How to build a wheelchair-accessible workshop?

Hi @pepsp it good your working with your dad.

I am planning ahead in case i need a wheel chair too so I planned a double garage.

I envision a island work bench. maybe 2.4 x2.0 M A work large bench sitting on top of 4 to 6 automotive tool cupboards with caster wheels with lockable wheels. (if they dont have then swap then over with ones in Bunnings only the front ones need swapping). The automotive cupboards store various tools power and hand tools for easy access height . But have bench grinder and drill press vices installed for wheel chair use mount drill press and bench grinder under and fixed between automotive cupboards on a lower shelf. Or fixed lower custom height benches for wheel chair for drill press and bench grinder as tool examples along the side of the garage leaving island bench flat and rectangular. You said he has high end tools probably lathe etc you will have to mount that on a lower platform.

@pepsp A question for you and your dad, Do you think mounting some equipment like a lathe at an angle ie 30 or 45 degrees instead of flat would work so your father can reach more over the top of his equipment and projects?

So the automotive trolleys come in different heights( buy closest fit height.) and different functions ie tool socket set racks etc Slotted racks for screw drivers chisels etc. then simple dual draws for other misc tools, hand tools or power tools. also plain cupboards if you wish/need.

automotive trolleys vary greatly in price so choose wisly. if you have 4 trolleys thats 16 wheels to distribute 200 kg of wieght. is good. make sure trolleys have strong enough walls . Sit on it see if it flexes badly and buy better one.

Mount power sockets around table all sides for easy access under table. Also a retractable or wind up power ext cord.

Eg I use triton wood saw and router etc I will have to lower it to access it.

See crude drawing for bench concept. I think side garage bench mounted drill press etc would be best leaving table free of clutter.

I hope my ideas arnt to hard to follow the way i explain it.

Hope this gives some starting ideas.

Jason

Let me tag a clever and creative wheelchair user in @Super_D to get his input on this great topic.

Jason

Looks good.. The main problem I have is height, storing thing at a reachable high and getting the right pick up tool getting things I drop and getting things that are high. I store things I dont use much up higher. I am still on the hunt for the right one that is strong enough, maybe another project..

EricL

Hello @pepsp

My apologies for the late reply. A good way to start would be to look at the tools that he has in his garage. Next is to think about space and accessibility. Is there enough room to turn the wheelchair inside your garage? How low will the tables need to be in order for your father to still have access to the tools and equipment?

Would it be possible for you to post a photo of your garage and its measurements? This will give our members a chance to assess the space. We can then make recommendations on the best possible configuration. Some of the other things you'll need to consider are cabinet sizes, mobility of the cabinets and whether you'll still be able to put a work table in the middle of the garage.

We look forward to seeing the photos.

Eric

Hi @Super_D @pepsp

I read your need re high objects and lower objects so I am wondering if the following concepts float your boat in any way.

Basically I was thinking your objects sight unseen. why not put your odd shaped items into a box that can take most every shape if it is big enough These said boxes made from pine timber as it is light and strong enough for a light./medium weigh box .

Access these boxes stored on a shelf up high with Concept "Skypole " see drawing. If this works for you I/we can then work out how to make a sky pole to test it.

A similar Idea to skypole is Floor pole (lol lame names just so we can talk about them) think metal eggslide (bigger?) with an top adjustable locking arm/brace that when tilted back lifts the item on the egg slide. Now picture this same egg slide under a box and the top brace locking in the top of it the box is tiltable now put small 50mm wheel on it that box will be movable one handed.

From a book to a box text in pic should say. re Floor pole lifter

sky pole and floor pole

Yes, love it, what a super good idea. This could be retrofitted to boxes already fitted..

I am glad this is of use to you.

Further more I mentally have designed a proto types made from square metal tubing if you can operate a hack saw with a bench vice cut and open up tubing and bend flaps to right angles to make brackets to attach to other components.

But a wooden version could work too.

I wont force them on to you as your handy too.

But dont be shy if I can help.

Over 10 years ago I built this trolley to help lift item in my workshop in and out of the car or from the bench to the floor,

as being in a wheelchair I am limited to ways I can lift item.
Its made from 2 small Bunnings trollies a small boat winch and some steel tube, using the lower section of one for the platform that runs up and down on the rails. I also welded 2 loops to strap the items on while moving them.

