Workbench question

[Boatracer1000]

Hi everyone. I'm starting a folding workbench project. I want to bench to fold down rather than up, I plan on recessing a storage area in the wall. When the bench is folded up I want to try to camouflage it into the wall. I want the bench to be the same height as my toolboxes about 42in tall. I am using a solid core door 7ft long 30 in wide. I wanted to use fold out legs, my problem is that the legs will be longer than the bench is wide. Anyone know of or know how to make an extendable folding leg?

 

[The Cobbler]

instead of folding the legs along the width , fold them along the length of the door?

 

[Boatracer1000]

Hmmm, I would have to offset the legs so they fold, but should work. That's a good idea!

 

[Outlander]

I built a folding bench. Never folded it once - it is where I do almost all my work!

 

[allinon72]

Here's how I did mine:

 

[sti491]

Very nice!

 

[Outlander]

Mine is a bit ... no a lot ... rougher!

View media item 31574
Theory was to remove the bolts holding from legs on. Never happened, once I sold my second ATV I quickly used up the space.

 

[iibgdi]

Here's how I did mine:

That is awesome. How did you connect the support arms?

I just ordered 2 of these IKEA tables for my garage. 1 will be for momma's gardening area and 1 will be for my grilling area.

I want to build 1 like yours for my (HF) wood working bench

to slide under. I'll just need the support arms to be wide enough to fit the bench under. Pretty sure it will work but might not be as strong as I would like with the distance

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Nice benches! I stink as a carpenter, but I got lucky & found a freebie Bretford folding training table. It's solid when it's in use & folds down to 4" thick. It fits perfect folded against the wall in the boiler room for doing small repairs when I don't want to go out to the garage or I need to let something sit untouched for a while.



Mines a little different. It's 53" x 28", it doesn't have the computer wire ports in the top & it's a maple finish, but you get the idea.

Tommy

 

[rick carpenter]

Check out Jack Olsen's 12 Gauge Garage at http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55006. He's got a few examples for you.

 

[srmofo]

Fold the legs the length of the table or have shorter legs that rest on the wall at some angle.

They dont have to rest on the floor,but if it is going to be a table for heavy use and abuse I would advise that they do.

 

[Boatracer1000]

Here's how I did mine:

That is a great design. How your bench folds down out of the way, I wanted mine to fold up out of the way.

 

[Boatracer1000]

Anybody ever use these? http://www.rockler.com/folding-leg-bracket.

 

[allinon72]

The support arms are attached with the same hinges as the top. They are lag bolted directly to studs.

 

[iibgdi]

So they (the hinges) arent atttached to 2x4s, that are attached to studs. They are attached directly to the studs right on the drywall?

Seems to me that would be asking for problems. Sorry, am I misunderstanding you?

Would you mind showing a pic of the hinges attached to the wall with the table in the up position?

Sorry to be a pita. Just making sure I get it right.

 

[NewLogik]

Can't be fold up, but this is what I've used at for a friend who wanted a folding workbench.



http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F9O4YPY/ref=oh_details_o04_s03_i09?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Terranova]

I'm planning on building this bench without the peg board and cabinets.
http://www.shopnotes.com/plans/fold-down-bench/

 

[allinon72]

So they (the hinges) arent atttached to 2x4s, that are attached to studs. They are attached directly to the studs right on the drywall?

Seems to me that would be asking for problems. Sorry, am I misunderstanding you?

Would you mind showing a pic of the hinges attached to the wall with the table in the up position?

Sorry to be a pita. Just making sure I get it right.

I don't have a pic but yes the hinges attach to the studs right through the drywall. The bench can hold my body weight.

 

[BikerDad]

Anybody ever use these? http://www.rockler.com/folding-leg-bracket.

Not that exact model, but I've used the other ones they sell extensively. I've been quite happy with them.

 

[Boatracer1000]

Not that exact model, but I've used the other ones they sell extensively. I've been quite happy with them.

Is there any play or wobble in the hinges?

 

[BikerDad]

Is there any play or wobble in the hinges?

Not that we've ever noticed. However, exactly how usage of them will transfer over to your application is a question. I've used them for building model railroad modules, makes for much quicker setup and take down. Thus, the load on them is actually quite light, which doesn't exactly match a workbench application. Conversely, we are VERY picky about wobbly modules when the trains are rolling across, as derailments can be anywhere from inconvenient to damned expensive when locos and/or rolling stock head for the bottom of the concrete canyon.

The upshot is, no play or wobbles noticed thus far. YMMV.

 

[Boatracer1000]

Here are a few pics of where I plan to mount the bench.