Input on 2x6 bench build

[Brian Bonser]

building a general purpose/gunsmithing bench using 2x6s for the frame and 4x4s for legs. I have enough 2x6s to double them up for the frame. My question is when joining horizontal supports should I use a half lap? I was thinking about cutting the long 2x6s first for half lap and the horizontal supports, assembling them then add the additional 2x6 using glue and clamps.

I'm not sure how to attach the frame to the 4x4 legs. I've searched for "double 2x6 benches and really haven't found anything

 

[BigGarage]

building a general purpose/gunsmithing bench using 2x6s for the frame and 4x4s for legs. I have enough 2x6s to double them up for the frame. My question is when joining horizontal supports should I use a half lap? I was thinking about cutting the long 2x6s first for half lap and the horizontal supports, assembling them then add the additional 2x6 using glue and clamps.

I'm not sure how to attach the frame to the 4x4 legs. I've searched for "double 2x6 benches and really haven't found anything

I don't know what all this means but here's how I built mine. I think it's 10' long but it is 2' front to back.

 

[Youngandfree]

Notch the legs like a post and beam for a deck. Or do like I did and use 2 2x4 instead. The "outside facing" 2x4 is solid, and the inner piece is cut as the support.

How big are you building? 2x4 is plenty strong. Mine is 2x4 with 2 layers of oak plywood as the top. Just built a rectangle 2x4 frame the size I needed for the top and one for a lower shelf.

 

[cretedog]

building a general purpose/gunsmithing bench using 2x6s for the frame and 4x4s for legs. I have enough 2x6s to double them up for the frame. My question is when joining horizontal supports should I use a half lap? I was thinking about cutting the long 2x6s first for half lap and the horizontal supports, assembling them then add the additional 2x6 using glue and clamps.

I'm not sure how to attach the frame to the 4x4 legs. I've searched for "double 2x6 benches and really haven't found anything

I've usually used carriage bolts when building benches with 2x framework and 4x legs. Doubling up the 2x6s won't do much for you unless you have a very long span or such.

Ponder a bit when planning and make an effort to pick a proper bench height for the work you'll be doing on/ at it. Makes a world of comfort difference if you're going to spend much time at it. Gunsmithing? Reloading? General workbench? Standing or sitting on a stool? Kneespace can be important too...

 

[cmandp]

Notching or letting the 2Xs into the 4X4s is what I was going to suggest.

Personnally when I build my work bench in the back of my garage I am going to use this method. Does effectively the same thing and no notching of members, just cut to length.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Never screw into end grain ! If you design requires it, temporarily screw together, then drill a couple half inch holes into the end grain and insert dowels with glue.

 

[RoninB4]

-Depends upon how much structural integrity I need it to have. I favor blind mortise/tenon joinery but it's a lot of extra work instead of half laps and lag bolts. I made a lot of different brackets, threaded rod glue blocks, and end grain caps for each of the 4 free standing work bench projects to experiment. It can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. The simplest design would be to fasten it to an existing wall that's sturdy, free standing on casters takes better joinery.

 

[alex2929]

This is what I did recently. Kinda seemed like overkill but turned out nice. This picture shows it close to finished