Lampwork Etc.
 
AKDesign

LE Live Chat

Enter Live Chat

No users in chat


The Flow

Beads of Courage


 

Go Back   Lampwork Etc. > Library > Studio

Studio -- Show us your studio setup

Reply
 
Thread Tools
  #1  
Old 2013-08-07, 9:53am
1knitchick's Avatar
1knitchick 1knitchick is offline
Fugitive from the Dogstar
 
Join Date: Aug 01, 2013
Location: Southern California
Posts: 289
Default Question Regarding Work Table

Hi there,

I'm in the process of starting up a little work area and I have a question regarding the work table, which is wood, and what should go on top of it.

Hubby and I were originally thinking a stainless steel square drilled or nailed onto the top of the table would make a good base, and it's fairly cheap BUT when we were at the glass supply store the man working behind the counter suggested cement board because it's cheap and easy to find.

Is there really a difference? I would think stainless steel would be better though I really don't know why. What are your thoughts?

Thanks!
Carol
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2013-08-07, 11:15am
Lorraine Chandler's Avatar
Lorraine Chandler Lorraine Chandler is offline
Salt Box Beads
 
Join Date: Oct 23, 2005
Location: Heading to Paradise
Posts: 4,161
Default

I use the metal sheets from Home depot, I can bend them and cove them up the back side of bench for a backsplash etc. Hot glass booboos do not leave ulgy burn marks and stinky smell when they hit the metal, it also wipes clean of teensy tiny glass fragments with a damp towel.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2013-08-07, 11:21am
AnulaGlass's Avatar
AnulaGlass AnulaGlass is offline
New-old member
 
Join Date: Nov 02, 2012
Location: Rochester, NY.
Posts: 42
Default

I am trying to choose between cement board, stainless sheet metal, or cheap-o marble tiles. I'm leaning towards the stainless option; no dust, easy to clean, no spaces between tiles for glass bits to hide. Plus, I think it looks more professional, though that doesn't matter too much in my studio.
I'm looking forward to more opinions!
__________________
Ana (on-ah)


Furnace worker melting boro on a Redmax with tanked oxy.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2013-08-07, 11:36am
1knitchick's Avatar
1knitchick 1knitchick is offline
Fugitive from the Dogstar
 
Join Date: Aug 01, 2013
Location: Southern California
Posts: 289
Default

So from what it sounds like stainless is the best. I didn't know that cement board can stink if it burns. I would think a smooth tile would work too but maybe after the time you spent cementing it, grouting it, etc. then you might as well have gone for the stainless.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2013-08-07, 1:56pm
Alaska Alaska is offline
Alaska Boro
 
Join Date: Dec 10, 2009
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 1,065
Default

Using a material that is thinner than cement board. Some call it ceramic board.

A sheet of this on top of the table plus some 12 x 12 inch tiles that are not cemented to the board or grouted. Find that using a small shop vac takes care of any issues with dust or frit in the cracks. i.e. the tiles are pushed tight together.

The best part is that it is easy to take apart and light to move and a cost saving over a custom made SS table top cover.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 2013-08-07, 2:31pm
AmorphousDesigns's Avatar
AmorphousDesigns AmorphousDesigns is offline
Wonder-wench
 
Join Date: Aug 09, 2010
Location: land of milk & honey
Posts: 1,104
Default

my work surface is covered in 4"x 4" ceramic tile (came with the bench). i actually like the grout lines as they help stop rods rolling across the bench. I usually use a shop vac. if I had to do it again, i think i would still stick with tile, but maybe larger.
__________________
Elizabeth

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2013-08-07, 2:51pm
1knitchick's Avatar
1knitchick 1knitchick is offline
Fugitive from the Dogstar
 
Join Date: Aug 01, 2013
Location: Southern California
Posts: 289
Default

So then the tiles sound good too. I can see what you mean about the grout lines - how they help keep the stuff on the table under control. It's little things like that you don't really think about when planning it out but it does make sense.

