metal workers... and wannabees

[beefy99]

I am looking for some assistance. I am attempting to build my own workbench and so far this is what I have.

It is 30 8' 2X4 boards interwoven (10 boards cut in half) to make a single 30" X 12' surface. The boards are all on thier sides with holes drilled every 1.5' and threaded stock used to pull everything tight. This picture might show a bit more of how it went together.

On to my point...
I want to add 4 37" steel legs on casters. I was thinking 3" box tube attached to 3" angle that would frame the bottom sides of the ends in a U or C shape(how ever you want to look at it). I know it would need to be gusseted, but would it need any other supports or legs? I have already put a stress test of over 500lbs bouncing on it with a deflection of about a 1/4". This is why I want to add some serious legs, so any ideas?

 

[netty2424]

Heavy, but a cool idea! I like it! Looks like a chopping block! [up]

Can't help on the metal question, just thought I'd give props!

 

[J_Undisputed]

I'd be worried about a wood top that long without some kind of center support in the middle to prevent sagging and warping. Especially if the moisture will change in the area you keep it year round. You could away throw a saw horse under there or something, I suppose and pressure treat the wood if its not already. Some cross braces on the backside between the end rods of the bench top and the opposite feet will keep all the weight downward in case you overload it and it won't start to collapse to either side. Should also keep it tight till you get any welding done.

 

[anrkizm95]

i would do an I beam support under the top. with 1/4 square plate welded to the tops of your legs then lag bolts into the top weld the legs to the I support ends and a brace from the leg to the support.this way the support and braces are only seen from the ends.

 

[beefy99]

300lbs bench top heavy? Naw.
Chopping block look is what inspired me to do it. I originally wanted something that could take a beating and came to the conclusion that I wanted to be able to replace sections I destroy. Which is the reason I want to just add the legs onto the existing bolts/threaded stock so I can remove them relatively easily. As for worrying about it warping, if you look at the second pic, the boards were/are already warped and have been forced straight as an arrow(was worried about it as it went together but turned out the way I hoped). With this many different grain patterns I'm not worried about warpage. I'm really just worried about the legs bending out from under it after I park the bike on it...(kidding)

A 1/4" deflection doesn't make me want to add bracing lengthwise unless it keeps the legs from bending. It may seem like that is alot of deflection but I would not have been able to tell if I hadn't measured it. It is solid...

 

[uly luigi]

I would put a 2x2 angle iron frame around the perimeter and gusset the legs from that

 

[BRatigan]

Unless you are a very aggressive craftsman I would not worry about replacing any sections. 1/4 inch deflection over that span is normal. I usually use the bow side up as it is presprung already and won't sag, not that your table will ever sag. I would have jointed the top edge for a flat result so stuff does not get into the mini grooves. 2x2 steel around the edge can't hurt. Place it where it will stay as it is going to get heavier with any steel additions Cool idea.

BR

 

[tyler]

im a union carpenter and install contract office furniture for a living just go buy 2 table bases with casters make sure you get some locking wheels, table bases will have mounting screw tabs welded on look at KNOLL.COM/VECTA TABLES TABLE LEGS WILL BE WHERE THE JACK STANDS ARE..SIMPLE.OR SEARCH CONFERENCE TABLE BASES.THERE ARE MILLIONS OUT THERE...

 

[nativeXb12Rbuell]

why not bolt on some notched out 4x4's on each end and in the middle maybe with cross brass 2x4's or 2x4' wrap around the center and bottom and then screw down som 1x6's or 2x8's for some shelf and that would help support and stablize it too.. then go to lowes or harbor frieght and buy some casters to bolt on to the bottom of them. looks great by the way , i need a work bench like that ..

 

[uly luigi]

2x2 1/4 inch angle, toe up to surround the wood, gusset 3" square tube to the angle for legs, I would use 6 legs, 1x1 angle to run around the bottom 8" above the floor, inside of the 6 legs, for a shelf to place a piece of plywood on, funny how you asked for iron opinions and got wood