The two pieces of equipment crucial to a productive stiffening operation are a gluing machine and a power paper cutter.

The gluing machine should be a minimum of 40 centimeters in width and be capable of gluing both boards and flexible materials without requiring resetting. The glue for the machine should be cold and preferably a polyvinyl acetate adhesive. The machine should be mounted on a stand with wheels so that it can be rolled to the sink for ease of cleaning.

The power paper cutter should be capable of cutting up to 10 centimeters in thickness and have a cutting width of at least 80 centimeters. The cutter should be equipped with required safety devices to prevent injury.

The main processing or standard bench is of the same design as that used for all conservation work, with a standard height of 96 centimeters, a width of 1.24 meters, and a length of 2.44 meters (38 inches x 4 feet x 8 feet). A counter of the same height and length with a width of 60 centimeters (38 inches x 8 feet x 3 feet), plus at least two other similar counters designed to fit the space, is useful.

The bench and the counters have storage space under them for supplies cut to standard sizes. All benches should be sturdy and have a washable plastic laminate top.