New Workbench - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Variometer · 5th Sep 2013, 7:30 pm

Much upheaval of late with house decorations involving my old workshop being turned into our bedroom. Old bedroom (larger) now handed over to me as a workshop for my three hobbies, model shipbuilding, vintage radio and writing.
Walls painted light blue. Floor laid with non-toxic Marmoleom lino with a piece of non-toxic carpeting (removable) on in working area. Long three-section desk under window. Left, shipbuilding, centre (pictured below) vintage radio, right writing!
I have put a shelf behind the radio section with my variable PSU (0 -350 Volts DC) on the left, followed by Oscilloscope, RF sig gen, AF sig gen. In front and to left, my digital meter. Under shelf, frequency counter, capacitance meter, circuit analyser, resistance box, analogue meter and solder. All test leads in top drawer under desk. Soldering iron to the left. In the past, I haven't often been bothered to get out the scope & sig. gens etc, even if I needed them. Now they are immediately on hand!

Back of room, my technical library.
At the moment, I still have to stop and search for things in unnacustomed new places, but it is a great improvement on my old setup.
Bob.

McMurdo · 5th Sep 2013, 7:39 pm

when you say you've installed non-toxic carpet, are you implying regular carpet is toxic? My workshop has carpet tiles.

HamishBoxer · 5th Sep 2013, 8:29 pm

Yes,modern carpets are full of toxins.As are all floor coverings in the main.

5th Sep 2013, 9:19 pm

Carpet is good (toxic or otherwise) for stopping small bits flying into unknown corners, nice job, if only I was that tidy.

Variometer · 5th Sep 2013, 9:24 pm

Yes, research by wife indicates that carpets have formaledehyde in them and Vinyl gives off toxic fumes over its entire lifetime.
The Marmoleum claims to be completely free of harmful substances and is backed by cork. Horribly expensive though. But should be very easy to find small pieces that have been dropped and is apparently very hard-wearing.
Bob
PS
Merlin,
It is only tidy because I only completed the radio section today, it will soon be a mess again I expect"

Variometer · 5th Sep 2013, 9:32 pm

This is my old workroom immediately before decommissioning!

Bob

Radio Wrangler · 5th Sep 2013, 10:01 pm

Eeee Luxury!

Can't see why you're moving out... unless you're taking up radiograms?

David

threeseven · 5th Sep 2013, 10:12 pm

I don't think 100% wool carpets have a toxic content and I can't imagine any domestic flooring product having formaldehyde content, that is a lethal chemical. Synthetic carpet may have a certain toxicity in certain situations, like in a fire, but beyond that I doubt it is a threat in normal use. At one time decorative paint was very nasty stuff but the content is now tightly regulated. Old style white gloss paint was loaded with lead which must have been very nasty for professional decorators!
Nice workshop btw!

neutronic · 5th Sep 2013, 10:17 pm

While sitting,can you stretch your legs?

Jard N.

AC/HL · 5th Sep 2013, 10:27 pm

Is the new one really Tardis Mk11, or is there a lot out of sight

Variometer · 6th Sep 2013, 6:58 am

Thanks for replies. Plenty of leg room. There is a lot out of sight that I am still sorting out. The first priority was the three desks all in a row under the window. If the internet is to be believed, there is a certain amount of toxicity in most carpets & floor coverings

It is not something that would normally even have entered in my mind, but my wife discovered it all a couple of months ago and that is what caused the decorating to take place with non-toxic material. Anyway, I like the new arrangement and it is a far more pleasant place to work in than the old one. When I took the old carpet up, there was a thick layer of fine black dust under it where the rubber underlay had perished. Since the change-over, I have felt a lot fitter, but that may all be in the mind or because of the extreme physical effort required to do all this. (It took 2 months).
Bob

Heatercathodeshort · 6th Sep 2013, 8:27 am

Hello Bob,
Wow! I started off with a bench like that but 5000 repairs and restorations later it got a bit more busy. I must confess, everything in my workshop is toxic. The carpet, lino on workbench top, solder, chemical cleaners even the receivers themselves and you can toss in the creosote soaked 20 X 10 shed! The clock is probably the only innocent party but wait...it has luminous hands. [The second picture shows what happened when I broke open a VISCONOL EHT capacitor] I'm dead!
My bench is 4ft X 8ft and when I'm in the bowels of a television receiver, find this generous size wanting.
Is it large enough depth wise? I would have thought a small woody radio could present a struggle. Of course your interests may be more of the OC44 style and of course it would be entirely suitable.
Seriously, The very best of luck with your new workshop.
It just needs scruffing up a bit by way of a Christening. Regards, John.

newlite4 · 6th Sep 2013, 9:23 am

John, great bench, looks very homely, but an even better sunset! You should enter that in next years Countryfile competition.
Well Done,
Neil

HamishBoxer · 6th Sep 2013, 10:37 am

Love that sunset John. Hope not too far off topic but if it's a view from the workshop window may be allowable.

