Thread: Adjustable work bench?

I just finishing off building one of Timothy Walmot's Multi Functional Shop Carts (MFSC). It uses a MFT style table top, is adjustable height, and also has other functions.

https://benchworks.be/en/projects/mf...ion-shop-cart/


I haven't actually used it yet, but have made the top height the same as my table saw so it can act as extra infeed or outfeed support in addition to extending the working area as an assembly table. His plans and instructions aren't too bad and are helped by his build videos.

What about an adjustable desk? Overlay with a suitable bench top

Thanks Kauri, the MFSC is a great idea. but only one function can be used at a time... say if you are using it as a dry rack or A frame and you want to use it as a work surface, you cant, you have to wait, or have to remove whats on the cart then use it as a bench.

Great cart though! gonna learn from this and his inventions...

those one for office use? their weight limit is a lot lighter though, typically under 100kg

My ultimate workbench would be the one that Mike Farrington uses:


Torsion box workbench on top of a scissor lift.

Originally Posted by Albert

Thanks Kauri, the MFSC is a great idea. but only one function can be used at a time... ...

You could always make more than one MFSC, which is what the maker did, but they could start taking up a lot of space in a small shop. I have found that the wooden spring/latch system for holding back the tooth while the table is lowered was very finicky to get right, but seems to work OK so far once setup. I started out with wooden ones, one broke, and I ended up making a pair from HDPE.

Originally Posted by Albert

2. What do you think of this elevating work bench? This is actually a dog grooming station, but I can see myself using it as a work bench.
Screen Shot 2018-12-15 at 9.40.16 PM.jpg

over the years I've seen similar built around dentist chair mechanisms or hospital beds -- hospital beds often have 4 jack down feet to lift the wheels just off the floor.
The issue you want to be sure about is -- how much wobble is there when you lean on one end or edge of the table

thats my Archilles heel... I dont have the space. I can only have one bench...

you are right Ian. I went to see a similar unit - half the price - not stable, wobbles like a Friday with one drink too many.

I am also a bit short on space, and have been mulling over how to make a multi-function work surface that can serve a few purposes.

One idea I have seen is to make a standard workbench, something like a Roubo style (or whatever else you prefer).

One then makes a sheet of MDF at nearly whatever size one wants, and installs underneath some 20mm dowel attached to something like a Rockler bench cookie. If the dowel is kept short enough, and there are a sufficient number of them, you end up with a slightly higher MFT work surface on top of your Roubo to use dogs and other MFT type tools on. The raised surface can be designed in such a way as to pack away flat against a shed wall, taking little space.

What about something like this?

https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/J050

Originally Posted by Junkie

My ultimate workbench would be the one that Mike Farrington uses:


Torsion box workbench on top of a scissor lift.

Very nice.. Thanks Junkie.

I like this idea too. the workbench top by itself is too weak. Mike's table has support in both longitudinal and latitudinal direction. I will just 2 row of support to divide the bench in 3 shorter lengths.

These industrial scissor lift mechanism is only way to go. Work bench takes a lot of impact.

When I have enough space I will get one of these..

my existing "mobile work bench" (more like storage rack) is only 700mm high. I have made the benchtop yesterday using left over Saligna, I am going to place my bench top on top of the workbench, leaving 150mm gap for storage/whatever.

The benchtop thickness is 22.5mm. any thicker the Festool FSZ clamp wont be able to go through.

IMG_4431.jpg

IMG_4438.jpg

Originally Posted by ian

over the years I've seen similar built around dentist chair mechanisms or hospital beds -- hospital beds often have 4 jack down feet to lift the wheels just off the floor.
The issue you want to be sure about is -- how much wobble is there when you lean on one end or edge of the table

So true, Ian

Mate has one based on a hospital bed mechanism and frame. It is really good as an assembly bench, but it is not stable enough for a primary work bench. It "wiggles" if you try planing, sawing or chiselling on it.


Cheers

Graeme