Sniper68

Our Club is in the process of replacing some old field tables and benches. The current tables literally have a 4' x 8' sheet of plywood on top of a simple stick frame. No matter how many times you paint the plywood, it doesn't hold up well. We are located in Georgia just over the Florida/Georgia state line. So, heat and humidity is an issue.

We recently added some new benches based on plans from this site. They turned out great!

Thanks for the input.

STUKA BARRY

Make them out of pressure treated lumber next time.

kmeyers

We have 2 4x8 tables and 8 safety tables.

porcia83

My Feedback: (8)

We have regular 4 x 8 flat tables for set up/build, all under tents. then in front of that closer to flight stations we have run up tables, recently enhanced with wheels to ease in moving them around. They were both built with pressure treated wood, then covered with a stain. They are about 15 years old, in great shape overall.

Sniper68

Looks like the table is planked? We're using pressure treated wood for the new table/benches.

porcia83

My Feedback: (8)

not sure what you mean by planked, just standard pressure treated wood slapped together. Our larger tables are T111, again covered in an oil based stain. Only one has rotted out at the corner, it's the only one exposed to the weather 24/7.

Also...a club close to mind had those run up tables built for them by a boy scout looking to do a project for his eagle badge. Just a thought!

Sniper68

Planked meaning the table top is made from 2 x 6 or 2 x 8, not a 4 x 8 plywood sheet. Great idea regarding the Boy Scouts! Might be a good way to get them exposed to the Hobby.

I miss Ct, I'm a UCONN grad.

chuckk2

Use treated wood or treated plywood. Pine does not work well, unless it's treated with an anti-rot chemical.
Lowe's sells the stuff- it's a dark brown liquid, forgot the name. Oak even needs to be treated, as I found out to my chagrin.

2walla

My Feedback: (10)

We used some cement wall panels we rescued from the salvage yard. Similar to the cement harduboard type house siding. The sheets are smooth on both sides and it is about 1/2" thick. Tables are 4x8 and made with salvaged angle iron and 2"pipe rails. We do have a couple with 4x8 hardiboard and just put more crossmembers under the table as it wa about 3/8" thick. We left the tops raw and painted the steel support structure with epoxy enamel.. Forget the wood...

Slapnuts

Do a google search for " Meroke airplane table" I've made a bunch for my old club and they work great. Make sure to pilot drill all the holes for the screws

porcia83

My Feedback: (8)

Sounds interesting...can you post a pic of it? Thanks!

tacx

My Feedback: (1)

Plank the tops with the plastic composites used for decks. Never rots, never needs painting, oil and fuel will not soak into it and soften it like wood.

Expensive stuff but when you consider someone having to clean and repaint wood each year, it's well worth it.