Modifieddriver
Well-known member
Used a pallet rack shelf as a base. This rack is rated for a 5,000 lb load!! I carriage bolted 2"x12" planks to the frame. Cut the boards off 10' long. This gives about 2" of top over hang to the steel frme.
Using 1/4"x2"x2" angle iron on the bench top edges. Fastened the angle to the planks with decking screws. Had to drill and countersink each hole.
Under the vise is a 1/4"x24"x24" steel plate to use as a small welding area. The plate was already sheared to this size, otherwise I would've made it wider.
Now,l come the hard part. I'm going to use 1/4" thick tempered hardboard for a bench top. BUT, guess what? Nobody stocks 1/4" thick hard board in 4'x8' sheets. 3/16" is common and readily available. In hind sight, I should've done this with 3/16" thick angle and plate.
A local building supply usually has it but are out of stock right now. Might have some next week. I haven't decided if I'll glue or screw the bench top on.
I used part of another pallet rack for the legs incorporating the welded in support. I put the bench top at 34" off the floor. I'll also construct a shelf or two under the bench top, but recessed back from the legs to not be in the way while I'm working there (probably on a stool!!).
I'll also install a couple of diagonal braces on the rear legs. I bolted each leg to the top with two 1/2" bolts, but some more lateral support is needed.
I also need to fabricate a back splash. I might use aluminum diamond plate (tread plate). Probably at least 12" high. When I get my Miller MIG welder moved in I'll weld the mitered corners and grind then flush.
I have to be a "nut case" to do this much work on a f'ng bench. That's the reason for the Keystone. This drove me to drinkin' !!!
I was asked why 34" high. I already have a work bench at 34" that pretty comfortable to work at, and because of my advanced age I plan on being on a stool if I'm doing time consuming detail work, like a carburetor.
Then, the other factor is the vise. Proper vise height placement for doing work is important. Here's how you figure that out. Stand at the bench, arms down but forearm bent up at the elbow. Where your elbow is off the floor is the proper height for the jaws of the vise. It's an ergonomics thing that I learned from a European several years ago. Makes sense because that's the body pivot point for doing filing cutting, etc.
The vise is a Columbian with 5" wide jaws. It doesn't have a swivel base, so I might center it on the steel welding top plate. What do ya' think?
Using 1/4"x2"x2" angle iron on the bench top edges. Fastened the angle to the planks with decking screws. Had to drill and countersink each hole.
Under the vise is a 1/4"x24"x24" steel plate to use as a small welding area. The plate was already sheared to this size, otherwise I would've made it wider.
Now,l come the hard part. I'm going to use 1/4" thick tempered hardboard for a bench top. BUT, guess what? Nobody stocks 1/4" thick hard board in 4'x8' sheets. 3/16" is common and readily available. In hind sight, I should've done this with 3/16" thick angle and plate.
A local building supply usually has it but are out of stock right now. Might have some next week. I haven't decided if I'll glue or screw the bench top on.
I used part of another pallet rack for the legs incorporating the welded in support. I put the bench top at 34" off the floor. I'll also construct a shelf or two under the bench top, but recessed back from the legs to not be in the way while I'm working there (probably on a stool!!).
I'll also install a couple of diagonal braces on the rear legs. I bolted each leg to the top with two 1/2" bolts, but some more lateral support is needed.
I also need to fabricate a back splash. I might use aluminum diamond plate (tread plate). Probably at least 12" high. When I get my Miller MIG welder moved in I'll weld the mitered corners and grind then flush.
I have to be a "nut case" to do this much work on a f'ng bench. That's the reason for the Keystone. This drove me to drinkin' !!!
I was asked why 34" high. I already have a work bench at 34" that pretty comfortable to work at, and because of my advanced age I plan on being on a stool if I'm doing time consuming detail work, like a carburetor.
Then, the other factor is the vise. Proper vise height placement for doing work is important. Here's how you figure that out. Stand at the bench, arms down but forearm bent up at the elbow. Where your elbow is off the floor is the proper height for the jaws of the vise. It's an ergonomics thing that I learned from a European several years ago. Makes sense because that's the body pivot point for doing filing cutting, etc.
The vise is a Columbian with 5" wide jaws. It doesn't have a swivel base, so I might center it on the steel welding top plate. What do ya' think?
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But then I'll rearrange something, and decide I need another one, or a different style, something.
