Ian Barraclough casts his eye over the modular Workbench Organiser from Hobby Zone.



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Thanks!

The link doesn't seem to be working.

Kimmo

Oops....user error..... all fixed....

Thanks for the review, Ian.. the setup looks really nice. Wish I had enough space to do something like that

Hisham

The stuff the do looks great, and after selecting everything I would like, there was a bit a sticker shock, including shipping to Canada. Nice review.

Looks very nice. I was thinking about getting some of these but I'm a bit intimidated by the price... Thanks for the review, Brian!

Mario

This is a superb system and is well built.

I've seen similar desk storage units, but I noticed how much modeling space is taken. Granted, having everything in front of you gives exceptional access, but I came up with my own modeling work area with the two following pics from Ikea. I bought the 16 unit storage shelf and the worktable attachment (along with two closets for large items). I think the shelves and table come in at least 4 different colors. Then, for storage of your modeling supplies just go to Walmart and get the plastic bins most suitable for your use to put in the 16 shelf surface area. The 16 cube shelf unit is about $150 and the table goes for about $102. So, for about $250 your storage is at your side leaving the table completely open.

Way too organized for me

I can't give up my old chester draws

I purchased about 15 of these Hobbyzone modular units about 6 months ago when they were first released and they are easily one of the best purchases I have made and have helped organize my workspace in a big way. Somewhat expensive, but anything custom built for a specific task will always be more and these have been designed with the modeller in mind. I even turned the paper towel unit on end to fit the space I needed. Also, since Hobbyzone themselves would not deduct the VAT, as they should for overseas customers (I'm in Canada), I purchased from Pk-Pro in Germany. Great customer service and can order quickly what they don't have in stock. I think the shipping was slightly cheaper too, but still about 60 Euro - being solid wood they are heavy,

Impressive. These do make the bench look better.

Hi Ian, how are you finding these after having had them a year? I'm thinking of getting some of the units and would appreciate your feedback now please. Any picture of how they look after a year of use?

Here is my setup in various stages of completetion with the system. Found the oil paint holder to be pretty much useless and replaced it with another bottle setup.

Nice work area Scott. So you'd recommend these units?

I've had mine for about 18 months - I bought them when they were first released. This is easily one of the most innovative hobby products released and I would recommend them to anyone. They keep everything organized and really were developed with modellers in mind. Well worth the money!

They seem quite durable, I gave mine a spray of varnish so they wouldn't soak up any spills of thinners etch on the bench as I was concerned due to the type of material.
Works a treat, about to order some more, can't gave enough drawer units.

I'm very happy with them outside of the oil paint holder they make..they didn't work well with some the brands of oil paint tubes I had. Otherwise they work great. The only "problem" I have now is I actually have too much storage space for smaller things, because I also have two wooden tool chests next to my desk that I used prior to getting them.

Likely a stupid question, the green desk mat. Where can one find one of those. I have a new workbench and my old desk mat was thrown out. I've seen them in many posts on here but can seem to track it down.

An unasked question is stupid.

Cutting Mats

You can get these at Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Amazon, art supply stores, etc. Oh, and you want a self-healing mat.

HTH

After a years use I find these still to be the best thing that's happened to my modelling desk! They are durable and provide all the storage I need - I've even added a self made 'go to' tool holder that holds my everyday tools at 45 degrees directly in front of where I work. The only downside I can mention is that if an area gets wet, the soft MDF deforms and can peel. This has happened directly beneath where I store three pipette droppers that I use for thinners and water.