assembly tables

[Michael Handrinos]

I was wondering what you guys use for an assembly table and how flat is flat enough.:confused: Probably will build a torsion box table eventually.

Thanks
Mike

[James Ayars]

I use an old 3'x5' bank desk. So far, it's been as flat as my limited skills need it to be. Plus the drawers make for good storage too.
James

[Bob Childress]

Mike,

I built the NYW torsion box table which also doubles as an outfeed table for my TS. You can find the plans at:

http://www.newyankee.com/getproduct3.cgi?0207

Not only was it fun to build, but it is by far the most useful table I've ever had in the shop. :)

[Jim Becker]

Flat is good. Flatter is better. Torsion box is a great way to accomplish that as long as you build it flat!!

I do suggest you implement a method to provide alternate heights for your assembly table whenever possible. Rectangular boxes or knock-down, interlocking supports are a nice way to do that...and all of them allow you to store the assembly table away when not in use which can be very handy if you have a very large piece to assemble.

This is one of the major reasons I put the Adjust-a-bench system in my shop. I don't have room for a dedicated assembly bench, so having a larger workbench with height adjustability gave me what I wanted. Working at a comfortable height is important for both good joinery AND good assembly.

[Dan Lyman]

Hi Bob,
Does the NYW design use a torsion box? I was hoping so, but never saw that episode.

Thanks

Dan

[Jim Hinze]

I use a 36" solid core door, very flat, very stable, very heavy...

Also pretty cheap at about $90

[Al Willits]

The DIY website has also plans for a torsion box

http://www.diynet.com/diy/ww_materials_products/article/0,2049,DIY_14442_2278181,00.html

Al

[Dewayne Baker]

I made a mobile table using a torsion box top and a drop down base. Borrowed the drop down base from Norm.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-12/1115451/assemblytable.JPG

[Matt Meiser]

I'm using a solid core door on an old bench I had. I cut down the legs on the bench to put it at a more comfortable height for furniture projects. I occasionally check it for flatness and shim as necessary. Even a solid core door can sag.

[Travis Johnson]

I just got this aircraft carrier a few weeks ago, but I plan on getting double duty from it as an assembly bench just as much as I do for jointing boards. There is no doubt that its perfectly flat and you won't tip it over :-)

http://www.railroadmachinist.com/sitebuilder/images/Jointer-Home-403x567.jpg

[Bob Childress]

Dan,

Yes the NYW table utilizes a torsion box which is then covered with 1/2" MDF about 3" wider all around for clamping. When the MDF gets too bad, just flip it over and start again.:)

[Jeff Kerr]

Like Bob and Dewayne I also built the New Yankee tortion box style table. It is a great project.

I adjusted the table height from the plan to line up as a infeed/outfeed table for my cabinet saw.

I bought the plan and video. It is very detailed and was quite helpful.

[Jon Farley]

Here is a link to a thread with my recently built assembly table

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=30962

[Bruce Benjamin]

I do suggest you implement a method to provide alternate heights for your assembly table whenever possible.

Working at a comfortable height is important for both good joinery AND good assembly.

You left out, good comfort and lower back health. I don't remember if it was on this forum or over on Woodnet but there was just a thread about using those scissors style lifting tables for an assembly table. There was mention of a couple different Harbor Freight versions that seemed to work well and other brands too. I didn't read the thread too carefully though so I don't know many of the details. If the included table top isn't flat enough I'd bet you could add a torsion box top right on top of it. I met an old machinist who made his own. Man, that was one cool piece of homemade metal contraption.

Bruce

[Dan Lyman]

Thanks Bob & Jeff,
The NYW table looks like it would fit the bill nicely. The only other option I'm considering is the hydraulic lift, like was mentioned in the other thread. Pretty cool to be able to wheel it around and adjust the height. Throw a torsion box on top of the lift and you can have it all. Just don't know about the $$$ side of it.

Thanks

Dan