Design Requirements
After doing some reading here and spending some time in my shop I have come to the realization that I need a standalone workbench for my shop.
Right now I have 2 benches that I call "Table top benches" meaning they serve as counter space for equipment and a large soldering station. What I need is a bench that I can access all 4 sides on, has adequate clamping ability and is solid while being mobile at the same time.
I also need it to not only serve as a woodworking bench but also a metal working bench. Meaning I need a machinists vise on it but at the same time I don't want to sacrifice space on the top of the bench for the mounting of said vise.
My initial thoughts are to build a traditional solid top bench with an overhang on one end that can be un-screwed by 2 large machine screws with a center pivot point rod that will allow it to flip. That way I can have a metal working side and flipped it will be a wood working side.
I am going to do some sketching (not sketchup but pencil and paper) to work out the details on that. I have a pretty good idea of how to pull that off but we shall see.
As for the mobile part there are a number of options available for that I just need to decide on one.
The other requirement is that it shouldn't break the bank. My wife and I are expecting our first child (a son ) and I can't spend too much on my "Hobbies" right now so it will probably be built with construction grade lumber from our local big box store rather than from a mil but some pricing will ultimately decide that.
So, there you have it the bare bones of the bench. I would love any ideas or thoughts on this and or any critiques of the proposed design. I really want to have this thought through before any money is spent as I plan on this being around for a WHILE (hopefully be able to hand it down to my son).
More to come when I get some plans drawn up and priced out.
After doing some reading here and spending some time in my shop I have come to the realization that I need a standalone workbench for my shop.
Right now I have 2 benches that I call "Table top benches" meaning they serve as counter space for equipment and a large soldering station. What I need is a bench that I can access all 4 sides on, has adequate clamping ability and is solid while being mobile at the same time.
I also need it to not only serve as a woodworking bench but also a metal working bench. Meaning I need a machinists vise on it but at the same time I don't want to sacrifice space on the top of the bench for the mounting of said vise.
My initial thoughts are to build a traditional solid top bench with an overhang on one end that can be un-screwed by 2 large machine screws with a center pivot point rod that will allow it to flip. That way I can have a metal working side and flipped it will be a wood working side.
I am going to do some sketching (not sketchup but pencil and paper) to work out the details on that. I have a pretty good idea of how to pull that off but we shall see.
As for the mobile part there are a number of options available for that I just need to decide on one.
The other requirement is that it shouldn't break the bank. My wife and I are expecting our first child (a son ) and I can't spend too much on my "Hobbies" right now so it will probably be built with construction grade lumber from our local big box store rather than from a mil but some pricing will ultimately decide that.
So, there you have it the bare bones of the bench. I would love any ideas or thoughts on this and or any critiques of the proposed design. I really want to have this thought through before any money is spent as I plan on this being around for a WHILE (hopefully be able to hand it down to my son).
More to come when I get some plans drawn up and priced out.