Stand-alone Precision Workbench Project
Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2014 9:21 am
So I've often admired and wanted a steel topped table to do work on. Work like welding and gearbox or engine assembly stuff. Stuff that a wooden bench isn't ideal for. Something that can be oily and not soak in. Something conductive. Something very hard and very very flat. Enter this project.
My plan, feedback and discussion more than welcome:
1) 2mm zinc plated steel surface.
2) 18mm or thicker MDF or HDF second layer to support the steel and help it be robust to impacts and loads and not distort/stay very very flat
3) Similar thickness sheet of decent plywood as MDF sags and ply does not. Possibly laminated on.
4) Dimensions to be full sheet, possibly minus edge foldings. 2400x1200 table.
5) Possibly involve a sheet metal shop and get the edges folded down to protect the MDF and ply from a hard life.
6) Steel frame underneath welded together and supporting the ply and MDF as much as possible/reasonable.
7) Because this would weigh a tonne, one end will have a pair of wheels and, if legally required, suspension, the other will have a folding draw bar setup. IE, it'll be movable as a trailer behind a vehicle, or with a jack at the other end!
8) Underneath will have shelves and/or compartments for storage of whatever i feel like.
This table is on the cards because: My new place has a sweet spot for a workbench and workshop.
Initial work plans for this table are: RX7 vs ute gearbox interbreeding for the truck :-D I should be able to spread gearbox parts all over it and spill oils and so forth and it should be fun and glorious.
Again, all thoughts welcome! :-D
Fred.
My plan, feedback and discussion more than welcome:
1) 2mm zinc plated steel surface.
2) 18mm or thicker MDF or HDF second layer to support the steel and help it be robust to impacts and loads and not distort/stay very very flat
3) Similar thickness sheet of decent plywood as MDF sags and ply does not. Possibly laminated on.
4) Dimensions to be full sheet, possibly minus edge foldings. 2400x1200 table.
5) Possibly involve a sheet metal shop and get the edges folded down to protect the MDF and ply from a hard life.
6) Steel frame underneath welded together and supporting the ply and MDF as much as possible/reasonable.
7) Because this would weigh a tonne, one end will have a pair of wheels and, if legally required, suspension, the other will have a folding draw bar setup. IE, it'll be movable as a trailer behind a vehicle, or with a jack at the other end!
8) Underneath will have shelves and/or compartments for storage of whatever i feel like.
This table is on the cards because: My new place has a sweet spot for a workbench and workshop.
Initial work plans for this table are: RX7 vs ute gearbox interbreeding for the truck :-D I should be able to spread gearbox parts all over it and spill oils and so forth and it should be fun and glorious.
Again, all thoughts welcome! :-D
Fred.