Back in January I posted about my workshop renovation. Since then I’ve completed the network outlets, wired up the security alarm and built a workbench.
Initial workbench concept done in Sketchup.
Each leg is a 2×4 and ply torsion box. Well I had to do something with all the ply offcuts from lining the walls!
The ply is screwed and glued to the 2×4 box. These Irwin QuickGrip clamps are super handy.
Yes the bench is built like the proverbial brick house. Several people have made reference to an earthquake or bomb shelter.
I installed a tub with removable insert to save bench space. (Good call Niten!) Not sure when I’ll to get this plumbed in.
3mm steel galv plate for the metalworking area.
I wanted the plate to sit flush with the surface of the bench so I routed out 3mm across the surface where the plate goes. 25mm per pass. Sucker for punishment? Perhaps. Actually the top was ok – the front – don’t ask. This was done with a Makita RP1800 Router. ‘Like a hot knife through butter’.
I then glued the steel plate in with Contact Adhesive
This is an original ‘Made in England’ Record vice which I did a quick restoration job on. Very robust.
These record vices are now sold under the Irwin brand.
My favourite part…What would a workshop be without a server……tool drawer.
I’d like to add a few more but who knows when I’ll get around to it. I used a Bosch Multi tool to cut out the little recesses where the rails are mounted. Can highly recommend these.
And yes you can cut through a CD ROM drive with a Jig Saw
It’s already getting messy!
Its looking really nice Rhys. I like the attention to detail.
Here’s the tricky bit, Rhys: strain relief for the rope. I posted a picture to illustrate. It adds a lot of carry weight to the rigging.
http://randomfort.blogspot.com/2013/04/strain-relief-for-longer-stock.html
Cool thanks for that. Nice blog by the way. Keep up the good work 🙂
Nice work on the bench. I’ve been thinking a lot about building my own and this provides several points of inspiration – so thank you! The one area I’ve had to focus on early was stock material storage. I found that for my situation, basement dungeon, 1/4 heavy braid nylon rope and heavy duty electrical wire staples made for some convenient loops to stash my long materials up out of the way. Can’t say enough good about lots of wall racks either.
Nice shop – have fun!
Cheers! And great idea about using rope loops for long stock I think I’ll set that up.
Just stopping by to say that server faceplate drawer is genius. I want one! 🙂
Cheers Jon! Thanks for stopping by.