Workbench for Jets
 

Getting ready to build a workbench tomorrow to allow me to work on my jets. I plan on putting it on casters so I can roll it around my garage. Just curious what others have done for a workbench. Measurements too would be nice. I'm currently thinking about 30" wide by 6' or 7' long.

JR Gautreaux

RE: Workbench for Jets
 

I have an old drafting table that is cut down to 36 inches wide and 72 inches long. The top is covered with 3, 2 x 3 foot 1 inch thick glass plate and then ceiling tiles to pin in to. Very heavy but also very straight. I hope I never have to move it.

RE: Workbench for Jets
 

JR,

Go buy you a cheap 30" to 36" wide wood door. I have a 36" solid wood door I build on, but I've seen hollow core doors used also. Mine sits on top of an old office desk (wood also).

I've seen some that sat up higher than mine so you built standing up.

RE: Workbench for Jets
 

I use standard 6 or 8 foot folding tables and then also have used a pvc jet holding stand (inch and a half for sturdy) see pictures of my other threads related to the isobar build.

Also, once you're in the late stages you can use todd's jet paint stand (eurofigter is the best on it so far in my experiance).


My garage has full kitchen cabinetry around 12 lf worth. Gives me bunch of drawers, cabinets etc. lots of places to put stuff. I have base cabinets and overhead cabinets.

I also have overhead compressed air and overhead electrical both on reels. Very very handy.

Have fun,

Sean

RE: Workbench for Jets
 

I have two benches on wheels (locking castors), the tops are large (30" wide by 78" long) hollow doors (very flat), with 30" high bases made from 2x6 and 2x4's. Both have shelves underneath. Been using them for 20+ years now, very handy. I can send pics if you'd like. My only complaint is that there are times the benches are not long enough!

I can second the overhead air and power outlets. I have both power (4x outlets) and filtered/dried air every 4 feet over both benches. Extremely handy to have, if you have the skills and the hardware (large compressor and sufficient power panel/breaker capacity) to allow it.

Barry

RE: Workbench for Jets
 

Thanks for the advice guys. I am slowly turning my garage into a workshop for model building. I work 9/80's so I am off every other Friday and I am determined to build/add to my workshop until I get everything completed.

I like the idea of cabnets and I did plan to install them over head on the side walls of my garage. I think getting everything off the floor will make things look nice. Currently I built one workbench 3' x 6' for my drill press, bandsaw, disc sander, and mitre saw which is working out nicely. I do have an air compressor and it comes in handy I must say.

I've been working off workbench plans from - Hammer Zone: http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/w...below20xl.html - which have turned out to be good plans.

JR

RE: Workbench for Jets
 

Well after about 5 to 6 hours, this is what I built.

JR Gautreaux

RE: Workbench for Jets
 

JR

You've wasted enough time......... build something!

RE: Workbench for Jets
 

Hey, I'm working on the Reaper. Currently on working on the canopy.

JR

RE: Workbench for Jets
 

i use a grate that a plane came in....monster crate...by doing that you get

1) a plane

2) free work bench

3) save the time to take it apart for the trashman...gary you know how long it takes for the trashman to pick something up :-)...especially wood

4) have a already built shipping crate for future use

RE: Workbench for Jets
 

I took a flat dinning room table added the middle leaf then raised it and put a shelve underneath, did the whole thing on rollers and covered it with rubber blanket material from the printing presses from work. cutting, putting pins through stuff is no problem with that covering the table! Good thing at work is that I have lots of litho plating!

RE: Workbench for Jets
 

i went to harbor freight and bought a heavy duty cart, then added a few 2x4's and a solid core door... a run of carpet on top that i trash every few weeks. it is a great place to collect junk! and build on the occaision that i get to clear it off..

i did add a 5' x 2' sheet of glass recently to build the facet on..

RE: Workbench for Jets
 

Had a crazy thought when i saw the pics outside your garage. Reminded me of when I was using a workmate as a test stand for my MW54, which despite steel legs and no castors at full revs propelled itself down the drive.

Now if you put your jet engine on the back of your work bench put steerable castors on the front you could lie down on the bottom piece fire up and have lots of fun.

:D

Joking apart great idea for a workbench must make one myself. :D