Timothy Serback
12-23-2012, 4:58 PM
I'm trying to make my first workbench that will be located in one of my bedrooms converted to a shop/storage area. I'll be making a second heavier duty one in my garage as soon as my car project is finished next year. I have a heavy 68lb Norbourn Woodworkers Vise, made around 1900, which can be seen as was discussed at http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?181617. I'm trying to use what I have on hand, as I am again unemployed as of a few weeks ago.
My table top is 1.71" factory primed solid core slab door. I'm not sure what exactly it's made out of (MDF, PB, etc), but it's 35.6 x 79.9" x 1.71 and weighs about 92.5lbs, which is roughly 32.8lbs/ft³. (btw, all measurements are inches). On the same table will be a Morgan 140 Vise (6", about 56lbs) and 1930's Craftsman 101.03582 tabletop drill press (probably 110-130lbs?). The mounting surface of the vise is 7.5 x 18.8, with 8 holes that are 5/16. Here are some materials I have for bracing that general area: 12 x 2 (11.25 x 1.5) old pine board and a lot of smaller pieces; 30 x 14.6 x .118 sheet of aluminum; plenty of 5/8 and 3/4 MDF and OSB; a bunch of 3" wide tongue and groove oak planks (however the bottom side is ribbed, and I don't have an efficient way of making it flat); 1.25 x 6.63, 2.38 x 3.5, and 1.5 x 3.38 reclaimed oak boards. I was thinking about putting the AL sheet on top anyways for some area where I can do soldering and stuff, however there may be problems of the aluminum deforming from stress of the weight pulling down on the bolts (maybe?). Since I wanted the vise lowered a bit anyways, I was thinking about using the 1.25 x 6.63 or 1.5 x 3.38 oak boards sandwiched between the top and the vise. Another idea is Any thoughts about these ideas, or any other suggestions?
As far as fastening, I have: 5/16" grade 8 bolts, nuts and fender washers; regular grade bolts, nuts, and assorted washers; zinc plated 5/16" T-Nuts of unknown strength, and 5/16 galvanized lag screws (but I've read enough to know I should avoid using them with my situation). What would be the best way to fasten it with what I have?
I've been researching ideas for over 5 hours, and if I had money I would have solved my problems by getting a heavier duty and thicker bench top and longer bolts (the max length of my 5/16" bolts are 3.5"). I am going to be using this is as my main bench about a year, and I could limit my roughness/heavy duty usage to whatever suggestions I get. I just want to get this table going and make use of stuff I've had on the floor.
My table top is 1.71" factory primed solid core slab door. I'm not sure what exactly it's made out of (MDF, PB, etc), but it's 35.6 x 79.9" x 1.71 and weighs about 92.5lbs, which is roughly 32.8lbs/ft³. (btw, all measurements are inches). On the same table will be a Morgan 140 Vise (6", about 56lbs) and 1930's Craftsman 101.03582 tabletop drill press (probably 110-130lbs?). The mounting surface of the vise is 7.5 x 18.8, with 8 holes that are 5/16. Here are some materials I have for bracing that general area: 12 x 2 (11.25 x 1.5) old pine board and a lot of smaller pieces; 30 x 14.6 x .118 sheet of aluminum; plenty of 5/8 and 3/4 MDF and OSB; a bunch of 3" wide tongue and groove oak planks (however the bottom side is ribbed, and I don't have an efficient way of making it flat); 1.25 x 6.63, 2.38 x 3.5, and 1.5 x 3.38 reclaimed oak boards. I was thinking about putting the AL sheet on top anyways for some area where I can do soldering and stuff, however there may be problems of the aluminum deforming from stress of the weight pulling down on the bolts (maybe?). Since I wanted the vise lowered a bit anyways, I was thinking about using the 1.25 x 6.63 or 1.5 x 3.38 oak boards sandwiched between the top and the vise. Another idea is Any thoughts about these ideas, or any other suggestions?
As far as fastening, I have: 5/16" grade 8 bolts, nuts and fender washers; regular grade bolts, nuts, and assorted washers; zinc plated 5/16" T-Nuts of unknown strength, and 5/16 galvanized lag screws (but I've read enough to know I should avoid using them with my situation). What would be the best way to fasten it with what I have?
I've been researching ideas for over 5 hours, and if I had money I would have solved my problems by getting a heavier duty and thicker bench top and longer bolts (the max length of my 5/16" bolts are 3.5"). I am going to be using this is as my main bench about a year, and I could limit my roughness/heavy duty usage to whatever suggestions I get. I just want to get this table going and make use of stuff I've had on the floor.