-> strong enough to hang a heavy bench vice off the corner. I would
-> like a 6'-8' length. The more affordable, the better.
I built two 8x2 foot benches, each topped with half a sheet of 1" thick
chipboard with several coats of polyurethane sealer. The framing is 4x4
and 2x4 lumber, assembled with screws.
The chipboard isn't the greatest surface for a bench top. The
polyurethane has kept the odd spill from turning it back to sawdust, and
I've been fortunate enough to find large sheets of cardboard which have
been useful for protecting the tops.
A few months ago I bought a large mud flap (18 wheeler sized) for $5,
white in color. It's like 2x3 feet and seems to be holding up well as a
work surface. I plan to buy several more of them. For rolling engines
on, though, you might want to scrounge around and see if you can find at
least 16 guage steel for a bench top.
-> Anybody have a good method for finding a good _standing_ work height?
-> I'm only 5'5", so 'standard' dimensions probably won't fit me.
I'm 5'10. Most texts show 32" or so for workbench heights. I made
mine 36", which seems satisfactory. I have had smaller benches as high
as 40" high, which were useful for working on carburetors and the like.
If you're not sure how high the bench needs to be, I'd recommend erring
to the high side. A too-low workbench will kill your back after a
while. "Too high" seems to be a lot vaguer than "too low."
==dave.williams@chaos.lrk.ar.us======================================
I've got a secret / I've been hiding / under my skin / | Who are you?
my heart is human / my blood is boiling / my brain IBM | who, who?
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