I made it because I can not lift boxes and other things very well. I thought of making it when I was trying to get a slab of beer out of the car

and I could get it out ok but then I couldn't put it down on the floor, and the same goes for gas bottles and potting mix.

Some how I knew you have the metal tools and skills 🙂 Great I dont have to worry about you too much :0) in the skills department.

I hear you and your necessity being the mother of invention getting that slab out of the car. lol

But thats a big red lifting machine worthy of a photo or two. Nice design and functional good for a good 50kgs at least.

Great cross thinking ability ie boat winch and double trolley I am the same I was just about to use and old aluminium TV aeril as dowels to help join two twisted timbers together to make a work bench with a bit of mass to it. Timber maybe too twisted costing me nothing to try.

I will be watching the news no doubt you might have some rockets under your wheel chair. Nah not good you will need to rego it if they caught up to you.

Ps Nice workshop my garage is in need of a big clean.

Some times I get stuck for solutions I know I can call on you to help nut out a solution set if ideas too.

Tony (sydney)

Thanks Tony,

Always happy to help.

Ps.. LOL I have thought about putting rockets under my wheelchair.

Thanks Jewelleryrescue you for giving me the I idea about a sky pole.
have had trouble getting into the draws in front of my desk, so after you gave me the Idea I made this yesterday.

I used a pole I saved from my daughters old clothe ironing stand that adjust in length

and bent and welded 2 bits of aluminium together to make the hook. It works super

EricL

That is such an impressive device. Have you considered putting a rubber strip on the inside lip of the square "U" channel? I'm just worried that if the box is too heavy it might slip out of the grip of the hook. But I suppose the bottom pusher prevents that from happening.

Thank you for sharing such a fantastic idea.

Eric

Thanks EricL, I can try a strip of rubber, and see how it goes. thanks for the tip.

pepsp

Well it's taken some time due to Dad being unwell for some months, but we're now back in business. Here's a picture of the space.

As two engineers, naturally we've made a scale drawing of how its coming together.

20230601_193714~2.jpg

Existing gear to be integrated includes saw bench, drill press, band saw, router table, dust extraction, work bench. It sounds from the comments that key issues are storing things at easy reach, sufficient space for manoeuvring around between equipment and having access under/ around benches.

@Jewelleryrescue I like the idea of the under bench automotive trolleys. I will look into that further

MitchellMc

It's great to see the plans are coming along, @pepsp.

Here's my contribution to the discussion. I've tried to create a workbench that keeps everything within arms reach and allows the user to get their wheelchair in amongst the action. I really like the cutout design and have seen it implemented on a few other tables designed for good wheelchair access.

Mitchell

pepsp

I really like this @MitchellMc . What dimensions do you suggest? Also is that a curved peg board? What approach would you suggest for the curve?

https://youtu.be/dsRQKq4UFcw

I have see this on YouTube and It looks like a super way to get to the top shelf from my wheelchair.

Transforming Storage Shelf / Workbench

MitchellMc

Hi @pepsp,

The dimensions really would come down to the available space. However, typically a bench suited for a wheelchair would be far lower than the standard height. The benchtop must be above any armrests, and clear space underneath must be provided for the chair to be wheeled into. Lots of clearance for legs is also needed. You'll need to cut the pegboard into sections, as if you bend it too sharply; the hooks won't fit into the holes anymore. You don't necessarily need to go for a curved design; it was just to illustrate that the board must be within arm's reach to avoid frustration.

@Super_D might be able to let us know if there is a bench height that would be best to stick to or other conveniences that could be incorporated into the design.

Mitchell

The bench height is going to be different for most people in a wheelchair that is when the height adjustable benches are use in offices ect
I dont have arm rests to get in the way as some chair do and some arm rests swing back. If you are thinking about electric wheelchair a lot of
them you can adjust the height up and down. But that will most likely have the arm rest in the way. I have added a few bench tools on slides that
I can slide out to use and push in to give me bench space in front of me. One other think is the depth of the bench to reach things at the back.

EricL

Thanks for sharing those extra recommendations regarding bench height. Let me tag @pepsp to make sure they see your suggestions. Would it be possible for you to post a photo of one of your bench tools on slides? I'm sure our members would be keen to see how you've arranged its accessibility.

Eric