Workbench Accessories Explained

There are many types of workbench accessories that have been designed for a range of purposes. They fall into two main categories; above bench and below bench accessories. Here at Workbenches Direct2U we also offer extension benches, some may not class these as an accessory but as they are an optional extra, we are choosing to. In this post we will be explaining the basics of the above bench accessories and next weeks blog will focus on below bench accessories.

Above Workbench Accessories

1. Rear Support Posts

First and most important of all are rear support posts. We offer these in two heights: 760mm and 1180mm, depending on how many shelves etc you require. Support posts are essential if you want to add any of our above bench accessories as these are the fixtures they fit onto.

2. Light/ Tool Rail Support

This is a long metal beam that attaches onto the rear support posts allowing you to then add either a light fitting or a tool rail. Tool rails or light fixtures will not fix on to the rear support posts alone as they are shorter than the space between posts and fix from above.

3. Tool Rail

Tool rails are ideal if you don’t want much or any under bench storage. They are also ideal if your tools are ‘hangable’ – tools such as hammers, drills etc can easily be stored on the rail whilst user is working for easy reach and access.

4. Fluorescent Light and Category 2 Light

Fluorescent lights are ideal for all working environments as they are bright and safer. Fluorescent lights don’t flicker like some alternatives and they also can have significant savings on energy. Category 2 lighting has a limited angle of 65 degrees elevation above which the calculated luminaire should not exceed 200cd/m at all angles of azimuth. That’s the technical jargon for it anyway.

5. Upper Shelf

There are two types of upper shelf to choose from: MFC board or laminate, both 300mm deep. They’re pretty self explanatory really, you can have as many shelves as you require, and taking into consideration other accessories you may want to add. If you do not plan on having your workbench against a wall or similar, we also sell shelf backstops (50mm deep) to ensure all your goods stay put and don’t fall off the back.

6. Storage Bin Rail

This product is a rail with a thin lip where storage bins can be hooked on and attached to. Storage bins are popular in factories and warehouses where small parts are used as they can be kept off the bench is a handy and reachable location.

7. Service Ducts

Service Ducts can be worktop fitted or support fitted. Worktop fitted does what it says on the tin and attaches to the worktop of the bench and has 4 plug sockets, 2 at each end. The support fitting ducts attaches to the rear support posts leaving the worktop clean and free. This is ideal for machinery that might need to be altered as the height of where the duct is placed can be changed.

8. Louvre Panel

These panels are extremely popular and useful thanks to the louvred design. The louvers can hold storage bins, tools, paper and much more. Ideal for multi use workbenches and work with small parts. The louvre panel also features a small pinboard, ideal for keeping useful information and sheets. They are fitted to the rear support posts and each panel is 480mm. Complete with painted finish.

9. Combi Panel

Similar to the louvre panel, combi panels are attached to the rear support posts and are also 480mm high. The combi panel is 50% louvers and 50% small square cut outs, designed for holding hooks and clips to store tools, parts and much more. The benefit of a combi panel is that you can have half small parts storage and the other half hooked storage making it a very versatile accessory.

That’s it for above bench accessories! We hope this post was helpful and gives you a rough idea for what you need to create your perfect workbench. Now you’re equipped with all this knowledge, check out our Square Tube General Purpose Workbench. Next Friday we will be explaining the ins and outs of below bench accessories.