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 Post subject: Fold down work table
PostPosted: July 15, 2017, 3:43 pm 
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Joined: October 19, 2012, 9:25 pm
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Location: Summerville, SC
I've been wanting a steel top work bench for a while now. I just couldn't decide between eating up space with a full time free standing bench and a stow away model. After way too much deliberation, stow away wins,

It's a simple affair. 30x48 inch top cut from a sheet of 10 gage. Reinforcements underneath are 1 1/2 inch angle iron salvaged from a queen bed frame.

Attachment:
table.jpg


The "backsplash" is 5 inches tall and holds 3 pieces of tube welded down low.

The tubes are simple pin hinges much like a trailer ramp/ tailgate is done. I can slide it 1 1/2 inches to the right and it detached from the wall. With the work surface in the up position the backsplash is 3 1/2 inch high steel protecting the wall behind where I'm working.

The last decision to make is legs or hang chains. Right now I'm leaning toward chains. I can screw hooks into the slatwall above the table, even into the studs if I want a ton of support.



Now I've got a spot I can permanently set up my TIG machine for precise work and still have my mobile MIG for everyday stuff.



Not a bad morning


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 Post subject: Re: Fold down work table
PostPosted: July 15, 2017, 8:50 pm 
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Joined: December 4, 2011, 6:19 pm
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Tommy, I wouldn't use chains as I anticipate that they will regularly get in the way. Wouldn't use legs either for the same reason. I'd use props, a couple of support rods angled from the top over to the wall. Unless you're planning on hammering on this work surface then I'd use legs instead of props. Take my opinion for what you paid for it. :|

Bill

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 Post subject: Re: Fold down work table
PostPosted: July 16, 2017, 10:18 am 
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Props are probably the smartest option. I could anchor them to fold away and make it strong enough for hammering and other abuse.

Good idea.
:cheers:

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 Post subject: Re: Fold down work table
PostPosted: July 16, 2017, 10:45 am 
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Location: West Chicago,IL
I was thinking about an angled prop like Bill suggested. As I look back on similar setups I have seen, The strength is dependent on the flexibility of the wall. I think legs are much better. it all depends on how much weight you are planning to place on the top and how much banging you plan on doing.

BTW, I could never have a folding table. It would always be setup and always covered in "stuff". I always have to clean off my work surfaces before I can start a new project. They tend to collect "things".

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 Post subject: Re: Fold down work table
PostPosted: July 16, 2017, 10:48 am 
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Location: BC, Canada. eh?
That looks like a seriously solid work surface!! Given how strong it is, I think I'd go with fold-away legs, too, as that will give unrestricted access to the work top, even for long items. If the legs were hinged to the outer edge, they'd fold away when the work surface was lifted up against the wall.

Sure is a great idea (wish I'd thought of it!) :cheers:

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 Post subject: Re: Fold down work table
PostPosted: July 16, 2017, 3:25 pm 
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Location: Summerville, SC
I went with angled prop legs. 1 1/2 inch angle iron (again salvaged from the bed frame) that rest on the concrete curb and against the drywall. That area is backed up by the double sill plate.

The backspash / wall bracket attaches to the wall on 3 studs with 3 inch drywall screws. It seems pretty solid in the up position and supports my 210 lbs easily.

Legs come off in about 30 seconds.

Going this evening to look at another project. :drive:

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 Post subject: Re: Fold down work table
PostPosted: July 17, 2017, 1:23 pm 
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Location: Summerville, SC
Here's a shot of the finished workspace.

Attachment:
t1 small.jpg


Should work for most projects. Worst case scenario I have to build something on the floor (again).


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OOPS I did it again
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http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=15216


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 Post subject: Re: Fold down work table
PostPosted: August 5, 2017, 8:30 am 
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Joined: April 26, 2016, 1:54 pm
Posts: 19
Location: Houston, TX
That looks great.

I have been using a piece of cement backerboard on top of a pair of sawhorses. It is the stuff that goes on walls that will be tiled, about $14 at Home Depot.


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