Variometer · 6th Sep 2013, 10:51 am

John,
Thanks for image of your workshop. It looks very nice and cozy! I am definitely not an OC44 type though! I don't have anything to do with transistors if I can help it - never liked them

Strictly valves. Mainly the small all glass ones DLs, DAFs etc or 6V ones like EF91, EF80 etc. I prefer cheapo valves, then I don't have to worry if I blow one (not that I often do).
I have a small collection of 1930s valves, but don't use them much. I also like EF39s, ECH35s, EBC33s and 6V6s and sometimes use them with 120V HT and they work OK at that level. Once had 3 R valves, but they were a constant worry that I would blow them or drop them, so I go rid of them to someone who really wanted them!
Bob

HamishBoxer · 6th Sep 2013, 11:38 am

The octal valves are tough and well used in many circuits as are the EF series.

maninashed · 6th Sep 2013, 2:33 pm

Not much point in my opinion spending a lot of money on a non toxic floor covering, then filling it with rosin fumes and all the other chemicals we use. For me, better to have plenty of fresh air coming in. I must glow in the dark I'm so toxic!
The second picture looks a bit more like my shed when I'm busy. I must admit, I'm not a very tidy worker, and within 30 mins of tidying the bench, its a mess again. OCD is not something that has set in yet!
Good luck with your new 'shop.
Bill

Variometer · 6th Sep 2013, 3:27 pm

I have a pretty powerful extractor for use when using anything with fumes, it sucks them straight out of the window through a large flexible pipe. I never used to bother about such things when I was younger, but then I started becoming allergic to all sorts of things. If I get a bit of contact adhesive on my skin, if I don't remove it within a few minutes, it comes up in a big itchy wheal that lasts a couple of days. The old workshop was emptied and everything removed. Then it was cleaned and painted with non toxic paints and became our bedroom. Have felt much better since. Also, new workroom "feels" better.
Bob

Glowing Bits! · 6th Sep 2013, 4:10 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by maninashed

Not much point in my opinion spending a lot of money on a non toxic floor covering, then filling it with rosin fumes and all the other chemicals we use. For me, better to have plenty of fresh air coming in. I must glow in the dark I'm so toxic!
The second picture looks a bit more like my shed when I'm busy. I must admit, I'm not a very tidy worker, and within 30 mins of tidying the bench, its a mess again. OCD is not something that has set in yet!
Good luck with your new 'shop.
Bill

I'll second that, I got hold of some free carpet from the grandparents who live next door, the kitchen units were also free, the worktop lengths (3 metres) were seconds at around £20 each.

This workshop of mine has been around for nearly a year and has not managed to stay clean for more than a week!

Pic below was taken Christmastime last year, it's been reorganised this year, again!

Heatercathodeshort · 6th Sep 2013, 9:01 pm

The sunset shot was taken across the fields last Sunday evening. It is a perfect view from the workshop door.
I too attempt to keep everything in order and I do know where everything is.[Well most things]
When I had the shop I used to damp cloth the workbench down every evening
so that I was not greeted in the morning with yesterdays autopsies..If you had experienced a difficult day,that could put you in a bad mood for the rest of the day.
The workbench is the very one from the shop workshop complete with dents and a few burn marks reinstalled at what I hope to be my final resting place. Yes it is a very warm, friendly and cosy atmosphere bringing back many Happy Days! [and just a very few long forgotten bad ones] I hope you have many successes with your new set up Bob. Regards, John.

