Members MJO Posted June 26, 2013 Members Report Posted June 26, 2013 Hi, I'm looking to build a freestanding mini workbench to use in my office/library/computer room or move it into the family room. I'm thinking of something with a 18" x 24" footprint or maybe slightly smaller that is sturdy enough for stamping and absorbing noise but is light enough to move from room to room. I have been thinking of using 2" x 4" or 4" x 4" lumber for legs with a wooden top. I could place a removable 12" x 12" or 12" x 6" small granite or marble block on top leaving a bit of room for tools and supplies. Any pictures or plans or suggestions for me? Thanks and regards, Mike Quote
Tree Reaper Posted June 27, 2013 Report Posted June 27, 2013 Have you considered purchasing a workmate? http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=workmate&index=blended&link_code=qs&sourceid=Mozilla-search&tag=mozilla-20 Quote
Members WinterBear Posted June 27, 2013 Members Report Posted June 27, 2013 On 6/27/2013 at 12:04 AM, Tree Reaper said: Have you considered purchasing a workmate? http://www.amazon.co...&tag=mozilla-20 Have one of those workmate-types and tried it. Can't tool on it--too much bounce! It's just not sturdy enough. All I use my workmate for is to clamp on lace cutters/splitters. and use as an extra surface when painting or doing some layout. For tooling, I've been thinking of making a something similar to the base of this drill press (sans casters) as I also have no room. http://www.planethart.com/projects/?PN=15 Quote I used to be an Eagle, a good ol' Eagle too...
Members cem Posted June 27, 2013 Members Report Posted June 27, 2013 I bought a Bekvam Kitchen trolley from ikea for a similar purpose, I've got enough bench space in my work room but the room gets cold and the natural light is lacking in winter so it's great to be able to move it around for a more sunny spot. I carve standing up so it might not be exactly what you are after but it might give you an idea to start. Quote
Tree Reaper Posted June 27, 2013 Report Posted June 27, 2013 Quote Have one of those workmate-types and tried it. Can't tool on it--too much bounce! Even with granite on top? Quote
Members particle Posted June 27, 2013 Members Report Posted June 27, 2013 I would suggest using dense hard wood, as opposed to white pine and/or plywood. I have a 4'x8' plywood workbench that I modeled off one of Norm Abram's plans and love it, but it's pretty loud and obviously larger than you want. But, you could study the design and incorporate the castor system. http://follw.it/e/110643/The_New_Yankee_Workshop/14/7/Work_Table_and_Clamp_Cart I also built a 2x4 pine table so I'd have something more sturdy for tooling which is much more quite, but not as quite as I'd hoped for. For the top, I glued a whole stack of 2x4s about 30" long until I had a nice, large work surface (3.5" thick, and about 24" deep). I have a granite slab from a countertop sink cutout that I placed on top to do my tooling on. I've also seen people simply use a section of a tree trunk, cut flat on both ends. Quote Eric Adamswww.adamsleatherworks.com | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram
Members WinterBear Posted June 27, 2013 Members Report Posted June 27, 2013 On 6/27/2013 at 2:03 AM, Tree Reaper said: Even with granite on top? Yeah, even with. Beats me why. I was hoping it would work, and disappointed when it didn't. I don't know if it is because the legs are relatively "spindly" or if it is because the tops are some sort of compressed board. I get better results if I put the slab on the corner of a desk (but not the center) or put the slab flat on the floor. Quote I used to be an Eagle, a good ol' Eagle too...
Tree Reaper Posted June 27, 2013 Report Posted June 27, 2013 Any idea what your workmate is rated for? Quote
Members WinterBear Posted June 27, 2013 Members Report Posted June 27, 2013 (edited) 'Fraid not. Can't go look at the moment either. The kids have got it at the Scout Lodge with a hand-cranked sewing machine clamped to it so they can repair some old army tents. I'll take a look when I get it back though. Don't let me forget. (pretty sure it is the 450-lb) Edited June 27, 2013 by WinterBear Quote I used to be an Eagle, a good ol' Eagle too...
Members silverwingit Posted June 27, 2013 Members Report Posted June 27, 2013 Mike, have you seen Nigel Armitage's log workstation? You could put it on casters. http://youtu.be/lCFTDqQaEIc Quote
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