The wide-ranging uses of the workbench
Most people will be familiar with the idea of a workbench as being a strong table where an individual person or a team of workers carry out manual tasks. In terms of size, workbenches range from small entities for jewellers to the massive affairs used by workers assembling aircraft and spaceships. But one thing that all these different configurations have in common is that workbenches tend to be rectangular in shape. Within this rectangular basic shape, design-wise, they can range from basic table-like structures to quite complicated arrangements. The actual design that is used depends on the type of work for which the particular bench will be deployed. Despite the range of designs, workbenches do have quite a number of features in common. They will be of a comfortable height for working, usually around 900mm. There will be an arrangement for workers to operate at the bench when seated or standing. Almost always you will see a way to fix whatever you are working on to the upper surface so that it may be manipulated conveniently with both of your hands. Usually you will also see storage arrangements for tools. These will be set up so that you can easily access the tools you need for a variety of tasks. In terms of materials, workbenches tend to be made from many different types of substance including plastics and composites, wood, metal, and even stone. The material used for the workbench does of course depend on what the particular workbench will be used for. This brings us on to the particular types of workbench. Many people will have heard of the multi-purpose or portable workbench. Such workbenches are quite lightweight and can be folded up for easy transportation and storage. They tend to have clamps included within their overall design. As such, they are very versatile and are common in the home. Almost every craft and trade has its own specialist workbench. Woodworkers and metalworkers will have their own types of bench. So too will gardeners, dressmakers and electronics technicians, where the particular requirements of each trade or profession will be quite different. In the field of the arts you will see specific types of workbench being used by painters and sculptors. While in factories and laboratories there will be other types still. When you're buying a workbench, the things to look for are high standards of materials and construction, good performance, a reasonable price and back-up service from the company you buy from. Strength-wise, the best workbenches have an adjustable lower shelf that is capable of carrying a UDL (Uniform Distributed Load) of up to 300kg per level. They also have a steel centre support for added strength. These features mean that you can use this type of workbench for any heavy duty task. The top industrial workbenches come with an adjustable lower shelf level so you can customise them to fit your needs. Simple self-assembly is another feature of the highest quality workbenches. You won't need spanners or screwdrivers, just a rubber mallet. A few whacks of the mallet and the 'tap together' components come together and your industrial workbench up and ready to go in minutes.
