Hi Folks,
I built a workbench about 10 years ago and would like to make it better.
I got the plan from a Woodwork magazine article “Workbench in a weekend”. Basically it’s a plywood and 2 x 4 torsion box with a 1 3/4″ stave core flush door for a top. Until this year I did not have a vise (something to hold wood in, not the other thing 😉 ) The top is about 28″ x 66″ and I want it larger. I was thinking about the same width by 84″ long. My idea is to get another flush door about the size I want, attach it to the existing one and fill in with scraps so it’s an even thickness all over. I also would like to put an apron around the edges. My dilemma starts here:
My “shop” is a carport open to the weather on 2 sides. It doesn’t get direct rain but a blowing rain leaves a wet bench. What kind of wood could I use for the apron and how should I attach it? I thought about using screws to attach one door slab to another but I would have to map them if I wanted to drill dog holes or anything like that. What about dowels and glue? My day job is with an architectural millwork company as a draftsman so I have access to most domestic hardwoods. I get a lot of good scraps for free from the trash bins.
How about some lower grade heart pine for the apron?
Thanks for your help.
Tom Goodman
Bailey, NC
Replies
Hello Tom,
Can you cover the bench with a roof tarp when you're not using it ?
Regards,
SA
Some hard maple, or beech, or even Qtr or Riftsawn White Oak will stand up ok in case of occasional moisture as long as there isn't prolonged exposure.
The best way to attach the aprons to a solid core door would be to run a groove around all the edges of the door, then mill a corresponding groove on the inside of the aprons and use a loose spline glued to both the door and the aprons. You will need to wither use screws, finger joints, or dovetails to join the corners of the aprons.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Sharing the Passion
Hi Adam,
Thanks for your note. I will keep you posted on my progress.Thanks,
Tom
If you are going to use the apron for clamping against, you might want to use a hardwood, so as to avoid crushing by the clamp pads. You might also want to reinforce the face with little triangles of wood glued to the underside. I, too, like the idea of using a rectangular spline to glue it in place.
With rain being blown in, I think I'd opt for a water-resistant finish, but still cover the bench with a tarp when not in use.
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