workbench size

[DanielOB]

What is your workbench top plate size and thickness.
I have to make one for kitchen cabinets...
There is one, I saw on internet, made from plywood like a box
[eek]

 

[waho6o9]

A torsion box comes to mind.

 

[bertv]

in case you go for a torsion box style construction, 1/2 and/or 3/4 inch ply will do the job, with an elevation of at least 6 inches.
Solid wood: the consensus is around the 1,5 inch mark and upwards. Some woodworkers feel that weight equals solidity. I don’t, by the way.

 

[DanielOB]

Yes, it is torsion box
Bert, I think you right about solidity.

My next problem is the size of the top plate, for Kitchen-cabinets. I am thinking about two of them 3x4 ft each, so I cam move them around.

 

[Mbconstructionjoinery]

Burt can I ask why the elevation must be 6in +  for a torsion box style top? Is it just for ease of clearing out the debris?

 

[Wuffles]

Burt can I ask why the elevation must be 6in +  for a torsion box style top? Is it just for ease of clearing out the debris?

I'd take a punt that it's the minimum size of ply (which is what's stopping the bend) you can get away with as a rigid upstand. I am making no sense to even myself, I hope you can decode from that what is nested in my brain.

 

[Mbconstructionjoinery]

Lol yeah I get you Wuffles, basically any less and the Bench top may bend under strain,
cheers

 

[bertv]

… can I ask why the elevation must be 6in +  for a torsion box style top? Is it just for ease of clearing out the debris?

It is my understanding you need a certain ratio between the height and thickness of the verticals and the span (distance between them) to achieve enough rigidity. Viz old style plane wings.
And the space can be used to store and dump tools and stuff, when you build a Paulk-style bench with cutouts all around, like I did last year.
Confession: I made a mistake by slightly underestimating the size of the openings, so I have to put Sys-1’s in sideways. Live and learn, right?

 

[Wuffles]

… can I ask why the elevation must be 6in +  for a torsion box style top? Is it just for ease of clearing out the debris?

It is my understanding you need a certain ratio between the height and thickness of the verticals and the span (distance between them) to achieve enough rigidity. Viz old style plane wings.
And the space can be used to store and dump tools and stuff, when you build a Paulk-style bench with cutouts all around, like I did last year.
Confession: I made a mistake by slightly underestimating the size of the openings, so I have to put Sys-1’s in sideways. Live and learn, right?

I hate the Dutch with their impeccable English, that and their proximity to bars that sell Belgian beers on draught too, I hate that.

When you built the Paulk bench [member=5467]Bert Vanderveen[/member], was there a requirement to glue and pocket screw the uprights or just screw? I'd imagine that glueing too would make it more rigid?

I reckon if I built one I'd end up filling it with expanding foam to take out the lag caused by my inability to follow plans.

 

[bertv]

When you built the Paulk bench [member=5467]Bert Vanderveen[/member], was there a requirement to glue and pocket screw the uprights or just screw? I'd imagine that glueing too would make it more rigid?

I built two separate bench elements — upside down on a very flat and even surface (18 mm mdf on a door on trestles). Connected the sides, ends and ‘uprights with pocket screws to the top (first time I used those — there is a learning curve & in hindsight I feel that domino’s are more precise) and connected that assembly to the bottom with screws every 15 cm (6 inches) — slightly oversized so I could flush the sides with a router. I think I did it with a moderate amount of glue (can’t remember…).

Reason for this arrangement: screws in the bottom were fast and easy and are out of the way re sawing actions and such.

The two elements connect with two bolts. I will try and find the photographs I took during the build and post them here.

I guess glueing is not imperative. Precise and straight cutting to achieve good contact between the different planes is crucial. And having everything as square as possible. That way forces will disperse properly. Vizhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torsion_box

BTW My go-to-pub does have Belgian beer on tap and a nice list of bottled. I especially like Leffe Blond on tap (so much better than the small bottle), but I do try to abstain from booze during weekdays.