Thanks Thanks:  0
Likes Likes:  0
Needs Pictures Needs Pictures:  0
Picture(s) thanks Picture(s) thanks:  0
Results 1 to 7 of 7
  1. 14th March 2011, 09:11 PM #1
    duncang
    duncang is offline Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Brisbane
    Age
    42
    Posts
    102

    Post Reconfigurable Workbench

    Hi,

    I've just started fabricating a reconfigurable workbench. The idea is to make two benches which are identical and can be configured either side by side or lengthwise (see pics 1 and 2).

    The material is 40x40x2.5 RHS for the legs and cross members, and 40x40x3 Angle to join the ends. The height is to match my table saw so the benches can act as an outfeed table. The top will be 17mm ply or MDF. I will be closing in underneath the benches as cupboards.

    I began today by cutting the raw materials to length and built a right angle jig to assist in holding the pieces together whilst I weld. I'll post some pics as I start tacking it all together.

    Duncan.
  2. 14th March 2011 09:11 PM # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Age
    2010
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. 15th March 2011, 08:06 PM #2
    buildspacetrain
    buildspacetrain is offline 2 years from inception to completion
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Melbourne
    Age
    67
    Posts
    60

    Default

    Are you going to have wheels to manoeuvre them around and what will the top be of?
  4. 15th March 2011, 09:31 PM #3
    duncang
    duncang is offline Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Brisbane
    Age
    42
    Posts
    102

    Default

    At this point I've decided against wheels because I think with the relatively small size (700x1200) they will be too unstable; I always have the option of adding later however.

    The top will be 17mm Ply or MDF.

    Thanks,
  5. 18th March 2011, 05:18 PM #4
    Yonnee's Avatar
    Yonnee
    Yonnee is offline Trailer Bloke & Mild Mannered Moderator
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Tooradin, Vic.
    Age
    52
    Posts
    1,885

    Default

    Are you going to have a way of locking them together when in use? Or will they just sit side-by-side/end-on-end?
    Too many projects, so little time, even less money!
    Are you a registered member? Why not? click here to register. It's free and only takes 37 seconds! Doing work around the home? Wander over to our sister site, Renovate Forum, for all your renovation queries.
  6. 18th March 2011, 09:12 PM #5
    RustyArc
    RustyArc is offline SENIOR MEMBER
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Canberra
    Posts
    769

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by duncang View Post
    At this point I've decided against wheels because I think with the relatively small size (700x1200) they will be too unstable; I always have the option of adding later however.
    If you have cupboards underneath that are full of stuff, you may find you need wheels to manoeuvre them about due to the weight.

    I built a mobile bench for my new workshop using the same (gal) 40mm SHS but mine was designed to the size of a full sheet of formply (which makes an excellent bench top, except for the colour - black) with a lower sheet at the very bottom. I fitted 6 lockable castors to it.
  7. 26th March 2011, 05:14 PM #6
    duncang
    duncang is offline Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Brisbane
    Age
    42
    Posts
    102

    Post

    I've built the first table today and got it setup. I've attached a couple of pics of the almost finished product. It's been a while since I've done any welding so my strike rate was about 30% mainly a cosmetic issue but the second table should come up better.

    formply (which makes an excellent bench top, except for the colour - black)
    Is formply the really hard glossy type? I hadn't thought of that since I hadn't noticed it at The Big B, but I might go hunting for it now.

    I'm toying with the idea of castors - perhaps I'll leave the first one on rubber feet and fit castors to the second..

    Yonnee - yes, I'm planning on using some latches to hold them together as a single unit. I have to find some decent quality ones which have some kind of overlocking cam/spring action to ensure a secure fit.

    Thanks for your input guys

    Dunc.
  8. 26th March 2011, 07:45 PM #7
    duncang
    duncang is offline Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Brisbane
    Age
    42
    Posts
    102

    Default

    I came across this company who sell a range of leveling feet which look to be decent quality - Elesa+Ganter (E+G) | Dana Ridge

    Those particular ones look fairly expensive (I haven't gotten any prices yet), but can anyone else recommend any other products?

    Thanks,
    Duncan.
« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Similar Threads

  1. My New Workbench
    By oohsam in forum THE WORK BENCH
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 25th March 2010, 08:53 PM
  2. a workbench to make a workbench
    By mic-d in forum THE WORK BENCH
    Replies: 21
    Last Post: 2nd November 2008, 03:32 PM
  3. workbench top
    By newtowood in forum THE WORK BENCH
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 20th December 2005, 11:10 PM
  4. Co$t of a Workbench
    By Phil Mailloux in forum THE WORK BENCH
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 6th December 2005, 09:15 AM
  5. Catch-22 - building a workbench without a workbench
    By brianhay in forum THE WORK BENCH
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 18th January 2005, 04:56 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Forum Rules