Making a flat torsion box

[Mgildersleeve]

i’m working on a 4’x8’ table saw torsion box out feed table. It’s just the basics right now. This is the largest table this shop will have, so taking the time to make sure this one is flat will serve as a flat surface to make other torsion box tables, like assembly tables.  This video focuses on creating a flat surface to make a flat table.  It will do double duty and get a hole system installed in it, but I am waiting on Formica to laminate the top. There’s a couple random useful tricks in the video.

This operation only needs to be done once. On the biggest table you’ll have.

 

[nclemmons]

Very cool technique!  What is the staple hinge idea mentioned in the video?

Thanks for sharing!

 

[semenza]

Love the velcro accessories for the gun!

Seth

 

[HarveyWildes]

Nice - I've thought of several more complicated ways to accomplish the same task .

Ditto on the staple hinge idea - can you add a link to that video?

 

[Mgildersleeve]

Thanks, guys. Here’s a link to the staple technique. Somebody showed that to me when I worked in the art department in Los Angeles. It never fails to amuse me.

 

[bnaboatbuilder]

Very creative thinking. I enjoy learning new tricks. Thanks for showing.

 

[Sparktrician]

That staple hinge is really clever.  Thanks for sharing it. 

 

[Cheese]

Really like that staple hinge thing... [thumbs up]

 

[SoonerFan]

A staple hinge is something I would have never thought of.  Really cool.  Thanks for sharing. 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ben_r_]

Couple interesting ideas. Thanks for sharing!

 

[fshanno]

I usually stagger the cross pieces so I can nail or staple the ends. 

 

[Michael Kellough]

I like both the method of using the laser and the hinge staple but I think the shimming operation could be finer (which would make the laser line itself seem too course) and easier to adjust in the middle if the work platform was replaced with a stiff grid on horses.

 

[Mgildersleeve]

Definitely right on a grid making the shimming easier for the middle rows. They were points you wanted to get right the first time. I found shimming up every two feet gave a perfect result eventually. I think I spent about an hour and a half shimming. For what it’s worth. Making a grid vs. a slower shimming process. Definitely wouldn’t have kicked a grid out of the shop if I had one. But, I had to redo almost all my shims at least once. I’m definitely happy I went through the process. I built another table on top of the one shown in the video and it felt great knowing and origin it was flat during assembly.

 

[Corwin]

Like the staple hinge. I was taught a similar concept some 38 years ago by a framer that worked with me building my father's house. We did the wall frames this way so the wall would stand upright and be in the correct position. Easy peasy.  [big grin]

 

[huntdupl]

I’d like to nominate [member=66433]Mgildersleeve[/member] as the 2017 fourth quarter FOG MVP, great contributions over the last month or so. Thank you

 

[ChuckM]

Don't use nail guns a lot, but this trick is two thumbs-up! Thanks for sharing.