Thread: Torsion box bench idea/help grand design

I don't think you need to worry about the pine moving, especially considering it would be on edge. I would have thought a deeper web would make for a stronger torsion box so you don't get deflection down the length, but then I've never made one.

3600 x 800 is a whopping bench. I've had workspaces smaller than that

Take a look at this (from page 3)

http://woodworkersnsw.org.au/wp-cont...012_SepOct.pdf

Stuart Faulkner is offering his torsion box bench for sale I think, based on a set of CNC cut parts. There may be a few ideas for you here anyway in terms of material/construction

I haven't tried to do what you want to do so take this with the disdain that it might deserve, but I figure that it is better to squeak now than say "I thought that might happen" later.

The whole concept of a torsion box structure is to seperate two skins with web material. Then however the strructure is loaded, at any point on the surface, one skin will be placed into tension and the other into compression. My concern is the ability of chipboard flooring to withstand tension as it does not have a natural grain structure. It might be plenty strong enough in tension, I just don't know, and suspect that this may not normally be a design consideration for the product, and hence may not be something that it tested for. I know that quality ply will withstand tension well making it suitable for structural work in aircraft and boats, but suspect that yellow tongue may have an issue in this application.

Not trying to put poo on your idea, just suggesting an area to research first.

Hi,
Try to get a copy of this for ideas TBEN.jpg
Regards

Using big clamps might cause some bending if the clamps are between the webs of the torsion box and dog holes would be a no no but if you don't need them so what. There is an old rule of thumb that says the bigger to area of a bench the more crap gets put on it. I had one about as long as you propose and cut it in half for that reason.

More great suggestions ,the one of chipboard in regard to tension/compression ,is interesting as i agree, ply is more flexible not as brittle as chipboard .
Chipboard, is used on floors at a span of 450mm on average .
So thinking when a large person walks over said board.
The top is compression, the bottom in tension .
One main reason is for chipboard, it comes nice and flat it's cheap too.
But please keep the ideas coming ,I'm still a little of being able to start build ,due to work commitments.
One other thought to is possible an end vice using linear bearings for the rod supports

I came across this article that may be of use:
Tom's Torsion Box Workbench - Woodworking Projects - American Woodworker

See also:
PAULK WORK BENCH II - YouTube

Another idea I am thinking about ,
In a previous life(shed) I had a bench ,with a shelf under neath , that was more prone to collecting saw dust then any thing else.
So this time I'm thinking draws or cupboards .
The only small concern is if I have a large board in the vice ,that can restrict assess to that one tool u need, that is guess we're ??
Any suggestions or am I wanting too much lol

Has any one out there used or seen linear bearings and matching rail used as guides for leg vices ?
I'm thinking of using two sets in parallel about 150mm apart at the bottoms of a leg vice
The ones I'm thinking of will be a 20mm support bar placed at the bottom of the leg running horizontal to floor
This is to go with the new bench I'm in the middle of designing

LMF25LUU Flange Long Type 25mm Linear Ball Bearing CNC | eBay is a link I had saved in my bookmarks. I think I got it from here, someone was using this like what you want to do.

Anyways, might help you on your search

Thanks Mrpete
I saw that eBay shop and was thinking the same
I'm thinking about using two horizontal 20mm rods about 100mm apart for the bottom guide bars (not sure if two is over kill