My plan for the workshop is to have a big outfeed/assembly table in the middle and to have benches around the other three sides. One side is garage doors.
I’m starting to design the workbenches and think that 24″ isn’t deep enough. I’d like to rip 4X8 sheets of 3/4 in half. I thought that adding 2x4s to both front and back plus another 1 1/2 in the back might work. I can let in the 3/4 sheet into the 2×4 an inch with a rabbit. That leaves me 2 1/2″ on both front and back. Then I would attach a 2×4 in the back for a nailer. The workbench would then be 30 1/2″.
Does this sound like a good plan? I know this has been done countless times so let me know what you’all think!
Replies
No, it doesn't sound like a good idea, the seam of the 2x4 and the ply will be a place that will collect saw dust and always seem to get in the way. You will be sorry you don't have a smooth surface to build on. If you want a bench 30" wide cut the ply 30" and use the other 18" for shelves.
Hey Bear, I don't want a seam. But there is going to be one at the front somewhere.
I don't want the edge of the ply exposed so there will be a seam.
I've also been thinking that having something to clamp onto at the front of them would be nice. A 2X4 standing on edge is too tall for some clamps but one laying down seems about the right height.
David,
Would hollow core doors be insufficient strength?
I'll look at hollow core doors today. I'm going into town and I'll drop by Home Depot.
They might do the trick. I don't have to build these workbenches to heavy. They are mostly for assembly of smaller stuff and laying out stuff for work later.
Heavy work will be done on the island table but I want to keep it clear if I can. These benches around the outside of the shop can have stuff piled on them for a while.
Look for solid core doors. I got seconds for about $10 each. They make a very solid bench top and are 30 inches wide.
Dale
I'm not sure where i can find solid core seconds. They sure would be solid! I don't relish the thought of picking all of them up. I tweaked my back last week installing a 6-8X3-0X1/34 solid core door. The door going into the shop from the house was a hollow 1 3/8. Noise went right through it, it wasn't sealed well, and when i walked through it and tried to swing the door closed it wouldn't swing closed. I also added a lever door knob so when my hands are full I can open it.
Right now my tools are in the basement so I spend a lot of time going back and forth though this door.
Just my opinion...
NEVER use hollow core doors if there is a big difference in the environment on each side.. Many will tend to warp..
I think the enviroment will be the same on both sides. I'm just going to put a 2x4 frame under it to support it. Maybe I should paint them on both sides first!
I guess I should explain what I was really thinking of.
One side is garage doors..........
I made a table from a hollow door once.. Garage door open.. Summer Sun hitting it.
Really warped.. The door was painted both sides and a sheet of tempered hardboard on top..
Will, I should explain also. This design has been building as I go. But I haven't bought any materials yet. This set of benches is along the wall at the the back of the shop. It's going to be for setting stuff on and maybe light assembly. It could have a carving dremel station at it. Light stuff. It will have shelves above it to set stuff so I can see it for future projects. I need to see stuff to remember where it is. This back wall has a bedroom on the other side. I built a false wall with double insulation in it to try and keep the noise out of the bedroom. If I put shelves all over it with stuff on them it might help with the noise.
The benches along the other two sides of the garage/shop will be different. One wall is going to get a huge window in it where I will spend alot of time. The other is going to be for crosscutting. It will have various crosscutting machines on it.
That's the plan and I'm sticking to it.
Your side bench construction can be done however you want using whatever. You won't be doing any serious furniture assembly there because you cannot access both sides, or even an end. They will be bench height shelves like every other horizontal surface. Now let me address another bench you mentioned in the original post....your outfeed/assembly table. I'd advise you to stop thinking this way .... do something else now or forever regret it. I admit....I've got a outfeed/assembly table monkey on my back and I can't seem to shake it. I started out in a rather confined shop and didn't think I had any other choice. What a great assembly table it was...it is! Laminate covered, smooth, and flat!!! A great spot......until (and this time always comes) I need to use the table saw to trim or rip or whatever on a piece that is critical to the thing I'm assembling.....on the outfeed table. Sigh...gotta move it AND all the tools scattered around it so I can make that ten second cut.
Someday I'll beat my monkey. Don't get one for yourself.
Jeff
I hear ya. I 've thought about the pile of stuff in the way when I go to use the tablesaw. This table is going to be big enough to do both. Especialy on the right side of the table. Think huge! I will also have enough room for a traditional work bench down the line. I think I'll be o.k.
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