5th Sep 2013, 7:30 pm	#1
Variometer Retired Dormant Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Preston, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 428	New Workbench Much upheaval of late with house decorations involving my old workshop being turned into our bedroom. Old bedroom (larger) now handed over to me as a workshop for my three hobbies, model shipbuilding, vintage radio and writing. Walls painted light blue. Floor laid with non-toxic Marmoleom lino with a piece of non-toxic carpeting (removable) on in working area. Long three-section desk under window. Left, shipbuilding, centre (pictured below) vintage radio, right writing! I have put a shelf behind the radio section with my variable PSU (0 -350 Volts DC) on the left, followed by Oscilloscope, RF sig gen, AF sig gen. In front and to left, my digital meter. Under shelf, frequency counter, capacitance meter, circuit analyser, resistance box, analogue meter and solder. All test leads in top drawer under desk. Soldering iron to the left. In the past, I haven't often been bothered to get out the scope & sig. gens etc, even if I needed them. Now they are immediately on hand! Back of room, my technical library. At the moment, I still have to stop and search for things in unnacustomed new places, but it is a great improvement on my old setup. Bob. Attached Thumbnails

5th Sep 2013, 7:39 pm	#2
McMurdo Dekatron Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Staffordshire Moorlands, UK. Posts: 5,271	Re: New Workbench when you say you've installed non-toxic carpet, are you implying regular carpet is toxic? My workshop has carpet tiles. __________________ Kevin

5th Sep 2013, 8:29 pm	#3
HamishBoxer Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: W.Butterwick, near Doncaster UK. Posts: 8,932	Re: New Workbench Yes,modern carpets are full of toxins.As are all floor coverings in the main. __________________ G8JET BVWS Archivist and Member V.M.A.R.S

5th Sep 2013, 9:19 pm	#4
Guest Guest Posts: n/a	Re: New Workbench Carpet is good (toxic or otherwise) for stopping small bits flying into unknown corners, nice job, if only I was that tidy.

5th Sep 2013, 9:24 pm	#5
Variometer Retired Dormant Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Preston, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 428	Re: New Workbench Yes, research by wife indicates that carpets have formaledehyde in them and Vinyl gives off toxic fumes over its entire lifetime. The Marmoleum claims to be completely free of harmful substances and is backed by cork. Horribly expensive though. But should be very easy to find small pieces that have been dropped and is apparently very hard-wearing. Bob PS Merlin, It is only tidy because I only completed the radio section today, it will soon be a mess again I expect" Last edited by Variometer; 5th Sep 2013 at 9:26 pm. Reason: Added PS

5th Sep 2013, 9:32 pm	#6
Variometer Retired Dormant Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Preston, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 428	Re: New Workbench This is my old workroom immediately before decommissioning! Bob Attached Thumbnails

5th Sep 2013, 10:01 pm	#7
Radio Wrangler Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Fife, Scotland, UK. Posts: 22,876	Re: New Workbench Eeee Luxury! Can't see why you're moving out... unless you're taking up radiograms? David __________________ Can't afford the volcanic island yet, but the plans for my monorail and the goons' uniforms are done

5th Sep 2013, 10:12 pm	#8
threeseven Octode Join Date: May 2010 Location: Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 1,880	Re: New Workbench I don't think 100% wool carpets have a toxic content and I can't imagine any domestic flooring product having formaldehyde content, that is a lethal chemical. Synthetic carpet may have a certain toxicity in certain situations, like in a fire, but beyond that I doubt it is a threat in normal use. At one time decorative paint was very nasty stuff but the content is now tightly regulated. Old style white gloss paint was loaded with lead which must have been very nasty for professional decorators! Nice workshop btw! __________________ BVWS member

5th Sep 2013, 10:17 pm	#9
neutronic Pentode Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bergen, North Holland, The Netherlands Posts: 180	Re: New Workbench While sitting,can you stretch your legs? Jard N.

5th Sep 2013, 10:27 pm	#10
AC/HL Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 9,642	Re: New Workbench Is the new one really Tardis Mk11, or is there a lot out of sight

6th Sep 2013, 6:58 am	#11
Variometer Retired Dormant Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Preston, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 428	Re: New Workbench Thanks for replies. Plenty of leg room. There is a lot out of sight that I am still sorting out. The first priority was the three desks all in a row under the window. If the internet is to be believed, there is a certain amount of toxicity in most carpets & floor coverings It is not something that would normally even have entered in my mind, but my wife discovered it all a couple of months ago and that is what caused the decorating to take place with non-toxic material. Anyway, I like the new arrangement and it is a far more pleasant place to work in than the old one. When I took the old carpet up, there was a thick layer of fine black dust under it where the rubber underlay had perished. Since the change-over, I have felt a lot fitter, but that may all be in the mind or because of the extreme physical effort required to do all this. (It took 2 months). Bob

