Thanks bro, the I rex pump is actually 3D - double stage. I had first bought 1S pump from I rex which was just useless (and tat's the one that is at 7k). With the current pump I am able to degas silicon in 5 minutes. However this pump goes up to 700 mm Hg only and not 760. May be because of my set up. The pump is good quality and has worked beautifully for last 3 years. Also i-Rex engineer suggested me to use 5D / 6D as they are much bigger and faster. I should have bought that, I will upgrade to that sometime.

Originally Posted by dass

That is an amazing set up for an even more amazing hobby.

Mine might be the most irrelevant observation out there, so please do not mind.

Most balconies do not have a supporting beam/pillar below them, they are kind of hanging and I have always assumed that the builders consider that place to be used for stuff which does not put too much weight in there. Now, I have also seen people convert balconies into a bedroom/study room with associated furniture. The question though - Would these modifications (if it can be called that) create a structural integrity issue, to the balcony as well as the building?

Good question, I clearly see a cantilever beam on the roof of my other balcony and its similar size to the main columns, but not on the one I use for tool room. And without that any heavy work will certainly pose challenge. But I also think prominent builders have good quality (no honeycomb) and have the right factor of safety.

Originally Posted by dextor

I can only say this post is inspirational. For people who are into DIY and part time creativity this is treat to eyes.

I would love to know how you are utilizing this setup. Please share details of what all tasks you are doing (repairs, fixes, creations etc).

I am also passionate of doing lot of such stuff although it might cost lot of time and efforts and sometimes money but its sheer pleasure which not everyone understand and they start comparing with professional help.

It would surely be tough to create & maintain this setup.

I would also like to understand how your apartment committee is allowing to cover the balcony? In our society there is very strict rule that we cannot do any modifications which are externally visible. Not even grills on windows.

Thanks Bro, I am fixing all my home stuff plus building scale models. I do 3d printing, silicon mold, resin cast. And then I also have stuff for my old Fiat which I do at this place. I made these pull knobs entirely at my Balcony

Originally Posted by GutsyGibbon

Looks awesome. Custom problems need custom solutions.

Not a suggestion, but a general comment. There is always room, when you start thinking of space in terms of 3D. I thought my peg board was full with just 1/4th of what is here in this pic. I simply switched some of the 2 inch pegs to 8 inch pegs, I can hang a lot of bigger stuff now. Every time you hang bigger things on the peg board, make sure you reinforce from the back with weather proofed wood, or something sturdy. My pegboard is chaotic, but the longer pegs have things that I dont use much at the back. I have already rearranged much of this now. You can see some of the changes in the second picture. Key is to keep everything configurable. You will keep buying new tools, and getting rid of things that go bad.
Attachment 2470181

Also, do you get any moisture in the balcony? Cast iron tools and particle board will crumble very easily. I cant tell from the pics, I assume the balcony is sealed by glass. Just make sure you seal the edges so that too much moisture does not enter your balcony shed. As you use the workbench, the paint/seal will wear, and if there is moisture in the air, it will mess up the work surface. If you think moisture will get in, add moisture absorbant pads, and gel packets everywhere.
I store a lot tools that may corrode in my tiny back yard shed. I have added weather stripping to the door edges, and moisture absorbant packets all around. Keep the shelving configurable, so that rearranging things is easier.
Attachment 2470180

With a tool shed, you are the carpenter now

Just one suggestion. Dont leave Lithium Ion batteries in the tool room, if you cant control temperature. Move it to your bedroom. In my pictures you will see that I dont follow my own suggestions. Don't be me.

Mate, your peg board setup was the inspiration to make my own. So a big thankyou to you.

Bangalore is a dry climate, so we are blessed. But the whole area is sealed perfectly. Batteries for sure I need to keep them inside, and I do not follow any of your battery recommendations. I am more lazier than what people think of me.