For the Workbench native graphical user interface for the Amiga computer, see Workbench (AmigaOS). The Amiga is a family of Personal computers originally developed by Amiga Corporation. Workbench Overview Amiga With the Amiga Computer, the name Workbench refers to the native graphical interface file manager and application

European style woodworking workbench

A workbench is sturdy table at which manual work is done. A table is a form of Furniture composed of a surface supported by a base usually four legs They range from simple flat surfaces to very complex designs that may be considered tools in themselves. Workbenches vary in size from tiny jewelers benches to the huge benches used by staircase makers. Almost all workbenches are rectangular in shape, often using the surface, corners and edges as flat/square and dimension standards. Design is as varied as type of work for which the benches are used but most share these attributes:

• A comfortable height for working with provisions for seated or standing work
• A way to fix the workpiece to the surface so that it may be worked with both hands
• Provisions for mounting, storing and accessing tools

Workbenches are made from many different materials including metal, wood, stone, and composites depending on the needs of the work.

Workbench types may be divided according to the particular work they are designed to accommodate:

Multi-purpose/portable

These benches are small, light, collapsible, and typically have built in clamps. Epitomized by the WorkMate, a bench invented and patented by Ron Hickman,^[1] they can be used for nearly all types of work.

Woodworking

May be used for general woodworking but may be specialized for joinery, cabinetmaking, patternmaking, stairbuilding, carving, carpentry or trim work. They are usually made from solid wood and have integral clamping mechanisms.

See also: Workbench (woodworking)

Metalworking

Metalworkers need benches built to handle grinding, welding, light casting and forging, and layout. A Workbench is a table used by woodworkers to hold workpieces while they are worked by other tools Most of these benches include a metalworker's vise mounted to the top. A vise or vice (see under miscellaneous spelling differences) is a mechanical Screw apparatus used for holding or clamping a work piece to allow work to

Gardening

Gardener's benches must be resistant to moisture and dirt. They are used for potting, seeding, and grooming, and usually have built-in shelving and storage.

Electronics

Formally a fixture in radio shacks, now used for assembly and repair of all sorts of electronic equipment including communication, computer, and home entertainment items. See also Amateur radio An amateur radio operator is an individual who typically uses equipment at an Amateur radio station to engage in two-way These benches usually have sources of power built in, along with shelves and task lighting. The height of most electronics benches are set for a seated worker.

General repair

Almost all family farms have one of these. Also found in small engine repair shops. Used for sharpening, cleaning, lubricating, assembly/disassembly, and light metal work.

Laboratory work

Utilized especially with the chemical and biological sciences. Surfaces are typically made of an inert material like slate. Most of these benches have water and fuel sources built in or near at hand.

Art and sculpture

These benches are most likely to be used in the round. They are designed so that the workpiece can be mounted firmly, usually from underneath, and accessed from all sides. Used by wood and stone carvers. Jewelers use a miniature version of these benches.

Fitting and assembling

Used by machinists, pipefitters, electricians, textile workers, handloaders, and piece workers, these benches usually have space for layout and built-in tools, jigs and measuring devices to facilitate the work. A machinist is a person who uses Machine tools to make or modify parts primarily Metal parts a process known as Machining. A pipefitter (also called steamfitter) is a tradesman who lays out assembles fabricates maintains and repairs piping systems An electrician is a Tradesman specializing in electrical wiring of buildings and related equipment Handloading or reloading is the process of loading Firearm cartridges or shotgun shells by assembling the individual components (case/shotshell Piece work or piecework describes types of Employment in which a Worker is paid a fixed "piece rate" for each unit produced or A jig is any of a large class of tools in Woodworking, Metalworking, and some other crafts that help to control the location or motion (or both of a tool

References

1. ^ Landis, Scott (1987). The Workbench Book. Taunton Press. ISBN 0-918804-76-0.   (pages 211-220)

A WorkBench is also another name for a Bed

Further reading

A commercial site specializing in gardener's benches

An online article describing the design and construction of an electronics workbench

An Australian commercial site offering different types of benches

An American made workbench showing a true workbench sold and made in the USA

A commercial site offering various types of workbenches in the UK

WikiProject Metalworking: This article is part of Metalworking hand tools. Metalworking is craft and practice of working with Metals to create individual parts assemblies or large scale structures