BUILDING BENCH & WORKSHOP TIPS

I have built countless RC models, from kits, plans and even my own scratch designs.

- GERRY YARRISH

For the most part, building an RC model is a lot easier than most beginners might think. If you have assembled a few ARFs in the past however, you’ll have the basic knowledge of how things go together so by choosing a simpler design to start with, you’ll do just fine. Just don’t start with a B-17 bomber of a P-51 Mustang!

THE BASICS

Here are some of the basics to keep in mind while setting up your workbench.

Keep it straight. In my workshop I use two interior grade hollow-core doors from the home-improvement store, and made the legs and edge bracing using 2x4s and 1x4 boards all screwed together. Placed end to end, I have one long 16 x 3 1/2 foot wide work surface. A good working height for most benches is usually between 32 and 36 inches. But you can make your workbench as long and as high as you like, just keep it level and well lit. Some of my friends prefer a workbench placed in the center of their workshop so they have access to their project from all around. My setup has the big workbench up against a wall with a shorter bench on the opposite wall. I also have a smaller but sturdier work table for my heavy tools like my drill press, and bench grinder.