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WORKBENCH
Copyright 2004 Martian Auctions 857
Any home handyman knows the value of a workbench. This one provides plenty of work space, a large
shelf, and a perforated peg-board backing for hanging tools. The tabletop is made of 3/4" waf-erboard
covered with 1/4" hard-board. The workbench shown here is 8' long, but you can make it any length to fit
your work space.
1. Cut all pieces to size according
to the dimensions given.
2. Assemble the support frames (F)
for the tabletop (B) and the shelf (J)
by fastening the fronts and backs to
the crosspieces (G) using 12d nails.
In both cases, position one cross-
piece at each end and one across
the middle. Add two more cross-
pieces to the top frame to help
stiffen the tabletop work surface.
3. Cut a 3-1/2"-wide x 3/8"-deep
rabbet across the top of each front
leg (D) for fitting the top frame on
the legs. Then cut dadoes of the
same dimensions at a parallel loca
tion across each of the back legs
(E). Also, cut parallel dadoes across
each leg about 8" above the bot
tom for fitting the shelf frame be
tween the legs.
4. Fasten the legs to the frames us
ing #8x2-1/2" flathead wood
screws countersunk flush with the
leg surface. Use at least two screws
per joint and offset them for in
creased frame stability.
Copyright 2004 Martian Auctions 858
5. Cut 3-1/2"-wide x 1-1/2"-deep
notches in the front edge of the
shelf, one at each end and one in
the middle, in order to fit the shelf 8. Clamp or tack the top in place the tabletop. For permanent instal-
around the front legs. Cut parallel while drilling countersunk pilot lation, apply construction adhesive
notches of the same width, but holes for #8 screws through it into to the base, position the tabletop
3/4" in depth, on the back edge of the frame. Space the holes about over it, and press it flat, then tack it
the shelf for fitting around the 12" apart. If you want to use con in place.
back legs. struction adhesive, remove the top 10. Place the bench in the desired
6. Insert the shelf between the legs and spread a bead of adhesive on location and shim the legs as
and fasten it to the support frame the top of the frame. Then reposi needed to make the top complete
using #8 x 1-1/2" flathead wood tion the top and fasten it in place ly level and to stabilize the bench.
screws, countersunk flush or driv using #8 x 1-1/2" flathead wood Then use angle irons to fasten the
en slightly below the shelf surface. screws. Drive all the screws slightly legs to the floor, or run fasteners
If you like, run a bead of construc below the surface of the tabletop. through the back legs into the wall,
tion adhesive along the upper edge 9. Position the tabletop over the or do both.
of the frame before installing the base, making all edges flush. Then 11. Set the backing (C) on the table
shelf. fasten the top to the base using top. Center it along the length of
7. Set the tabletop base (A) on the #6 x 7/8" flathead wood screws, the bench, then fasten it to the
top frame. Push the top against the driven slightly below the outer sur upper section of the back legs and
back legs and center it along the face. This installation method will to the crossbar (H) using #6 x 7/8"
length of the support frame. allow for periodic replacement of flathead wood screws.
Copyright 2004 Martian Auctions 859
