Layout bench

[OccupantRJ]

I needed a dedicated place to sit comfortably when I do marking, measuring, and layout work during machining in my home shop. This was the one thing missing since I retired from the trade and am spending more time in the shop.

I had acquired a wood top Parent brand work table with one end damaged from a roof leak from my employer, so gave it to my son to use in his shop. With acquiring a 4,300 lb CNC mill he needed more room, so he gave it back to me.

That is when the light bulb clicked on. I disassembled the bench and cut it in length from 48 to 27 inches to get rid of the bad part of the top and to reduce footprint in general. The back brace for the legs was shortened and redrilled as well.

The bench legs had been painted in the way past and the paint was peeling so bad it could be raked off with a gloved hand, so into the blast cabinet it all went. After a paint and prime and assembly, the top went back on and a booster was made from some old free crate wood from the company.

I took the lower shelf, trimmed a lip off one side, shortened it, and made a shelf on top of the booster for my machinist chest to reside on. The added height allows the drawers to open while having parts on the bench in progress.

Total cost-$3.78 for Sail blue Rustoleum paint.
I think I will enjoy using it in my retirement.

 

[jimgood]

That's handy. Have you decided how you're going to light it? I know I struggle during layout with shadows. I've been using a cheap magnetic light that I move around as needed.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I will be using a swing arm magnifier lamp for my old eyes.

 

[Cypherian]

I needed a dedicated place to sit comfortably when I do marking, measuring, and layout work during machining in my home shop. This was the one thing missing since I retired from the trade and am spending more time in the shop.

I had acquired a wood top Parent brand work table with one end damaged from a roof leak from my employer, so gave it to my son to use in his shop. With acquiring a 4,300 lb CNC mill he needed more room, so he gave it back to me.

That is when the light bulb clicked on. I disassembled the bench and cut it in length from 48 to 27 inches to get rid of the bad part of the top and to reduce footprint in general. The back brace for the legs was shortened and redrilled as well.

The bench legs had been painted in the way past and the paint was peeling so bad it could be raked off with a gloved hand, so into the blast cabinet it all went. After a paint and prime and assembly, the top went back on and a booster was made from some old free crate wood from the company.

I took the lower shelf, trimmed a lip off one side, shortened it, and made a shelf on top of the booster for my machinist chest to reside on. The added height allows the drawers to open while having parts on the bench in progress.

Total cost-$3.78 for Sail blue Rustoleum paint.
I think I will enjoy using it in my retirement.

Pretty slick .. I have a 4 foot butcher block top not being used hmmm wonder if I can do the same and make a set up to hold a drawing board on it .. too.. Great another project lol I hear you on the Magnifier light :}

Cypher

 

[Badasssapper67]

I've been looking for ideas just like this!

 

[OccupantRJ]

There was a single drawer mounted underneath the table top. I got a wild hair this afternoon and started prepping it for paint so I can mount it later. It will be good to keep a hammer and various layout helpers in.

 

[Bottlecapdigger]

Nice choice of colours. That Blue looks good. I was looking for something to do similar work. I always thought drafting tables with the tilting top function would be good to have for this. They used to be cheap to buy used, not anymore. I think other people have the same idea as me. BCD.