I’m a beginner woodworker who wants to build a workbench out of plywood & masonite.
I hae found a set of plans, but there not exactly what I’m looking for.
My basic plan is for a bench, 42in. deep X 102in. wide X 36 i/2in. tall, with a 3 i/2in top with a full set of drawers under neath. I want a 3in. overhang on the front, back, &right side & a 10in. overhang on the left end.
I have THE WORKBWNCH BOOK by SCOTT lANDIS. and 3 sets of plans in some wood magizines that I’m getting ideas from.
My first and biggest question is do I use just strechers or cross members across the cabinet top? I found Jim Mattson’s base on pg.105 of the workbench book an it just uses cross members. If I use strechers I’m not sure if just 2 are enough,
I wood appreciate any an all information on the above plan that I can git.
Thank-you,
Woodywolf
Replies
I sould suggest getting a copy of the FWW magazine "Tools and Shops" annual issue. There are a couple of workbenchs in there that look nice. There is one made from 3/4 plywood and MDF that may give you the info you need.
Good luck.
I used a torsion box scheme on mine. It is 84" X 24" with half a sheet of 3/4" oak plywood on the bottom and 2 sheets of the same on top. Inside I used 2X4 to supply weight and rigidity. I used 2X6 red oak around the outside. I used simple torsion boxes as a frame, with one on each end and one on the back in a 'C' shape. Altogether it makes for a very stable, rock solid bench. I then put a couple of shelves under the top. It also has a face vise on the left front and an end vise (using a 12" wood clamp) or the right end. Certainly not elegant, but eminently useful.
-Tom
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