Looking to build an assembly table (gotta’ clear “the list” of other stuff first). Want something mobile and durable. Will probably build the frame out of 1x6s and 1x4s with a replaceable mdf top (5/8 or 3/4″). Obviously, casters are a must. Sizewise, my first thoughts are 36″x48″ and tall enough to double as an outfeed table for the TS. Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions?
Thanks in advance for the time and effort.
BVL
Replies
An assembly table will be most convenient if built to a height of 20 -24" -- whereas an outfeed table needs to be the same height as your saw.
How about the idea of building an assembly table, and then a second box you could plop on when you want to use it as an outfeed table (perhaps with a top made from melamine or covered with laminate)? In fact, the outfeed box might serve as a second assembly table for larger projects -- to get them 10-12" off the floor. There are any number of ways you can attach the one to the other to use the rig as a TS outfeed.
Without knowing what you assemble or plan to assemble it's difficult to go into detail. But for strength, you'd want to build a torsion box- ribs interlocking at 90 degrees to each other underneath the table. I'd keep it 1/8" under the ts ht. Also, I prefer to add laminate for easy clean-ups,though wood moves easier on this, for good and bad.
I have gotten to the point of building all of my assembly tables out of square tube steel and I weld adjstable levelers on them. I found this to be the best for function and strenght. If you want a cabinet below, just build it and slide it under
I know it sounds tacky, especially for a FWW site, but you can beat on them, weld on them, paint, etc. Just throw a new plywood/laminate/mdf top on it in a few years.
Vanderlaan,
Nikkiwood is right...20-24" high is better for an assembly table...and then a seperate roll up for the TS. I had that combination in my tiny shop and was not completely satisfied.
I made a torsion box with a laminate top that is attached to the TS and drops down when not in use (cheap collapsible legs) ...and two boxes (12"x24") that I can throw a coupla boards on when I need something lower for assembly. I'm amazed how how much I enjoy the drop down outfeed table....probably because I can the TS and table together for assembly. Just a thought....
My assembly table is 30" high, including the 4" casters with 3" wheels.. Legs are 4 x 6 pine, notched to take an 80" x 26" x 1.5" melamine surplus desk top. The framework is 1 x 4's on the ends and 1x7 on the sides.cross braced with 1 x 4's on edge. This gives me 3" under the top above the 1x4's to store lumber for the project du jour, and a clear 23" below where the portable stuff like the planer can be stored on the floor. An 18" stool also slides under there, so I can sit and work on the top. Removable 2x4 outriggers mounted on the outside of the legs give be a total width of 38" if I want to glue up entry doors or large picture frames.
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