Thread: Torsion boxes

Darryn,

Is it not possible to make a temporary level bench using a spirit level and bits of ply under the legs of your existing or makeshift bench?

Dumb suggestion but maybe a start for you.


- Wood Borer

That what I am thinking, at the moment my bench is whatever gets laid down on two saw horses.

I was wondering of there was another way of doing it tho without reference to the surface actually being level. Ie how can you check if a plane surface is flat or not.

Darryn,

The hardest project to make is your first bench when you haven't got a bench or perhaps a stand for your Radial Arm saw but using the saw to make the saw stand.

You only need a flat surface not a horizontal surface.

If you get both saw horses level using a spirit level then a anything supported between them will be flat apart from the sag. The sag can be overcome by using two or more supports between the saw horses. Make sure the supports are the same thickness.

If you want to get the saw horses level and at the same level then you need to adjust your saw horses and the supports so they are all level but I don't think that is necessary for your project.

- Wood Borer

Ta for that,

Any suggestions as to the material thicknesses I should use

Darren,

My knowledge of torsion boxes is that I seen about 3 of them and I read the article in Australian Wood Review.

I could be wrong here but from memory, the torsion box strength is not really determined by the thickness of the top or bottom, it is determined by the frame and the bracing effect of the top, bottom and sides.

If that is the case, your 12mm suggestion would be OK as far as the strength of the box is concerned. You may however need to consider the thickness for the purpose of the box.

If it is for assembly and gluing, some well positioned holes for clamps/cramps and dogs would be worth considering. Some overhang for the edges would also be handy for clamping/cramping the wonderful piece you will be making.

Will the first project be a good bench with adjustable legs for your floor?

Hope this is of some assistance.


- Wood Borer

Darryn,

Sorry, I spelt your name incorrectly.

- Wood Borer

Don't stress too much about the name most people spell it wrong.

First project will actually be some kitchen cabinets I have been trying to get finished for a while, then the bench will come. Most of my work at the moment is with panel goods and I have festool saw with a few guide rails. I find my main need is for a flat and accurate surface to put stuff together on.

Once the kitchens out of the way I will get to finishing the marri coffee table which will need a real bench

Darryn