This thread deserves the Kool-Aid guy because I have been dying to use that emoticon since I joined the forum. LOL
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2013-08-07, 3:38pm
Little Lilypad's Avatar
Little Lilypad Little Lilypad is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 19, 2009
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 392
Default

I have 12x12 tile on my work area and the area that is directly under my torch is covered by a 12x20 metal sheet. The tile is affixed to 1/2 in plywood which you can buy precut at Home Depot.
__________________
Erin
MiniCC / EX15
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 2013-08-07, 3:53pm
Rough_necked's Avatar
Rough_necked Rough_necked is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 01, 2012
Posts: 198
Default

My bench is a 2 inch slab of wood with a metal frame covered by a 1/4 inch thick piece of aluminum plate. It's 3 feet deep and 6 feet long. The plate holds up well to any pieces that drop and doesn't get hot at all.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 2013-08-08, 8:53am
1knitchick's Avatar
1knitchick 1knitchick is offline
Fugitive from the Dogstar
 
Join Date: Aug 01, 2013
Location: Southern California
Posts: 289
Default

Sounds like a lot of this boils down to personal preference. Thank goodness all of this is available at the local Home Depot / hardware store. Is there anything that I should absolutely stay away from? I'm thinking any kind of wood/laminate surface is a big no-no but other than that anything else?
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 2013-08-09, 1:01pm
Emily's Avatar
Emily Emily is offline
Missing presumed fed
 
Join Date: Nov 15, 2005
Location: Wherever
Posts: 3,158
Default

I use a sheet of metal from Home Depot, duct-taped to the edges of the table. Make sure you either round off or cover the corners of the metal, so you don't bump into them and gouge yourself. I don't have the area right around the torch duct-taped because bad things happen to duct tape when you lay a hot graphite paddle on it.

I also have a cookie sheet with a dark finish on it covering the area in front of the torch, because I think it's easier to see my flame against a dark surface. Dark ceramic tiles would work, too, although I wonder whether you might not want a glossy surface there. I haven't tried tiles, so I couldn't say for sure.
__________________
To those who question the real value of the Web: Sea slugs. Now, please fall into a respectful silence, and don't speak again until you understand why you were wrong.
Scorpion and one Intensity 10 lpm 20 psi concentrator
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 2013-08-09, 5:03pm
Frit Diva's Avatar
Frit Diva Frit Diva is offline
MacGalver
 
Join Date: Oct 15, 2006
Posts: 9,927
Default

The thicker cement board is dusty and little bits of glass can get stuck in it. Sheet metal is cheap and easy!


Jo
__________________
Jo
Frit Diva website
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 2013-08-09, 6:14pm
AmorphousDesigns's Avatar
AmorphousDesigns AmorphousDesigns is offline
Wonder-wench
 
Join Date: Aug 09, 2010
Location: land of milk & honey
Posts: 1,104
Default

I also painted a black "lane", about 4" wide, from my torch all the way up the wall so as to better see the flame. I used high temp paint, the kind used to repaint a BBQ. It has held up better than I thought, as I just painted directly over clean tile and stainless steel (did no other prep, such as scuffing the surface). So far, there are no nicks, scratches or "burns" and yes, I have dropped molten glass on the paint many times.
__________________
Elizabeth

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 2013-08-10, 7:50pm
1knitchick's Avatar
1knitchick 1knitchick is offline
Fugitive from the Dogstar
 
Join Date: Aug 01, 2013
Location: Southern California
Posts: 289
Default

Well hubby and I just got back from Home Depot with four 18" x 18" tiles. They fit my table perfectly! We also picked up a small rubberized rug pad that prevents slipping. The idea is that we are going to lay down the rug pad on top of the table and then just plop the tile right on top. The tile probably doesn't even need anything underneath them, they are heavy enough, but just to make sure we are adding the sticky padding.

Thank you all for the ideas! Once I get the area set up I'll post a pick, probably within a week or two.

Blessings!
Carol
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 2013-08-10, 10:28pm
zen-mom's Avatar
zen-mom zen-mom is offline
"Sinners have soul too"
 
Join Date: Jun 26, 2005
Location: The beachy part of So Cal
Posts: 4,258
Default

I used 12x12 tiles on the work tables in my studio.

This is brilliant~

Quote:
Originally Posted by AmorphousDesigns View Post
I also painted a black "lane", about 4" wide, from my torch all the way up the wall so as to better see the flame. I used high temp paint, the kind used to repaint a BBQ. It has held up better than I thought, as I just painted directly over clean tile and stainless steel (did no other prep, such as scuffing the surface). So far, there are no nicks, scratches or "burns" and yes, I have dropped molten glass on the paint many times.
__________________
Donna

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
*
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
*
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
*
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 2013-08-11, 11:24am
Lampwork49 Lampwork49 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 28, 2012
Location: Alaska
Posts: 64
Default

