Need ideas for your workspace? CAMS members share

A modeling space requires a few basic things: work space, tools, paints and materials, lighting.

Our members all have that, but have achieved those things in a variety of ways. At our April meeting, some members shared how they have built and organized their spaces to give members, and readers, some ideas for their spaces.

Workspace

Workspace has to strike a balance between the types of projects being built and the space available.

Most of our members have some dedicated space for modeling with a work table (or tables) for assembly and painting.

Dick was proud of his new adjustable table, which allows him to work sitting or standing, but he also uses his original folding table. His spray booth sits nearby where it can vent out a window.

Brad has separate spaces for painting and assembly on tables he built.

Tony also has a hand-made table, much of it from materials he found at MSU’s surplus store.

Norm has a recently-completed dedicated space in his basement with table space for building and painting as well as for his spray booth and his 3D printers. His main space is an old metal table and his painting space is a stainless steel restaurant table.

Steve has two stations, one for building the models and one for completing the dioramas that will eventually include those models.

For Jason, who primarily builds Gundam, is able to work in an old roll-top desk.

Chris’ space is tucked in a corner of a bedroom. His main worktable is also scrounged from MSU surplus and his paint booth stand is from scrap lumber and part of an old door.

Lighting

The crew uses a variety of light fixtures, but generally involve some form of full-spectrum LED bulbs.

Chris, Dick and Norm all use LED desk lamps, though Norm supplements with LED pot lights.

Brad has a track light system over his work area, as well as a lighted magnifier.

Steve uses a combination of shop lights and desk lamps.

Tony has multiple desk lamps, positioned to prevent shadows, as well as a window for natural light.

Nearly all use some form a lighted magnifier, either desk-mounted or worn, to provide better views of detail work.

Tool/Materials Storage

Jason’s desk has cubbies and drawers to store most of his tools and materials, though he has shelves nearby for his completed work and future projects.

Norm has a closet for his stash and some metal shelves he and his son cleaned and powder coated for paints and some of his tools and materials. The shelf under the stainless table holds his compressor and some of the larger chemical containers.

Dick has some sorters and plastic shelves for tools and materials as well as paint racks on a nearby bookshelf. The shelves also hold references for his various builds.

Brad has an old file cabinet, but also desktop modular systems for most of his paints and tools.

Chris has a series of plastic drawer systems for his various paints and tools, as well as a couple of cubby systems designed for nail work for more commonly used tools.

Fishstick has begun printing modular wall racks for his paints and related materials to make them easier to see and reach.

In addition to the essentials of modeling, many of the club members incorporate displays related to their hobby in their spaces. Jason keeps completed work on the shelves next to him. Dick has a shelf for his Gundam and armor and has his aircraft hanging on the wall. Norm has a cabinet of some of his completed work. Steve keeps posters of armor and military memorabilia on the walls around his workspace. Fishstick has posters of both modeling and gaming topics, as well as displays of completed work and some of his 1/64 diecast collection.