Dennis McCullen
10-30-2016, 7:15 AM
I've reviewed many inquiries on torsion boxes and found noinfo relating to this particular type of bench build. I built a general useworkbench (assembly and outfeed) some time ago using a solid core door with ahardboard top. The frame for this bench was built torsion box style and it isvery heavy and solid. I used a very old solid core door on top and usedhardboard for a sacrificial top.
I am hoping to start a true hand tool woodworking bench verysoon and want a 2' x 6' solid top made of SYP 3" thick. This will be myfirst hand tool bench and I want heavy and strong. I have a few vises (and willchoose two) for this build and have a couple of ?? for those with relevantexperience.
Q1. Is it necessary to access the underside of the top fromthe ends of the bench? Reason = I'd like to build torsion boxes (heavy dutyones) for the frame ends of this bench. My idea is to have the front and rearlower stretchers enter the framing of the torsion box sides ( as a tenon wouldenter a mortise). Having torsion box sides makes them a solid surface andrestricts reaching under the bench top from the sides. The frame will be onlyabout 3.5' long to allow for a face vise front left and a tail vise on theright end. Please visualize each leg made up of 3 layers of 2 by 6 materialbefore the outer plywood layer is applied for extra strength and weight.
Since the vises are mounted outboard of the ends, theysomewhat restricts reaching beneath the bench from the end anyway. Lowerstretchers (doubled 2x6) along with the 3" thick top should providestrength in the lengthwise direction (think hand planning), but the ends wouldbe easy and economical to make massive using dressed construction lumber and3/4" plywood. Rather than build simple legs for the bench ends thesetorsion boxes would lower any reservations I have about putting a floor jackunder an end, inserting a furniture dolly, then using the jack on the other endwhen and if I need to move the bench. Everything else in my shop is on casters,but I want the bench on the floor when in use.
Thanks for your knowledgeable input!
I am hoping to start a true hand tool woodworking bench verysoon and want a 2' x 6' solid top made of SYP 3" thick. This will be myfirst hand tool bench and I want heavy and strong. I have a few vises (and willchoose two) for this build and have a couple of ?? for those with relevantexperience.
Q1. Is it necessary to access the underside of the top fromthe ends of the bench? Reason = I'd like to build torsion boxes (heavy dutyones) for the frame ends of this bench. My idea is to have the front and rearlower stretchers enter the framing of the torsion box sides ( as a tenon wouldenter a mortise). Having torsion box sides makes them a solid surface andrestricts reaching under the bench top from the sides. The frame will be onlyabout 3.5' long to allow for a face vise front left and a tail vise on theright end. Please visualize each leg made up of 3 layers of 2 by 6 materialbefore the outer plywood layer is applied for extra strength and weight.
Since the vises are mounted outboard of the ends, theysomewhat restricts reaching beneath the bench from the end anyway. Lowerstretchers (doubled 2x6) along with the 3" thick top should providestrength in the lengthwise direction (think hand planning), but the ends wouldbe easy and economical to make massive using dressed construction lumber and3/4" plywood. Rather than build simple legs for the bench ends thesetorsion boxes would lower any reservations I have about putting a floor jackunder an end, inserting a furniture dolly, then using the jack on the other endwhen and if I need to move the bench. Everything else in my shop is on casters,but I want the bench on the floor when in use.
Thanks for your knowledgeable input!