Workbench Questions

[Steve_DownUnder]

Howdy All,

I have done a search and read alot of the posts, all great reading. I still have a couple of questions regarding building a work bench that I cant find an answer for ( unless I missed them ).

As a bit of background I am looking to build a bench with storage underneath and plenty of mass to have a solid base to work on. I use power tools but am slowly moving towards hand tools.

I have settled on a design and due to cost considerations I am leaning towards an oregon frame with 3 layers of MDF with a 6mm masonite top.

The questions I have are as follows :

1. Has anyone had any issues with attaching vises to an MDF top ? Have you just used bolts and attached them through the top ? If so has anyone had problems with this method ?

2. In attaching a frame around the top how did people attach them ? WIth biscuits and glue ? or some other way ?

3. I read in some of the posts that the best way to allow for racking in the frame would be to use bolts and connect the stretchers that way. What about using a pinned mortise and tenon joint ? Would this be as strong or lasting as the bolts ? Admittedly with panels and doors to enclose the bottom section hopefullly the problem will be reduced..

Sorry this was so long but any and all thoughts would be appreciated.

steve

[Barry_White]

Hi Steve

Attached is the thread to my basic work bench. It is very ridgid and heavy enough and was fairly cheap to build. I intend at a later date to install draws and cupboards which will add to the weight.

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=8385

[Sprog]

As a bit of background I am looking to build a bench with storage underneath and plenty of mass to have a solid base to work on.
The questions I have are as follows :

1. Has anyone had any issues with attaching vises to an MDF top ? Have you just used bolts and attached them through the top ? If so has anyone had problems with this method ?

2. In attaching a frame around the top how did people attach them ? WIth biscuits and glue ? or some other way ?

3. I read in some of the posts that the best way to allow for racking in the frame would be to use bolts and connect the stretchers that way. What about using a pinned mortise and tenon joint ? Would this be as strong or lasting as the bolts ? Admittedly with panels and doors to enclose the bottom section hopefullly the problem will be reduced..

Sorry this was so long but any and all thoughts would be appreciated.

steve

I built a similar bench from a design in Australian Woodsmith issue #19.
This is one solid bench.

1. I inset a piece of jarrah into the bottom two layers of the mdf top to attach the vice to.

2. Biscuits, glue and long screws, then fitted plugs over the screw heads.

3. Pin mortice and tenons also fit corner blocks to stop racking.

see pic below

[Paul O'H. Ingersoll Canad]

Steve
I built my bench about 15 years ago using a lee Valley plan And the Woodsmith Mag.#50 published in 1987.
The top just sits on the frame with a pair of 2" dowels , no glue or bolts. Two strong men are required to lift the top off.
I have moved twice and had no problems.
There is a pic of it on this page
http://frontpage.execulink.com/pohallor/tool_cabinet.htm

Paul

[Sprog]

Steve,

Check your PM

[Steve_DownUnder]

Thanks to all who replied, plenty of info to be considered.

Has anyone had issues with connecting a vise using bolts through the bench top ? Has the MDF weakend over time ?


Also I am assuming that biscuits/spline would be the best way to attach a 2": think edging around the MDF ?


Thanks

steve

[Sprog]

My bench top is 3 sheets of MDF with a hardwood insert for fixing the vice, it is not going to weaken. :D

Biscuits or splines work, I also pre drilled and used long screws while the glue set, much easier than clamping. Plugged the holes to hide the screws.