Drafting Tables as Workbench?

[Kilgore Trout]

There seem to be a bunch of drafting tables on craigslist in my area. I was thinking that a couple of these side by side might make a nice workbench. They are solid oak. Has anyone tried this? Are they stable enough? Tried a search and didn't see any threads about this idea.

 

[91bronc300]

I have four drafting tables that I use as work benches. Maybe more like work tables. And also saw horses because they are height adjustable. Can adjust them to the right height to be a table extension for the table saw etc, etc. The tilt part hasn't come in that handy yet, but it would if I actually wanted to draft and I would consider them heavy enough to bolt a vise to.

 

[shanny19]

My wife's 1990's vintage professional drafting tables are held together with two 1/4" wingnuts and in no way would support a vise or the subsequent forces.

Make sure what you're looking at is the right combination of old & sturdy......

 

[Joe B.]

I have a commercial grade drafting table that i picked up years ago when the world went to CAD. It is great for drawing and for light stuff but would never be stable enough for a workbench that I would want. The top is solid and the base is solid but the one I have can pivot the angle of the table. The pivot point is not stable enough for a workbench.

I guess it all depends on the table. If there was a good deal localy, I would still consider picking one up.

 

[pepi]

Build a sub frame and make it sturdy that way, just use the table top **** can rest, it is solid core.