I am starting to get the hang of SketchUp but something tells me that the pro version may be even better. Why spend that money on a computer program when I can get wordworking tools, right? Ok, so here is my first shot at designing a built in tablesaw and workbench. I made a stacked cabinet design because I know I can actually accomplish making a cabinet. I also would like to replace the drawers I currently have in my bench.
I can’t even imagine how heavy 12 2×4x51’s are going to be and I am not sure I want to know. I made the model using 3/4” plywood, but I have no clue if this is over kill or if I need to worry about collapse. Advice would be greatly appreciated, but I have seen a plan for this type of table, so I will consult that as well.
I know that it is probably not the greatest thing for the saw to be a part of the area where I prep, and glue and paint, but I am going to make a new insert for the saw and make a completely closed insert as well. I really don’t care that much about this saw and will have to make due with this until I find something awesome and cheap (gotta wedding to pay for).
So that being said, I am making due with the four 18” shelves in my current workbench. I think I am going to leave the pegboard (unless there is something better) and just push this bench up to that. I have two drawers in front and lots in back. The back would be inaccessible when it is pushed up to the wall. Not sure what I could store there other than supplies I would only need when doing a big project. I may add some more shelves below the other two and to the right of the dust collection area. I am thinking of getting an electrician friend to come help wire this thing up so that I will have power all around the shop when I am working.
The wheels I am looking at are: http://www.castersupply.com/NAV/gd_40.htm . I am hardly sold on them, but I do want something that will wheel around, be stable when stopped, and, as a bonus, level.
I guess I will mock up drawers on the side with the saw opposite. That may work better for the location. I really do not know anything about efficiency on this one. So let me know if you see a part of the design that could be fixed.
Thanks for the feedback!
-- I got something on my mind grapes I need to talk to you about.
2 comments so far
Andy Panko
home | projects | blog
79 posts in 489 days
#1 posted 426 days ago
Nice looking design. And I’m thorough impressed at your SketchUp skills. I’ve done a few things in sketch up, and I have a real hard time figuring out how to do things like shelves. And how in the world did you draw such a perfect replica of your table saw??? Anyway, I would think that all the vertical pieces of 3/4” plywood in your design will adequately support all the weight above it. But I think your bottom horizontal piece of plywood might sag in the middle. I would recommend building the bottom piece as a framed platform, like 2×4s spaced 12” apart, and then cover that platform with 3/4” ply, and then build up from there. Just my two cents. Looks great though!
- Andy
-- Andy Panko, Edison NJ, http://www.andypanko.com
pound
home | projects | blog
25 posts in 427 days
#2 posted 426 days ago
Thanks Andy. I use photoshop a lot and SketchUp is similar. The best thing I found is that they have built in components (like my saw). Somebody out there on this wild internet took the time to build that from scratch. Lumber is easy, so I have been sticking to that. It can also take your design and make a cut list for you. If you need some pointers I can help out. I am also experimenting with the rendering software for some really neat lighting effects. I think you are right about the sagging so I added the base. Thanks for the tip.
-- I got something on my mind grapes I need to talk to you about.
Have your say...