Replies

1. 
   Lataxe | Jan 19, 2007 09:53pm | #1

   Lime,

   You could build the customary heavy base but make it knock-down. My bench has 4 rails bed-bolted to the two ends, with the (heavy) top merely sitting on the base but prevented from moving with battens and a wedge or two on the bottom.  It is a super-rigid and immovable object, when bolted up.

   It is a bit of a fadd to unbolt the rails to move the bench; but still just a ten minute job; and you still have a proper beefy bench at the end of the day.  Also, it could be stored more efficiently than a lightweight base that isn't knock-down.

   Lataxe

2. 
   JohnWW | Jan 19, 2007 10:35pm | #2

   Take a look at the bench I designed for Fine Woodworking several years ago.  It is the "Newfangled Workbench", in issue #139, December 1999.  I've been using the bench I built for the article for seven years and it has proven very sturdy while still being lightweight.  The leg assembly could be adapted to any bench top and it is very easy to build.

   John White, Shop Manager, Fine Woodworking Magazine

3. 
   BG | Jan 19, 2007 10:36pm | #3

   Limetruk,

   I guess it really depends on the use of the workbench(planing vs. chopping/carving) but I think racking would be the major concern. I'll throw out three ideas; two I've seen before, one I made up.

   Extend the front apron down so it can be attached to legs with bolts. 

   dado the underside of top to accept the base

   attach workbench to sheet of ply that you stand on when in use.

4. 
   Samson | Jan 20, 2007 04:44am | #4

   One way to make a lightweight or small bench resist shifting is to build a shelf or shallow tray into the design such that bags of sand or the like can be placed in the tray and thereby add inexpensive and easily removable mass.

   Lightweight benches can also be bolted to the floor.

   If racking is your only concern, a good system of corner reinforcments (e.g., plywood triangles) and stretchers and/or angled braces can provide a very rigid structure.

1. 
   limetruk | Jan 20, 2007 06:12pm | #6

   the small shelf might work. our benchtop slabs are 2" thick maple tops. right now they sit on built up cabinets. we want to make more of a traditional style with no cabinet underneath type bench. i like the idea of a small shelf and sand bags we can put in. thanks.

5. 
   [email protected] | Jan 20, 2007 05:08am | #5

   Norm did some based on those used a the PBS sttionin Boston, (I think it was Boston).

   http://www.newyankee.com/getproduct3.cgi?0207

   IIRC, each one took two sheets plywood.