Workbench for mancave - Simply Build It

Lisapete · 19 Dec 2014 at 17:33

Man cave needs bench.

Found this http://buildit.wpengine.com/projects/indoor-products/heavy-duty-work-table/

Tells you what to get, measure, cut http://www.strongtie.co.uk/sbi/

Woman can even do it

See the running theam above. I've price it up as I get 20% off on the brackets and timber so cost effective for me.

Am tempted with 25mm marine ply for the tops. Any other options?

NickK · 19 Dec 2014 at 18:02

Hmm
* cheap timber
* wood glue
* hand saw (plus mitre box)
* chisel (optionally using wood drill bit for roughing out doing the joints faster)

Glued legs (added a screw in each joint for good measure) - not brilliant joinery but works:

In position.. the top is just rested on in this photo but now the top is in position, doweled onto the top with glue.

Solid. Simples. Cost about £40 of timber.

-BA- · 21 Dec 2014 at 19:53

Perhaps an optical illusion but the top looks offset to one side?

NickK · 21 Dec 2014 at 20:08

-BA- said:
Perhaps an optical illusion but the top looks offset to one side?

Yes it is - the reason is to fit a large wood vice to one side. There's enough to clamp against all the way around, with the right side being 18 cm for the vice. I can sit on the longer side where the vice will go and it doesn't move due to the mass of of the bench.

Sone · 21 Dec 2014 at 20:08

-BA- said:
Perhaps an optical illusion but the top looks offset to one side?

if you're happy then i'm happy /my favourite phrase from work, cue tape measures and spirit levels coming out

Lisapete · 21 Dec 2014 at 21:55

I could do the make it or could just get the kit and job done. That's the plan anyway

darreny · 21 Dec 2014 at 22:01

http://youtu.be/ZXEvRoW8lY8

Lisapete · 8 Jan 2015 at 09:10

The kit has arrived but seller has refunded me and no longer registered. So £90 back in pocket.

I had to grab paint from B&Q so had a quick look. Their ply is shocking, all cracked, chipped and bowed.

Playing it safe going too use 25mm MDF http://www.diy.com/search/results/M...s-cc_4120=25mm?pageSize=48&question=mdf+sheet

They list 2 types of CLS on the site but I found 5 different types in store.

I get 20% off so will go shopping.

14 length of 2.4
2 full sheet of sheet timber are needed

Makhaira · 8 Jan 2015 at 12:18

MDF isn't a great choice as a workbench top due to the nasty particles. Much better with ply.

PhillyDee · 8 Jan 2015 at 12:21

Makhaira said:
MDF isn't a great choice as a workbench top due to the nasty particles. Much better with ply.

MDF is much worse a choice as as soon as it gets wet, it tends to swell, its brittle and not very hard wearing at all.

m@rty · 8 Jan 2015 at 17:33

I would look at using something other than MDF for the top also, especially if you want it to last you a while!

jl10000 · 8 Jan 2015 at 19:33

If its for general stuff and a bit of woodwork MDF is fine for a bench top. Its straight, flat and dense. It does swell, but it won't move like solid timber does. If its in a cold garage use moisture resistant stuff.

I would laminate the 25mm MDF to make a 50mm top, you can also laminate metal to MDF which is useful for doing metal work or using heat. Rather than buying that kit I would just use plywood triangles to reinforce the frame.
I don't think its worth doing a jointed bench unless you have the skill or equipment.