Critique my bench plans

[sjalloq]

Hi there,

I have just started to design a combination workbench that I can use for a number of uses.  I've been following Peter Parfitt's mobile workbench video's and been reading through as many mobile MFT threads that I could find.

My requirements are to build a mobile MFT base that has storage for hand tools and MFT accessories.  I also want the ability to be able to remove the MFT and use a moxon vice.  A 6" jaw height would put the top of the moxon at about the same height as the MFT is normally, 900mm, which feels about the right height for dovetails etc.

I've attached a zip file of my Sketchup in case the JPG's don't give enough detail.

1.  I followed Peter's dimensions for the base frame and then decided on the laminated top which might now be a little oversized for the frame?  I've been looking through Chris Schwartz' Workbench Design Book and have tried to cross some of his ideas with a mobile MFT base.  Chris notes that a worktop should be fine just sitting on top of the frame, perhaps with some dowels/dowminos to locate it.  Uprights are 50x50mm, rails are all 30x45mm, just like Peter's Kapex table, which might be undersized given the top thickness?

2.  The table is designed to let me use my MFT by sitting it on top of the table.  The model is missing the castors which are 125mm high so the height of the MFT will be the same as it is now, 900mm.

3.  I decided to buy some holdfasts for work holding and leave off a vice of any sort.  I saw this video (replace_with_www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNrof3cd1cA and thought it would cover my needs until I build a bigger full size bench.  This is why there is an empty tray under the table top - the holdfast is ~13" long.

4.  I will build a Moxon vice/mini bench to sit on top of the table (after removing the MFT) and be held in place by the holdfasts.  I can use this for cutting dovetails etc.  It will be at the same height as the MFT top which feels about right.

5.  The two sets of drawers are on 700mm full extension slides so I should be able to store a lot of handtools.

Thanks, Shareef.

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[#Tee]

i like it...the easy access middle storage area and drawer slides for the sys

 

[Sjur]

Looks like a solid design to me!

Here's a wild suggestion: Either a loose drawer in the open space below the table top, or make wooden drawer slides inbeded into the legs. Askwoodman's workbench has this design, if you're interested you could take a look at his video on youtube. He's got several videoes talking about it, but here's one: (fast forward to 0:26)

This way you can pull the drawer out two sides of the table, and you won't need to bend under the table to search for the tools. The downside to this is that it may collect more dust than if it would have been open. If you have the drawer on wooden slides, you can pull it out, and place an additional wooden table top on top of the drawer, to increase the table size, should you need it, or as an extra work surface.

Now this is my preference, but as it's a workbench, especially if you use handtools, I'd be careful placing wheels as feet. Unless you need to move it around alot. I know there are wheels locking in all directions, but they still move a little. Woodgears.ca have a lot of designs to make a mobile base on his website. There are also the option to use wheels like these:

Or make a raising mechanism like pictured. As a bonus feature, you can raise the entire table if you want to work in a higher position. And if your floor isn't level, you can adjust it with this setup.
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Sjur

 

[Bob Gerritsen]

Hi Shareef,

Looks pretty good!

First thought I had though was that the solid top is rather substantial for an mft type workbench. By laminated you mean laminated in thickness or width? It looks as though you laminated/glued up in width, if you are using a solid wooden top like in the drawing, you should at least account for wood movement. Also; it will sag and warp if it is simply resting on the four corners, ad a couple of rails to take care of that. All in all though, I would def reconsider the wooden top and think about sheet material like very thick plywood, it is way more stable. Remember; Chris his top on the Roubo has moved so much the top isn't square to the front face of the bench anymore. Wood movement is quite unforgiving...

It looks as though you want to mix an old fashioned workbench with the mft concept. I can understand why (best of both worlds) but personally think it won't work well enough. Old workbenches are big and heavy to be stable enough to be used with hand tools. An mft is light, moveable and flexible to be adapted to any job. Put an old workbench on casters and all of  sudden it doesn't work as well anymore as it will wiggle. In your case I would change the solid top for maybe 2 sheets of 30mm plywood and while not as substantial as the tops Chris favors, it will be good enough for the occasional hand plane and remain a lot more stable.

I hope you will post on the building of the bench in the future!

Good luck, B.

 

[sjalloq]

OK, thanks both for your input.  I think your responses and the act of putting my ideas down on paper have actually made me realise this is too much of a compromise.  Perhaps I'm just a bit scared to start work on a real workbench but I think it's time.

So I'll build a proper woodworking bench and a mobile MFT base that has more storage and a simple top.  Back to the drawing board...

 

[Sjur]

I agree with Bob, you need some rails. One thing is sagging, but if you pound in the middle with a hammer, you get this "trampoline-effect". It's like trying to hammer a nail on a plank without anything beneath it.

If you have several strong rails (perhaps square steel beams), two - or even one - 18mm thick plywood will probably suffice.  I'm no engineer though, so don't quote me on that. Unless you have some very dry and stable wood, I would also consider using plywood as a top. A flat workbench in the shop is a very important thing (at least to me!). Remember - you can use smaller clamps if your table top is thinner.

I think if you plan to have your workbench in your shop, and not bringing it out elsewhere, an MFT/traditional combo is a brilliant combo. Mounting casters on a workbench in a way that the table won't wiggle is easily done. I gave you some ideas, but there are a LOT more designs out there.

One last thing, your workbench, with the wheels mounted the way you wanted it, has a height of 715cm. That's a poor working height. I personally think the design I had photos of would work fantastic for you, just engage the legs, pull the table out beneath the MFT, increase the height, make some sort of wooden leg arrangement (cradle, hinged legs, etc.), and lower the table down. I don't use a lot of hand tools, but I've heard of people that do would like to have a workbench in different heights for different tasks.

Your workbench will stay in your shop, and nobody cares if it's not perfect-looking. Please don't let us demotivate you. You have a good design going! Looking forward to updates!

Sjur

 

[elfick]

If you are looking for a decent compromise bench, check out this:


I should note that I don't have this bench nor have I purchased the plans. I just think it looks awesome.

 

[sjalloq]

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions here.  I've been through a couple more iterations and have finally ended up with, well, what is basically Peter Parfitt's mobile bench.  [wink]

My first iteration was to create a simple mobile MFT base with drawers for storage of tools.  Then I realised that I'd probably get more use out of it if I made it the same height as the MFT so that I can link them together.  I've already struggled with not having an outfeed table for the MFT.  When I'm not using the MFT I can store it away and use my mobile bench for assembly and jobs not requiring mitred angles.

I have access to a CNC router so I can make my own MFT top for it.  I also have the edge extending away from the base to allow more clamping opportunities.  This way I should be able to cut down sheet goods more easily.  I also like the 'open' style drawers just under the worktop - should be good for storing things you need to hand like clamps and jigs.

Thanks again.

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