IDEAS FOR WORKBENCH DESIGN

[PAPPA3]

I'm not sure where to post this.  Hope this is ok because there are many expert DIYers on the forum.

I'm wanting to build a workbench for myself.  I have the basic design.  But I don't want to leave something out.  Can anybody suggest anything that I need to bear in mind.  So far i'm putting in the top and one shelf plus a vice.  I'm also going build some place where I can put in tools such as screwdrivers which I use while working (they won't be stored there). 

Also can anyone suggest dimensions (just want to confirm these).

Photos or links to helpful sites can be sent to admin.rbc@telkomsa.net

Thanks

[JimGore]

You may want to consider adding some dogs into your design. Very helpful in a variety of tasks.

Size: the bigger the better. Also make it at least 2x as heavy & sturdy as you think you will need. A bench takes alot of abuse over the years.

Ian

[PAPPA3]

I'm also thinking 2 casters on the one end to make it easier to move.

For the top I'm using 32mm postform top offcuts.  Just concerned that these will be a bit slippery.

[PAPPA3]

Some nice ideas for extras here:

http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/f3/noob-texas-31701/

[Apocalypse Boy]

I'm also thinking 2 casters on the one end to make it easier to move.

For the top I'm using 32mm postform top offcuts.  Just concerned that these will be a bit slippery.

If you have to, use some locking ones, but from my own experience, there is NOTHING more anoying than a bench that moves about when you are trying to work

[Cirr]

Post form will not last,even if you seal it with marine varnish and it`s also a very light top
A pine carcass and a saligna top is a cheap alternative,Top can even be pine with a 20mm Saligna veneer,
My 3m x 600mm bench,2m x 600mm bench and 2m x 900mm benches are not enough,

Also check  'your own'  ideal work height before you build and add 50mm on that height on the legs,which can always be cut/planed off
 
I am busy with a 10,5m x 600mm design ,Hopefully my staff will stop complaining about space.
My main bench weighs 150kg,It`s too light,it moves sometimes.

I work a average of 30 hours a week @ my benches,and
I think that a perfect bench is more important than expensive tools,with a good bench your work feels much less
and finally get a good thick offcut carpet in front of the bench

[Atjan]

Have a look at some Metmeister designs. Have a catalogue at work and they look great.
Agree with Chris, a good bench is not negotiable.

[VALVAGLO]

Have a look at Gumtree stuff for sale under Garage and yard sales, there is now a bench of note. But I think at the price of R5500.00 it is out of my league. Maybe Cirr could use this one?

[Cirr]

For R5500-00 I can build 10 cheap benches or 1 10sqm Kiaat bench,my ultimate bench fantasy 

[PAPPA3]

For R5500-00 I can build 10 cheap benches

Agree. Way overpriced.  Plus it takes the joy out of DIY

[PAPPA3]

Would 20mm Pine laminate work for the carcass?  It's pretty cheap at Timber city - R270 for 610mm x 3m.  Can you suggest a different wood.  Unfortunately  budget is an issue, but I don;t want to compromise too much

[Crankshaft]

You may want to consider adding some dogs into your design. Very helpful in a variety of tasks.

Size: the bigger the better. Also make it at least 2x as heavy & sturdy as you think you will need. A bench takes alot of abuse over the years.

Ian

What are dogs?   

[Cirr]

Benchdogs are pegs,square or round, that is inserted in your bench that extends your clamping capabilities of your benchvice.
Your benchvice will have holes in it with holes in a straight line in the bench opposite that hole
                           -i-i-------o
                     I--[--I--]-- 1
                     I   o      o  I
-----------------I---Vice--- I---------------------------i
                         o      o                                     I
  Table                                        Table             I
                         o      o                                     I
                                                                        I
                         o      o                                     I

Sorry about 30 second picture but I`m a born Gautenger,fast,fast everything

[Cirr]

Pappa 3,

If you`re interested in a wooden vice made out of wood, I can tap 12mm,16mm and 25mm dowels,a American product that taps holes and cuts threads.
I made beech and Kiaat threaded dowels (25mm) 800mm long. Unbelievable quality. I am making a vice of those.

Also check     'Matthais Wandel`s'     Website.

[Crankshaft]

Benchdogs are pegs,square or round, that is inserted in your bench that extends your clamping capabilities of your benchvice.
Your benchvice will have holes in it with holes in a straight line in the bench opposite that hole
                           -i-i-------o
                     I--[--I--]-- 1
                     I   o      o  I
-----------------I---Vice--- I---------------------------i
                         o      o                                     I
  Table                                        Table             I
                         o      o                                     I
                                                                        I
                         o      o                                     I

Sorry about 30 second picture but I`m a born Gautenger,fast,fast everything

Aha.  Nice picture, actually.  This system only works with a wood-work vice, right?  Not an engineer's vice.

Crank