First workbench build -Aluminum

[jebz240]

Built a 36x24 metal building a few months back while waiting on my electrician i started fabricating my workbench.

I scored some octanorm aluminum tubing used for exhibit booths that lock together and used it for the frame work. I reinforced everything with L brackets, The bench top is two 2x12x12 southern pine slat's glued together.I just sanded it today and coated it with Natural color Danish Oil.

I think this came out pretty good. This is the 1st time i've ever attempted to build anything like this so i had some learning curves. I'm still trying to figure out shelving for the bottom and deciding if i want to create a backing for the upper shelves. Let me know if you have any ideas for me. I still have some of the tubing material left.

 

[zkling]

Wow, wish I had that sort of supply stock. Those are going to be nice.

 

[jebz240]

I have access to 20 or so more of 6' 5''x5'' tubing but i'm located in North Carolina. New this stuff is super $$. What me and my father can't use is going to be recycled at $1.10 a pound. If anyone is local and wants to make a trade/purchase or deal we can offload some of the material. The connectors are the issue, i have a limited number, but you can just use L brackets and self tapping fasteners.

Im trying to find a tool box that will slide under the left side of the bench... its 31'' by 53'' best i've seen is http://www.lowes.com/pd_458775-4890...jnkZ1z10kmvZ1z10kv2__?productId=50141390&pl=1

 

[matt_i]

lol on scrapping it. That extrusion commonly sells for about $1 per inch, brand new.

In contrast steel based unistrut is on the order of $1 per foot.

 

[ADSR]

wow! those are trick!

 

[OJ Bartley]

Alumi-whhaaaaa!? That's a super SUPER cool bench. What an awesome score on those materials. I'll second the opinion that scrapping is probably not the best idea, I bet you could put it on Craiglist or something and make much much more than you would from the scrapper, and someone else would be able to do something cool with it (if you can't find a local GJ'er to take it off your hands, that is).

 

[jebz240]

Good point, i bet if i put pictures of the bench on Craigslist and the material we could get a buyer... i really hate to waste/recycle the material.

 

[Cobra5150]

What part of NC are you in?

 

[coljar]

That is a fine looking bench.

 

[bczygan]

Nice!

 

[valentine]

Very cool bench

-valentine

 

[jebz240]

What part of NC are you in?

I'm located in 27804, my father has more than i have left... a crate full and he's located an hour south in 28371. If anyone's seriously interested i can get a inventory of all parts and pics. Here is the manufactures website http://octanorm.com/home2.aspx

It might take awhile for my father to get a list but i can get one up in a day or two.

 

[zkling]

I have access to 20 or so more of 6' 5''x5'' tubing but i'm located in North Carolina. New this stuff is super $$. What me and my father can't use is going to be recycled at $1.10 a pound. If anyone is local and wants to make a trade/purchase or deal we can offload some of the material. The connectors are the issue, i have a limited number, but you can just use L brackets and self tapping fasteners.

Im trying to find a tool box that will slide under the left side of the bench... its 31'' by 53'' best i've seen is http://www.lowes.com/pd_458775-4890...jnkZ1z10kmvZ1z10kv2__?productId=50141390&pl=1

Wish I was closer. What is the wall thickness? Forget the brackets, I'd just weld them together.

 

[Cobra5150]

Wrong side of NC. DANG!!

 

[southalabama]

Nice work.

I wouldn't scrap anything that nice. Unless you just need to sell it I'd keep it. The opportunities for materials like that won't come along often. I'm sure in the new shop there will be other opportunities to use it.

 

[1/2 Cup]

I have to say that's one nice bench, well done.

 

[colt zantop]

Awesome bench!

 

[jebz240]

Nice work.

I wouldn't scrap anything that nice. Unless you just need to sell it I'd keep it. The opportunities for materials like that won't come along often. I'm sure in the new shop there will be other opportunities to use it.

All the feedback got me thinking about it and Im starting to build another 6' table on casters for my 12'' compound miter saw. I'll get my father's material inventoried and I'll list what we have in the classifieds... I'll also post some pics of the table build when its completed.

 

[jebz240]

I went a little nuts and built another 8' table on 4''casters. I should have made it shorter in hindsight but it rolls ok. My 12'' compound miter saw is going in the middle of this one once i pick up some more wood for the the top. I'm out of 5'' extrusion now.

 

[OJ Bartley]

That's the spirit! Awesome benches. Might as well use it up while you have access to it, and those will last you forever.

 

[jebz240]

Finished up the second bench and mounted the compound miter saw, the electrical work is now done in the building and waiting on final inspection.

 

[jebz240]

A little off subject but i refurbished my grandfathers old kennedy machinist toolbox the best i could without a media blaster and scored a cool shoe locker i cleaned up and painted for storage.. pics below

I'm about ready to tackle framing and hanging OSB for walls, not sure how i want to get started yet.. trying to decide mounting horizontal vs vertical and if i want to stop at 8' then there is insulation to consider and framing w/ 2x3's...