Hi,
I am going to make an assembly table, top only, that I can pull (heave?) up onto my workbench (30″ x 60″) as needed, since I do not have the floor space for a dedicated table. I will make it as a torsion box, ~ 3-4″ thick. I was thinking about making it the same size as the workbench top, and setting it on 2×4 risers so I can get underneath with a clamp if needed.
I’d like any recommendations as to any useful designs / features, such as cleats and such, to help out in the assembly process. Other than that, I have no other preconceptions.
thanks,
jp
Replies
jp,
There was one recently by the Wood Whisperer that looked really nice. I'm sure a search will find it here on FWW. He made the top as a torsion box too.
Actually it's under the Workshop tab.
Regards,
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Edited 11/16/2007 2:10 pm ET by KiddervilleAcres
Thanks - yes I've seen it. But it is huge! Did not have any other "adornments" that may aid in assembly.
cheers,
jp
jp,
Was pointing you to it as a suggestion and to provide some construction details on the t-box. It could be adapted to any size I would think. Just make the ribs to fit the size you want.
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Actually,
Based on what I have seen on other forums. I think the Wood Whisperer is a SHE not a HE.
;-)
Hi JP,
Maybe make it a little bigger so it overhangs your bench a little ( as long as it doesn't get to be an unmanageable size ). That way it doesn't get too high. Although it may be too high anyway depending on how high your workbench is now.
Really the best case would be it's own table but I understand your room constraints. Maybe have it as a table saw outfeed. Good luck.
Paul
Paul,
That's what I did with mine.
It's a torsion box outfeed table that doubles as a sanding downdraft table and it is often gets used for an assembly table as well. My woodshop is only 16' x 20' so space is at a premium for me too.
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Hi Bob,
That's what I need to do as well. Even though I have the luxury of 2,000 sq ft ( it'a a business for me ) I not only want to use the out feed part as a torsion box/ assy table but take it a step further and wrap it around the sides also for side feed/ assy that would end up being about 10'x11' give or take. Maybe drawers underneath with some open storage as well. Now all I have to do is make the time.
Paul
I just bought a hollow-core door which I put on my saw horses as an assembly table. It is flat enough for my work and is easy to move around. It is not so expensive that I cannot replace it eventually if it gets too damaged.
JP,
Assembly usually takes place while you are also sawing and working with the parts on your bench, so try, if possible, to set up a table that won't tie up the saw or your bench.
Also, assembly tables, depending on the project, are fairly low, maybe 12" to 16" off the floor, so you can work on the top of the piece. Building a table or a chest on top of your workbench means that the top will be more than 6 feet off the floor and impossible to reach unless you stand on a ladder.
John White, Yestermorrow School, Vermont
John,
I plan on building a torsion box assembly table, but because of limited space in my shop/garage i don't want to lose the work bench.
Solution........A hybrid, that is a combination work bench/assembly table.
I've searched the web for insight and can't find anything, so i'm wondering if this concept is flawed.
Any comments from anyone will be appreciated, but please make them before I start building a possible monster.
Wood magazine had one a while back that did double duty as an outfeed table, and then lowered for use as an assembly table. It was in their annual shop issue.
Ooh, can you remember what issue that might be, or about how long ago that was. I must have missed that article.
Paul
I'm traveling for the holidays right now. But, I will try to find it when I get home next week.
Paul sorry about the delay. Things have been nuts at work.
I was mistaken on which mag. The bilevel Outfeed/Assembly table was in the Woodworkers Journal's Workshop Projects and Techniques.
They still have it on the website for $6.
http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/plans/index.cfm/plan_details/5/83/1902
Thank you. I think I got the order off. If this works, it will be the first for me.
Hi,
There was a great episode of Woodworks on diy network where he built a torsion box assembly table.
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/shows_wwk/episode/0,2046,DIY_14350_26946,00.htmlThe steps are written out at this link. It is the next project on my list.Good Luck,John
I hate to simplify a complex subject; But - I have found 3/4" plywood to be stable and flat. With several coats of poly on it, spilled glue is easily removed. I mount it on "adjustable sawhorses" from HD. (The ONLY thing I buy there.) The sawhorses adjust from 30" to 37" high which is a nice feature for small or large items.
Frosty
"I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922
Thanks to all for replying. I had an unused hollow core door in the basement that is plenty flat, which I'll seal and use as needed - tabletop or on a small floor mount for larger items. Great price, too!cheers,
jp
Just some more food for thought
http://www.garymkatz.com/ChartsDrawings/assembly_table.html
Now I'm not going to build it, but it is a rather neat setup, and he's kind enough to show drawings and you can DL the SU file for free.
Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
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