Designing your glassroom

[Lynn]

At least on paper (real life always seems to be a bit different than 'on paper' life), I like #1.  I agree that I would want my light table closer to my design area. 

Have I mentioned how jealous I am?   

You are going to have a wonderful workspace when you are all done...and all this planning will help make sure that the changes from 'on paper' life to real-life will be pretty easy and painless!

[Rebecca]

I'm used to a four-feet by eight-feet table, but you might not need that size.  I would pull my build, solder, leading table out into the middle of the room.  Then arrange the other things around it.  You want to be able to get to it from all sides.  So I like the second and third better and the first the least.  Although with everythiing on wheels, you can rearrange as you see the need.  

I didn't think I needed a 4 X 8 table when I started, but things just seem to grow...

Rebecca

[Kev]

#3 Looks the most practical to me, but switch your design area and the light box. You want your light box near you construction area. ..you wont be designing while your building a project.....Wheels Wheels Wheels...that's the way to go..flexibility is  always a good thing.

[nansea121]

I agree. I'd go with the option of having your main work table out from the wall. It would be a definate asset when you work on larger projects. I don't know how tall you are but here's another idea. I have a set of folding saw horses that I use when I'm working on larger projects. I push everything out of the way via those lovely wheels, which it makes it a snap to work from all sides. Plus I can adjust the height to suit my 5' self. If you happen to have a shortie student, you could provide a raised platform for them to stand on while they learn.

Here is a pic to show what I mean about the sawhorses. These are at a perfect height for me to work from to do this window repair.

[Malinda]

Ok....here is design 4 based on your opinions. I think I do like this one best so far too. I was going to keep my opinion to myself so not to sway anyone elses thoughts but.....

I'm trying to sort this now because I have to tell them where I want the closet. I was originally thinking closet and lightbox near each other so when I'm picking out glass it's easier. This is still close to each other.

Joan, a 4'x3' light box is huge to me, I wouldn't want any larger....I can't imagine any larger anyway.
Thank you everyone....

I just changed the cut area size here....

[nansea121]

Yaa!! I like the 4th plan better. The diagram shows the light table in line with the grinder. I'd revearse the table so that the light table is at the other end, towards the wall, so you're grinder will be closer to your work.

[Kev]

Where are your windows in this area? I'd probably extend the cutting station and grinder station into one long workbench rather than 2 and use that wasted space between them. At some point in time you might want a saw and it can go in that space next to the grinder.

[Kev]

Also, if your going to be doing some painting, it is easier to work the paint with the piece elevated like on a glass easel facing a window to capture natural light. Having the ability to raise the glass on the light box and fix it at an angle would be a great thing too.

[Malinda]

thewindowsare in the same place in all the designs, at the top of the page where the double lines are. Let me go play around some more brb

[ct4mom]

Looks good Malinda I agree with moving the light table. Mine is 4x4 and having it near the door will be in the way of the walk area. I'm cutting mine down a bit as 4' is a long stretch and I dont have the room.

[nansea121]

Is the light table a part of the main work bench or 2 separate units? You could enlarge the work table by adding a cover over the light table area. Graham had an idea of having a hinged cover over the light table. He called it his disappearing table. Maybe he'll stop by here and show you:) It's a pretty slick idea.

I see that the window is at the far. How big is the window?

[nansea121]

You're getting closer and closer all the time. Good job with your planning! Turning the work table around so that the light table is up by the window end so the work area will be more in line with your grinder/saw area is an easy switch. Good idea on having a glass painting area by the window, Kev.

At this stage, it will be easy now to move things around so you'll find a good placement for everything as you work in the space.

Where are ya going to make your brooms?...:)

[ct4mom]

Another thought on the kiln, I like having mine near a window so you can open while firing and I also use a fan to blow the fumes out the window.

[Malinda]

Nancy, the light table is seperate from the workbench. I like that idea of covering it up and extending the build area when needed. Suppose, I'd just have to make the light table shorter by whatever the thickness of the table is (probably 3/4") and then hinge the 3'x4' piece to fold up and move the lightbox under it.

Diane, The kiln is right next to the window so I will probably do what you do too.

As for the windows there are 3 and each one is 3'x6' so it's 9'across in total and 6' high. I'm really excited about that much natural light plus I think being all together I think it will really open the room up even more?

Oh and sewing and any other crafts will not be done in this room...it's just for glass :)

[Rebecca]

Nancy's comment about short students - I found some of the old step exercise doohickeys at a yard sale.  They are nice and sturdy for standing on and for tall students, put them on the table and put the work on top.  Saves the tall one's back.  Usually they come as a set and you can adjust them to three different heights.

Rebecca

[nansea121]

Nancy's comment about short students - I found some of the old step exercise doohickeys at a yard sale.  They are nice and sturdy for standing on and for tall students, put them on the table and put the work on top.  Saves the tall one's back.  Usually they come as a set and you can adjust them to three different heights.

Rebecca

I like the excersise doohickies idea:) I didn't have access to those so I elevated the work surface for a tall student by adding some wood, like 2x2's or 4'x4's (or in combination of different wood thicknesses) under their work until it was at a good height. I always have left-over lumber from previous building projects which always come in handy for situations like that.

Here is a pic of Ian's light table. It's the same idea as the one Graham built.

http://artisansofglass.com/index.php/topic,1244.0.html
Clean and spiffy. I would think the lid can flop down to lay against the table side or prop up to do some glass painting las Kev suggested. It's a good idea to have the enclosed area of the light table vented while you're at it.

Neat ideas here:) Nice thread.

[nansea121]

Graham just told me I can show you his pic of his disappearing light table.  

It's reminds me of Ian's except that it's against the wall. You would end up with a level, enlarged work area and still have it propped so you can use it as a surface to draw from. That could even became your designing area as well! Three functions in one area.

[Malinda]

I like that.....thanks for posting and thanks Graham for sharing.

[Elizabeth]

And look - Ian's light table is definately multi-function!!

[nansea121]

And look - Ian's light table is definately multi-function!!

heheheee... what a kutiekitty:)