Requirements for Setting Up a Workshop

 
  • Work bench with a surface about (50mm) 2" below the belly-button.
    • It should be adaptable for a number of elements. It could be on casters with brakes.
    • It should have shelves to take lead boxes
    • It should have shelves for loose boards to build panels upon, and loose boards are needed to turn panels with
  • Light box. This can be a simple framed sheet of plate glass. Cover it with white Fablon or tracing paper to make it opaque. Install lights underneath. You can trace-cut and design and judge glass on this
  • A good set of drawers to store tools, solder, cleaning stuff, drawing materials etc.
  • Cheap plastic boxes to store small glass. Save ice-cream tubs to "sort" your growing scraps into in an organised palette.
  • Glass-storage.  Build your own with 50mm x 100mm (2"x 4") timber and cheap-but-sturdy sheet-board - a mini-version of what you've already seen at your glass suppliers.
  • Cheap polypropylene carpet ("corduroy" bedroom-type is ideal) to unroll for cutting on. Don't fix down as you can use the same bench to lead-up on.
  • Have good lighting
  • Add good heating, perhaps a fan if ventilation not good. Insulation is essential too.
  • Good rubber flooring/lino will protect glass if dropped and be comfortable for hours spent standing
  • Electrical outlets everywhere saves trailing flexes.  If the ceiling is low enough consider outlets in the ceiling.
  • If possible get a sink with running water installed so you don't have to use the kitchen one.
  • A good music/radio system.

Don't worry what it looks like. Practical and workable are more important than good looking cabinetry. Keep stuff cheap and sturdy and you can add (or chuck out) and improvise once you get up and running.

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