Common Workbench Mistakes New Gunsmiths Make

A new gunsmith setting up a workspace has a bewildering number of options, both in what tools to use and how to set them up. However, certain general principles should be kept in mind to avoid common workbench setup mistakes.

Lighting

Ergonomics are key to long-term work comfort, so an extensively adjustable, well-padded, supportive chair is a must-have. With many gun parts being small, so is proper lighting. Soft, bright area light overhead should be supplemented with a flexible directional light for seeing into openings or addressing tiny details. Hard point lights cause unhelpful specular highlights on every curve and corner, while unshielded omnidirectional bulbs cause glare and eye strain. Articulated lighting is critical: sidelight is used to examine textures, while ring lights are useful for seeing into openings. An option to have mounted magnifying glasses or wearable jeweler’s lenses greatly help with detail work.

The Tables Surface

The table surface should have soft and hard areas, as well as a way to secure a vise, stands, and receiver blocks. A wobbly or flexing table surface robs your actions of their precision: the stoutness of the work surface should be augmented by bolting to the floor. Insufficient size is also a problem, especially when working with long-barreled firearms: 6 feet is the minimum, and 8 feet is recommended. Make the table adjustable for height from the start: some tasks are better done standing than sitting.

Storage and Organization

The table must have bins and other storage for organizing, springs, screws, and other small parts. Magnetic trays for screws and other small parts help avoid losing them in plain sight. All containers must be labeled to avoid wasting time when searching for something specific. A similar system with shadow boards and labeled bins should be used for all tools. A single designated area for posting work orders should be used, especially if the bench is inside a store where work orders are generated by several people.

Proper Ventilation

One of the most egregious omissions I’ve seen has been the lack of a proper ventilation hood to draw chemical fumes away from the face. That is a must-have feature for working with metal and wood finishes, adhesives, cleaners, and other noxious chemicals. A Class B fire extinguisher should be kept on hand just in case. A face shield and safety glasses should be on hand as well. If no separate firing range is readily available, a fixed bullet trap is necessary.

Accessibility

Any workplace should be checked for accessibility of the work surface, having tools and parts within easy reach, safety and long-term physical comfort.

Written by: Oleg Volk, Firearms Photographer