Re: Recommendation for work table and object cart?

[Stephen Fixx <Stephen.Fixx@oberlin.edu>]

Hi Holly, We use exactly what you currently use but we don't even have hope
for an upgrade. If I could dream I would look into a company that configures
adjustable height tables to your needs, like this: http://www.ergosource.com
Though they appear expensive I bet their heavy duty work stations may still
cost less than a custom table from a local fabricator.

Lab Safety Supply carries a very good range of utility carts, some with
extra deep sides:

http://www.labsafety.com/store/Material_Handling/Carts_and_Trucks/Utility_an
d_Shelf_Carts/

BTW,  It does seem at times we get more "on vacation" emails than genuine
correspondence. Perhaps this list may be more useful (and less obnoxious to
some) in the form of a web forum.

Best wishes,

Steve


Stephen F. Fixx
Assistant Exhibit Preparator
Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin College
87 N. Main St.
Oberlin, OH 44074
(440)775-6201; FAX: (440)775-6842
email: stephen.fixx@oberlin.edu











On 4/3/08 2:29 PM, "Holly Chase" <Holly.Chase@sunrider.com> wrote:

> Greetings Everyone,
> 
>  
> 
> I am thinking of replacing our current work tables in our office area
> and object carts for transporting ceramics and wondered if anyone has
> any recommendations.
> 
>  
> 
> To give you an idea of our needs I'll tell you what we are using:
> 
>  
> 
> Work Tables:
> 
> Our current work tables are portable, folding banquet tables which
> measure 29H x 96L x 18W with a plastic top that we cover with foam and
> tissue. They are slightly longer and considerably narrower than the
> standard folding banquet tables you find at Office Depot but they are
> made of the same materials. They are very light and rather flimsy and we
> often will put two tables together to make them wider, cover the
> surfaces with a thin foam and tissue, and then tape the legs together to
> help with stability. It probably goes without saying that I am eager to
> replace these as soon as possible.
> 
>  
> 
> We use these tables primarily for condition reporting, packing objects,
> and sometimes for assembling mounts for exhibitions. Our collection is
> primarily made up of Chinese ceramics, small statues, scroll paintings,
> and a few textiles and robes. Our office space is small and I am looking
> for tables that have casters with breaks so that they can be moved
> around the room as needed but stable when the breaks are applied.
> 
>  
> 
> One of my Chinese co-workers told me that in Asia most museums use
> examination tables that are very low to the ground so that if a ceramic
> fell it would not fall far and might not be as damaged (our floors are
> industrial laminate over concrete). I have never had a problem with the
> height of tables before when examining ceramics as we usually take
> precautions to make sure they are stabilized on a table. I thought that
> a high table was actually preferable so that one can stand without
> bending over to examine the object or bending too far down to place the
> object on the table. Any opinions on this issue are also welcomed.
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> Object Carts:
> 
>             We currently use a small Rubbermaid utility cart to
> transport small ceramics and statues (see office depot:
> http://www.officedepot.com/browse.do?Ne=14+5&Nr=200000&N=201709+42949671
> 85+4294967160 ) and we add foam to the top shelf and hold our tools and
> mounting supplies on the bottom shelf. For larger objects, we transport
> them in crates or Chinese boxes on four-wheel dollies.
> 
>  
> 
> I would love to replace our current tables and carts with better
> equipment. At a previous museum where I worked the tables and carts were
> all built in-house but that is not an option for us as we have no
> fabrication department. We may be able to find a fabricator in the area
> to build these for us, but before I go that route, I thought I would
> check in to see what my colleagues recommend (or what they had built
> in-house).
> 
>  
> 
> Any input or opinions are greatly appreciated!
> 
>  
> 
> Sincerely,
> 
>  
> 
> Holly C. Chase 
> 
> Museum Coordinator
> 
> Chen Art Gallery 
> 
> SUNRIDER INTERNATIONAL
> 
> Email: holly.chase@sunrider.com
> 
> www.chenartgallery.org
> 
> (Los Angeles, CA area)
>