new bench coming my way

[countryss]

So after looking at over 25 pages of homemade benches here and on sawmillcreek.org I decided what I want to do. I want to have mortise and tenon pinned through for the legs using 4x4 stock some cabinets in the front of one side and a twin screw lee valley vise. my question is on the other side i want the table to fold down so i could just wheel it up against the wall. What are some clever methods to hinge the top so that i can get the extra 2 feet when I need it??

 

[MatthewM]

I have no personal experience with this product just saw it on one of the other threads and thought it was neat so I saved the link and image in a .ppt file. It might suit your needs.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10227&Max=999

 

[countryss]

yea. will look into this. seems to be the most practical way. thanks

 

[countryss]

well here it is so far:

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

It looks really sturdy. Nice job!

 

[countryss]

is more bracing needed to consider this a box frame? i have an 1 1/2 gap to allow for the top. I was considering gluing up two pieces of 3/4 plywood. how should I go about getting these two pieces together?

 

[e-tek]

It DOES look sturdy!
I notice the lowered supports....Will the top "drop" in?

Great rod too - what is that?

 

[countryss]

yep the top will drop in. its a 1946 dodge deluxe.

 

[metal1313]

for the top, coat the top with quality wood glue, not too much, but not to little and spread it well. then place a screw every 6 or so inches to pull things tight together

 

[countryss]

so wood glue is fine rather than PL premium or something like that?? What should i do for the top countersink the screws and fill them in or just glue? also how did you guys attach casters to your bench? im not sure if three inch screw will be ok for the long haul. also where can I get heavy duty leveling feet like those used on refrigerators?

 

[EdT]

To fasten the 2 pieces of plywood for the benchtop together, screw from the bottom of the benchtop with screws that won't come out the other side. Saves having to deal with holes on the work surface.

 

[smschriefer]

I'd glue the top together. You don't need many screws. The glue is the bonding agent and if you intend on using it for woodworking you do not want screws everywhere as you will want to space holes evenly for your bench dogs.

 

[smschriefer]

The vise you are looking to get is awesome. Any reason you are going that route instead of a front vice? I guess if you can roll your table away from a wall you get good access, but with the shorter width I always wonder if the table won't walk on me when I apply pressure to the piece I am planing.

 

[countryss]

im not completely sure if I want to get that vise yet but it's one of my choices. no real reason as to why that one in particular though. You guys would go with PL or regular wood glue?

Also any preference as to oak plywood or birch?? I am able to get both at Lowes.

 

[srmofo]

you can use elmers white glue and the wood will break long before the glue gives up. my preference for something like that though would be wood glue. Its thinner and will spread evenly more easily.

Now when Im laminating 2 lvl's together for a header I prefer construction adhesive because wood glue will drip while trying to set it in place. It can make a real mess if you use too much

As far as wood for a workbench, IMO whats cheaper? Its a workbench not a piece of furniture

 

[smschriefer]

I'm not sure I would go with plywood for the top layer. If you go into the isle that has dimensional hardwood (at Lowes) you will find alder wood panels assembled like butcher block. I like the look and also the fact it is a solid material rather than a veneer. It will allow some resurfacing that the plywood wouldn't. The price is nice and comes in a variety of lengths and widths that might meet your needs. If plywood, I like oak.

 

[countryss]

the oak and birch are roughly the same price around here. will two 3/4 pieces allow me enough to use dogs?

 

[smschriefer]

You should be fine. You might look at bench pups instead of bench dogs - same thing but generally used for benches 2" thick or less. You can see examples of each on the Lee Valley site.
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=31127&cat=1,41637

 

[countryss]

cool looks like a good addition for the bench.
Should i just screw the casters to the bottom of the 4x4s or is there a more secure method for long term use??

 

[smschriefer]

lag screws should do just fine.

 

[countryss]

So here is an update of the bench:

 

[gabedad]

Where did you get the caster holders?

 

[yevangelis]

you asking about self-leveling feet or one you turn yourself to adjust?

manual leveling could be done by drilling a hole in your legs, hammer in a pipe 1/2 inch from the surface, hammer a nut into that, and then thread in a rod with a plate screwed in, or a bolt with a plate welded to it.

edit; didnt see the 2nd page lol

 

[Merle]

No one can force me to come here. I'm a volunteer!!.
Haydn
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[countryss]

those are fence post straps that i screwed the casters into and then lagged that through the post.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

No one can force me to come here. I'm a volunteer!!.
Haydn
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[countryss]

not sure about that one either!

 

[countryss]

Can this oak plywood top be sealed? If so what product should I use? this is my main bench and will be getting a lot of use and abuse.

 

[smschriefer]

Use some Danish oil on it, or linseed oil if you must... whatever you do - don't poly it

 

[countryss]

cool does it have to be boiled or not?