-> What I've been doing at my place is using 2"x4"s and 1/2" cdx
-> plywood. I'd recommmend that you cut the plywood in 1/2 length wise.
-> You'll be able to make 2 8'x2' work benches. I build a rectangular
-> frame with using 3 2x4s. 1 complete 2x4 on the front and rear edge,
I did mine similar, but a little heavier-duty. I used a sheet of 1"
chipboard to make two 8 x 2' benches, 2x4 framing, but I used 4x4 legs.
I used scrap pieces of 3/8" ply to make shelves about 6" off the floor,
on the inside edge of the 4x4 legs. That recesses the shelves enough to
keep from barking my shins. The height was picked to let me run my
floor jacks underneath.
I used scrap 2x4s to thoroughly reinforce the front corners to mount
vises. I have a large vise on one, a small vise on the other. I can
hold an axle housing in the vise without tipping the bench; one reason I
built them heavy, the other reason is all the V8 engine blocks stored in
the shelves...
-> Instead of nailing everything together, I use dry wall screws.
Oh, yes. 4" coarse thread! I also used wood glue since I didn't
intend disassembling them.
If you use any sort of raw lumber or chipboard for the top, put a
couple of coats of clear polyurethane on it. The stuff is oil and fuel
resistant and will keep oil and grunge from getting into the wood.
Don't use paint - it will just come off at inconvenient times.
I used some big pieces of scrap cardboard to put on top of the benches,
with some rubber mats here and there. It has worked out pretty well,
though the cardboard is getting tatty in spots after three years. The
new plan is to use a $9 sheet of white melamine bathroom board on the
bench tops.
-> my garage. I have my Bricklin body hung from the ceiling in one bay,
-> the chassis waiting to go back together in the other bay.
I was planning to do that to my Kelmark, but now I'm considering
knocking together a pallet on wheels and dragging it up on the car
trailer to get it out of the way. Of course, then I'd need the
trailer...
-> I suggest not making the table 2 levels. Make it all one level at a
-> height that you can stand up and work at.
Yes. Make it at least 34 inches, and 36 wouldn't be bad unless you're
very short. That will seem tall at first, but it's nice to be able to
work on stuff without having to bend down and peer at it.
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