Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Work from home has been murder on my arms, and I had just stopped painting for awhile. However, my physical therapy informed me that I shouldn't stop painting altogether, just adjust my workspace and painting habits.

I'm looking into what I need to make a more ergonomic workspace for painting. So far, the plan is:

Watchmaker height table (check)
Ergonomic chair (check? Good enough for a short time)
Bandage wrap around my brushes (check)
Magnifying visor or lighted magnifying stand
Corks to hold toothpick mounted bits for sub-assemblies

Is there anything else I should look into? Any good habits for painting and/or modeling ergonomically?

Arcanis161 wrote:
Work from home has been murder on my arms, and I had just stopped painting for awhile. However, my physical therapy informed me that I shouldn't stop painting altogether, just adjust my workspace and painting habits.

I'm looking into what I need to make a more ergonomic workspace for painting. So far, the plan is:

Watchmaker height table (check)
Ergonomic chair (check? Good enough for a short time)
Bandage wrap around my brushes (check)
Magnifying visor or lighted magnifying stand
Corks to hold toothpick mounted bits for sub-assemblies

Is there anything else I should look into? Any good habits for painting and/or modeling ergonomically?

I am following this for recommendations on a magnifying visor. Everything I have tried has been a disaster.

A good lamp and magnifier changed my whole scene. A painting handle and padded armrest for your elbows is nice. I've seen at least one guy mount his painting handle on a weighted microphone stand so that the mini hovers at chin height and he just stabilizes it with his off hand, but I cant quite picture that. I also make myself take breaks and stretch at intervals... it's just not the most ergonomic hobby.

Edit: good call on the corks... I mounted mine on extra bases so they'll fit the painting handle. I know some guys buy extras of those so the dont have to fiddle with fitting models.

Ergonomics are important. They're not just an advertising buzzword. Don't overlook them.

In ww2 the german Me-109 was generally a superior plane, mechanically and technologically more advanced compared to the British spitfire, the real advantage the spitfire had was a very ergonomic, user friendly cockpit and the 109 had a cockpit from hell.

"PILOT FRIENDLINESS AND HANDLING

In terms of ease of operation, there were advantages and shortcomings to both designs. The Spitfire’s bubble canopy and large mirrors offered excellent views and better situational awareness to the pilot. The Bf 109s angular canopy with its thick frame fell short. On the other hand, the Bf 109’s Revi gunsight was far ahead of the early Spitfire’s ring-and-bead type sight. It eliminated parallax errors and made deflection shots more accurate. The aircraft’s engine and propeller controls were also more automated, which reduced pilot workload.

On the flip side, the Bf 109’s small size made the cockpit very cramped. Not only was it uncomfortable, it also restricted the force that pilots could apply on the controls, with obvious effects on flight performance. Post-war testing by the RAF revealed that under certain conditions, the force that pilots could exert on the Bf 109’s control column was only 40% of what they could apply in the Spitfire. In an era when hydraulically boosted controls were not available, this was a serious deficiency. The Spitfire’s two-step rudder pedals also allowed the pilot to raise his feet high during high-G manoeuvring, delaying the onset of blackout. The Bf 109 had no such pedals."

zoltan88 wrote:I am following this for recommendations on a magnifying visor. Everything I have tried has been a disaster.

Well, I'm trying out a magnifying stand first. Got the most recommended/highest rated one on Amaozn coming tomorrow. It'll still be a couple of weeks, but I'll update here how it goes.

MacPhail wrote:A good lamp and magnifier changed my whole scene. A painting handle and padded armrest for your elbows is nice. I've seen at least one guy mount his painting handle on a weighted microphone stand so that the mini hovers at chin height and he just stabilizes it with his off hand, but I cant quite picture that. I also make myself take breaks and stretch at intervals... it's just not the most ergonomic hobby.

Edit: good call on the corks... I mounted mine on extra bases so they'll fit the painting handle. I know some guys buy extras of those so the dont have to fiddle with fitting models.

That's actually a good idea for the corks; I've got several spare bases, so that'll make things much easier.

Microphone stand sounds interesting. I'll try without one first and then, if I'm still having trouble, get one and see how it goes.



Any additional recommendations?

Hey

I got an adjustable height desk from ikea so I can do it standing and lean on my elbows if I want. Its pretty neat.

Had to paint elsewhere tonight, table was in use for something else.

Tried some techniques (might make a new thread about it), and the magnifying stand was absolutely the best investment I've made so far. I'm able to see significant detail without having to move my arms super close.

Arcanis161 wrote:
Had to paint elsewhere tonight, table was in use for something else.

Tried some techniques (might make a new thread about it), and the magnifying stand was absolutely the best investment I've made so far. I'm able to see significant detail without having to move my arms super close.

Good to hear!!

The best magnifier I have found is high magnification reading glasses. I haven’t tried a visor but the glasses are great as they don’t get in the way and I have nothing in between me and the model.