I am looking for a simple to make construction table

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I am looking for a simple to make construction table

Postby Ron Dickey » Thu Mar 13, 2014 2:01 pm

I have gotten to the point where I need to do work on the walls. In the past I have used saw horses and other tables to do my work but this build makes me wonder what others use.
I am looking for a better idea.

I started a poll on that subject in User Polls

Maybe a generic construction table plan might be in order for the forum for future builders who do to lack of space need a table that can fold up and be moved out of the way to a closet, out of the driveway, or so the car can be put in the garage.

I was hard enough to find out how to make ribs for the galley hatch. even the index had little. When I tried construction table I got table for the galley!

Is it with basic tools. Do we offer a site for how to make a saw horse.

But I think there are some pretty nifty tables out there to be shared.

Ron
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Re: I am looking for a simple to make construction table

Postby jss06 » Thu Mar 13, 2014 2:12 pm

I used the floor of the trailer to make the walls. It is there, might as well use it.
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Re: I am looking for a simple to make construction table

Postby Breytie » Thu Mar 13, 2014 2:26 pm

I also worked on the finished floor until all the major pieces were cut and prepared.
Now I work on a piece of melamine covered worktop on top of the table-saw, else a table or the garage floor.
A good option may be a knockdown table based in this plywood cutting table: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMmFEfXkeyc. As big as you may need and takes very little room when not needed.

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Re: I am looking for a simple to make construction table

Postby aggie79 » Thu Mar 13, 2014 4:36 pm

For my build, I made an oversized assembly table based upon a version of Norm Abram's Work Table: http://www.newyankee.com/index.php?id=53#!/~/product/id=7916621.

Here's a picture of it before the top:

Image

The base for the top is a 4' x 8' torsion box. To it, I added a 5' x 9' top of 3/4" plywood. The 6" overhang all around provided room for clamps. The legs are made of 3/4" plywood and are fastened to the torsion box with drywall screws.

I don't have a finished picture of the table but you can get an idea of the design from this in-progress construction picture:

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Re: I am looking for a simple to make construction table

Postby RandyG » Thu Mar 13, 2014 5:21 pm

I really like that table Tom! Did you use plywood for the legs and sides, or did you use dimensional lumber? Oh no, another project! :?
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Re: I am looking for a simple to make construction table

Postby Esteban » Thu Mar 13, 2014 5:24 pm

Ron, you have seem my big construction table.

An much easier version might be to rip a sheet of plywood lengthwise into two 2' x 8' pieces. Then reinforce them with 2x4's. Then you could have two strong platforms to use atop saw horses that would be easy to move in and out of your garage. Give me a call if you need help making them. I just got a new blade for the table saw and am hankering to make some fresh sawdust. :)

Beware, in return I may ask you to help me assemble the new Northern Tool 5' x 8' trailer. It arrives mid day tomorrow. :)

I may come by your store today to buy circuit breakers. I'll look for you if I do. :)
Steve - SLO, CA
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Re: I am looking for a simple to make construction table

Postby aggie79 » Thu Mar 13, 2014 9:07 pm

RandyG wrote:I really like that table Tom! Did you use plywood for the legs and sides, or did you use dimensional lumber? Oh no, another project! :?


Randy,

The "innards" of the torsion box table is made from a 1' grid of 3/4" plywood ripped to a thickness of 4". The perimeter is also 3/4" ply. The bottom skin is 1/2" ply and the top of the torsion box. The legs and stretchers are 6" strips of 3/4" plywood.

Take care,
Tom
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Re: I am looking for a simple to make construction table

Postby tony.latham » Thu Mar 13, 2014 10:05 pm

I took a sheet of 1/2" plywood, cut it in into 2, 2x8' sheets. Each sheet was framed on the bottom with 2x4s on edge. About 2' of the bottom framing is also covered with 1/2" plywood. I bought two folding sawhorse brackets (Amazon) and used a 2x6 for the sawhorse tops. It gives me a nice stiff 2'x8' bench or a nice wide 4x8 if needed.
Image

The advantage of this system is that I can move it outside, or store it in my shed on edge when not in use. Each bench piece can be easily moved by once person. If I need a 2' bench, that's what I'll go with. If I need a 5' wide bench, I'll set the two pieces on my sawhorses with a foot gap between the two and clamp to the sawhorses with C-clamps.

For me, it's perfect.

Tony
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Re: I am looking for a simple to make construction table

Postby halfdome, Danny » Thu Mar 13, 2014 10:46 pm

This isn't the simplest to build but it's the best I've ever worked on.
I bought a motorcycle lift table plan and modified it to my own needs.
It's in the lowest position (13" from the floor) and raises several heights up to 34" with the aid of an automotive floor jack.
The slot in the base is for a pallet jack so it can be moved anywhere, loaded or empty.
Got rid of the fork lift as it's not needed with this bench.
Using the trailer floor that's mounted to the chassis for your bench will kill your back.
:D Danny

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Re: I am looking for a simple to make construction table

Postby Ron Dickey » Sat Mar 15, 2014 11:07 pm

I am kinda looking for a triangular set up
1. so I can fit in small areas.
2. it should be foldable so it can be stored in small places
3. I can transport it to other sites.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpJcG8J1-bs

offers one such unit. But I am very interested in seeing what other use.

This will help others who have know idea what to build on new ideas.

If you know of other sites in the forum that offer other construction tables Please let us know.

Ron.
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Inside almost done--Trolly top has opening windows & roof.doors need assembling--pictured above waley windows..galley 1/3 done
Cross Bow in Build Journals....http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=54108
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Re: I am looking for a simple to make construction table

Postby rowerwet » Sun Mar 16, 2014 5:33 am

all of my work building the tear was done in the back yard, my only table was the tear floor on the trailer.
recent work has taken place on my new work shop table, a ping pong table left behind by the last people who lived here. Out in the garage I use a large plywood crate I got at work.
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Re: I am looking for a simple to make construction table

Postby George Taylor » Sun Mar 16, 2014 6:45 am

If you have saw horses already, go to Depot, Lowes or even a salvage place and get a flat panel door. They are flat and work well for a work surface.
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Re: I am looking for a simple to make construction table

Postby George Taylor » Sun Mar 16, 2014 6:45 am

If you have saw horses already, go to Depot, Lowes or even a salvage place and get a flat panel door. They are flat and work well for a work surface.
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Re: I am looking for a simple to make construction table

Postby jonw » Sun Mar 16, 2014 9:06 am

halfdome, Danny wrote:This isn't the simplest to build but it's the best I've ever worked on.
I bought a motorcycle lift table plan and modified it to my own needs.
It's in the lowest position (13" from the floor) and raises several heights up to 34" with the aid of an automotive floor jack.
The slot in the base is for a pallet jack so it can be moved anywhere, loaded or empty.
Got rid of the fork lift as it's not needed with this bench.
Using the trailer floor that's mounted to the chassis for your bench will kill your back.
:D Danny

Image


Great idea Danny! Where did you get the plans you used?
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Re: I am looking for a simple to make construction table

Postby Esteban » Sun Mar 16, 2014 12:44 pm

Ron, Habit For Humanity on Tank Farm Road in SLO probably has doors you could buy for a table top. I'll soon have flat doors from the MB house to give away. You can have several if you want them?
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