6th Sep 2013, 8:27 am	#12
Heatercathodeshort Dekatron Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Warnham, West Sussex. 10 miles south of DORKING. Posts: 9,147	Re: New Workbench Hello Bob, Wow! I started off with a bench like that but 5000 repairs and restorations later it got a bit more busy. I must confess, everything in my workshop is toxic. The carpet, lino on workbench top, solder, chemical cleaners even the receivers themselves and you can toss in the creosote soaked 20 X 10 shed! The clock is probably the only innocent party but wait...it has luminous hands. [The second picture shows what happened when I broke open a VISCONOL EHT capacitor] I'm dead! My bench is 4ft X 8ft and when I'm in the bowels of a television receiver, find this generous size wanting. Is it large enough depth wise? I would have thought a small woody radio could present a struggle. Of course your interests may be more of the OC44 style and of course it would be entirely suitable. Seriously, The very best of luck with your new workshop. It just needs scruffing up a bit by way of a Christening. Regards, John. Attached Thumbnails

6th Sep 2013, 9:23 am	#13
newlite4 Octode Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Bath, Somerset, UK. Posts: 1,805	Re: New Workbench John, great bench, looks very homely, but an even better sunset! You should enter that in next years Countryfile competition. Well Done, Neil __________________ preserving the recent past, for the distant future.

6th Sep 2013, 10:37 am	#14
HamishBoxer Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: W.Butterwick, near Doncaster UK. Posts: 8,932	Re: New Workbench Love that sunset John. Hope not too far off topic but if it's a view from the workshop window may be allowable. __________________ G8JET BVWS Archivist and Member V.M.A.R.S

6th Sep 2013, 10:51 am	#15
Variometer Retired Dormant Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Preston, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 428	Re: New Workbench John, Thanks for image of your workshop. It looks very nice and cozy! I am definitely not an OC44 type though! I don't have anything to do with transistors if I can help it - never liked them Strictly valves. Mainly the small all glass ones DLs, DAFs etc or 6V ones like EF91, EF80 etc. I prefer cheapo valves, then I don't have to worry if I blow one (not that I often do). I have a small collection of 1930s valves, but don't use them much. I also like EF39s, ECH35s, EBC33s and 6V6s and sometimes use them with 120V HT and they work OK at that level. Once had 3 R valves, but they were a constant worry that I would blow them or drop them, so I go rid of them to someone who really wanted them! Bob

6th Sep 2013, 11:38 am	#16
HamishBoxer Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: W.Butterwick, near Doncaster UK. Posts: 8,932	Re: New Workbench The octal valves are tough and well used in many circuits as are the EF series. __________________ G8JET BVWS Archivist and Member V.M.A.R.S

6th Sep 2013, 2:33 pm	#17
maninashed Rest in Peace Join Date: May 2011 Location: Preston, Lancashire UK Posts: 955	Re: New Workbench Not much point in my opinion spending a lot of money on a non toxic floor covering, then filling it with rosin fumes and all the other chemicals we use. For me, better to have plenty of fresh air coming in. I must glow in the dark I'm so toxic! The second picture looks a bit more like my shed when I'm busy. I must admit, I'm not a very tidy worker, and within 30 mins of tidying the bench, its a mess again. OCD is not something that has set in yet! Good luck with your new 'shop. Bill

6th Sep 2013, 3:27 pm	#18
Variometer Retired Dormant Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Preston, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 428	Re: New Workbench I have a pretty powerful extractor for use when using anything with fumes, it sucks them straight out of the window through a large flexible pipe. I never used to bother about such things when I was younger, but then I started becoming allergic to all sorts of things. If I get a bit of contact adhesive on my skin, if I don't remove it within a few minutes, it comes up in a big itchy wheal that lasts a couple of days. The old workshop was emptied and everything removed. Then it was cleaned and painted with non toxic paints and became our bedroom. Have felt much better since. Also, new workroom "feels" better. Bob

6th Sep 2013, 9:01 pm	#20
Heatercathodeshort Dekatron Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Warnham, West Sussex. 10 miles south of DORKING. Posts: 9,147	Re: New Workbench The sunset shot was taken across the fields last Sunday evening. It is a perfect view from the workshop door. I too attempt to keep everything in order and I do know where everything is.[Well most things] When I had the shop I used to damp cloth the workbench down every evening so that I was not greeted in the morning with yesterdays autopsies..If you had experienced a difficult day,that could put you in a bad mood for the rest of the day. The workbench is the very one from the shop workshop complete with dents and a few burn marks reinstalled at what I hope to be my final resting place. Yes it is a very warm, friendly and cosy atmosphere bringing back many Happy Days! [and just a very few long forgotten bad ones] I hope you have many successes with your new set up Bob. Regards, John.