You could also go to a Costco or Sams Club or similar place and buy 4' metal workbench. It has a stainless steel top and a shelf underneath. light weight so easy to move and very affordable!!!!
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 2013-09-18, 7:04am
boroman boroman is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 08, 2013
Posts: 18
Default

i found an old stainless steel surgical table at a garage sale, thats working well
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 2013-09-23, 8:33pm
Moth Moth is offline
Mary Lockwood
 
Join Date: Jun 21, 2005
Location: Boonies
Posts: 5,831
Default

I covered mine with roof flashing.
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 2013-09-23, 9:24pm
caliente's Avatar
caliente caliente is offline
Melody of Glass
 
Join Date: Apr 08, 2012
Location: Canada
Posts: 2,511
Default

I have an old laminate countertop that I put legs on. It has a stainless steel sheet under the torch. I threw a dark sheet of stained glass (because it was laying around) behind the torch so I could see the flame. I also have a 12" white ceramic tile to my right with rod rests so I can clearly see glass colours against it when they are out.

Love the paint idea.

Will the rubber backing singe and stink when glass bits get between the tiles?
__________________

Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read.

Coming soon...

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 2013-09-24, 7:08am
silverlilly1 silverlilly1 is offline
42
 
Join Date: Mar 07, 2012
Location: Southwestern Ontario
Posts: 773
Default

I just changed my workspace last weekend. I have always had one of those plastic resin tables, but it used to have aluminum foil all over and marble cutting boards in my immediate workspace. Now I have black plastic puck board all over the table, and still the marble tiles on my work space. The wall behind my torch has a rectangle of steel screwed to it as a heat shield for the wall, not that it's really ever been needed. Cement board would probably be easier, but I hate the texture, and I can marver on the marble.
__________________
Melissa

Facebook:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Website:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


Free Lampwork and Jewelry Tutorials, with easy searching, prominent linkage to your shop or site, and rotating featured tutorials:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 2013-10-14, 9:59pm
lampworker1 lampworker1 is offline
Living out Loud
 
Join Date: Aug 03, 2006
Posts: 855
Default

testing
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.




To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 2013-10-17, 7:48am
Mary K's Avatar
Mary K Mary K is offline
Flamewoman
 
Join Date: Jan 12, 2007
Location: California
Posts: 985
Default

Just curious, in setting up your work space are you giving consideration to ventilation?
I am assuming your work table is intended for your torch area, right?
The one most important consideration is ventilation.
__________________
Mary K
GTT Sidewinder & 3 Regalias

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never
know how soon it will be too late.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
PLEASE like my page!
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 2013-10-17, 1:01pm
Antony Z's Avatar
Antony Z Antony Z is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 13, 2013
Location: Athens, Greece
Posts: 14
Default

My point is not to use cement board, because it not cleans easily and always leaves powder. also it is quite thick and in the edges may gather - stack rods. as you can see in the foto I used 2 pieces of metal, the small is stainless steel and the larger is aluminum, both at thickness almost 0- 3⁄64in (1 mm). You can clean them easily and remove them time to time for reorganigation your table room.
Attached Images
 
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Aude sapere.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 2013-10-21, 8:08am
Dragonharper's Avatar
Dragonharper Dragonharper is offline
Now part of the Dark Side
 
Join Date: Jul 02, 2010
Location: North Central PA
Posts: 966
Default

I use a piece of sheet metal, painted black with stove paint. Directly under my torch is my graphite marver and a lane of ceramic fire brick also painted black. They make great rod rests and are excellent insulators.
__________________
Roy
Hot glass does not crack.
Unless it is glowing and drippy, hot glass looks like cold glass.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 2013-10-24, 9:02am
Crazy Woman's Avatar
Crazy Woman Crazy Woman is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 08, 2005
Location: Beautiful Colorado
Posts: 2,120
Default

Cement board with a large sheet metal sheet under the torch. I like it because I can clean up really easily. Vacuum and wipe down.
__________________
Leslie

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 2013-11-14, 1:02am
GlassAlias GlassAlias is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 13, 2012
Location: Albany, NY
Posts: 172
Default

I like the idea of cutting a sheet of cement board to fit over the top of the desk and then covering it with sheet metal. I would cover the whole top of the desk with the metal though because, as has been stated, cement board will deteriorate over time and can get dusty and a hot rod will leave burn marks making it kind of ugly.

My lampwork bench is a framed out table built to my desired dimensions (8 ft. long) with a custom made concrete "counter top". I have it sanded and polished smooth as a marble counter. Easy to clean and impossible to burn with a hot rod. Very easy to do if your husband is up for it.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:26am.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Your IP: 35.171.159.141