My Thrift Store Bike Table build

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ok, I had started a thread talking about how I had been checking out lots of heavy old wooden furniture at the thrift store for cheap. Then I got an idea. A big heavy 1970's desk would be a good starting point for a bike table, and the best part was its cheap! I thought the drawers would be cool to hold parts & bolts as I worked on a project. This may or may not prove to be practical, but I'm gonna try it anyway. You can get lots of cool stuff at the local thrift store. I got this table for $6!!! yes. $6!


Here we go!

This table had 2 parts, a side table that came out. at first i didnt think i was going to use it. now I'm not so sure

 

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First thing I did was cut the legs off. My plan is to reinforce the bottom with 2x4s and add locking casters i got at harbor freight. I think they were about $4 each. as it sits, its a little too tall. Im not sure exactly how I'm going to do this. any suggestions? I want to be able to roll it around and out of the way if I need to.

 

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now that the legs are off I flipped it back over and put my folding ramp up to it to see how it looks. Its just the right size

 

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another pic

 

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while I was at harbor freight I picked up their economy motorcycle wheel chock. It was like $11. Im not sure if its sturdy enough, but I'll test it out & see, looks kinda flimsy. Anyone ever use these?
This is as far as I got tonight. Just too hot outside. Any tips? anything you might do different. as you can see Im thinking about using the side desk as an extension. not really sure how I will get it connected real secure though. Let me know what you think & help me out as I put this thing together.

 

[e-tek]

Yikes.....
What about getting a MC stool and securing the bike from the ceiling front and back? (The stools are like $35). This gives you easy access to all the parts on the bike, plus it'll be safe. Plus I'd rather pull my tool box/parts cart up to my work rather than have it in drawers on one side.....
With proper roof-secured clevis' and pulley system, you could lift the bike, set it down on the stand and have it properly postioned to work on and even test run.

 

[xscorex]

yeah I should add this is only really used for smaller bikes, , old jap choppers, no softails. the table is just a little too short. I measured with the attachment in the last picture and that is 8' I could probably get away with 7' long. Im going to get some clean 2x4's and 4x4s and see if I can maybe come up with a better idea of putting it all together

 

[OccupantRJ]

yeah I should add this is only really used for smaller bikes, , old jap choppers, no softails. the table is just a little too short. I measured with the attachment in the last picture and that is 8' I could probably get away with 7' long. Im going to get some clean 2x4's and 4x4s and see if I can maybe come up with a better idea of putting it all together

Since you are into jap choppers, have you ever checked out Ricechoppers in the Yahoo groups?

 

[xscorex]

I'm having a hard time picturing the mc stool and roof hoist . I dont even know what a motorcycle stool is. I have used ratchet straps over an exposed ceiling joist to lift a front end up. Im guessing same kinda thing? I'm wanting to be able to strap a project to the table and wheel it in the corner if I need space for something else

 

[tbob]

Here's what I would do. Since you are going to lose the use of the bottom drawer if you use casters on the inside of the table, take a circular saw and cut all around the bottom of the base. Glue and Screw 2x6s along the back, middle, & 6" off the front for foot room. Add casters. Position cut for desired table height. I would use the side table as you suggested. Why not hinge it so when not in use you could fold it for a smaller foot print in garage. Cut a hole in top to accomidate the bike stop when folded.

I like projects like this.

Terry

 

[Mike in Ohio]

This may be a stupid question but are you planning to push the bike up the ramp or run it up on it's own power? I have an old desk like that one and this looks like a good idea except for getting it up there.

 

[johnny]

It's good to see that Bubba is alive and well. Buy a Bike lift. JMHO

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

It's good to see that Bubba is alive and well. Buy a Bike lift. JMHO

For the time being, anyway

If that desk don't work out, the cheap HF bike lift has gotten good reviews on here...