Work Bench

Pmanf4 · #1 02-16-2011, 06:56 PM

Hi All,

For those who have built their own work benches, I'm wondering what size (dimensions) would be ideal for a RV-8? I am aware of the EAA 1000 Benches, they look great. Also, as many have suggested, I am aware of adding a 1" lip to the perimeter of the table top design (helps with clamping).

Any suggestions, specific to a work bench for RV-8 construction would be appreciated.

Thank you!!

Flyguytki · #2 02-16-2011, 08:12 PM

I have been very happy with an EAA style bench but I have mine set at 40 inches tall, and the tabletop is 3 feet by 5 feet. I have a 2 inch overhang all the way around the table as well.

-david

Pmanf4 · #3 02-16-2011, 10:48 PM

Thank you David. That's good to know. So a 3' wide table worked better for you? Did you do a Standard or Quick Build?

Thanks for you suggestion,

Mike

randyintejas · #4 02-16-2011, 11:18 PM

Make them as big as possible (given your space)! There is never enough room.

Jekyll · #5 02-16-2011, 11:20 PM

More bench is better than too little. Mine is 3 x 8 and 36 inches tall. I'm 5'9" and this is a great hieght for me as a standing work bench. Mine is extremely strong and flat made from 3/4 plywood, 4x4 posts and 1x6 framing. A bottom shelf is very handy. I can dance on mide and it doesn't budge. I have done a happy dance on it.

I used a 4x8 sheet of finish plywood. I installed the remaining 1x8 lenght on the wall as a second, narrow bench behind the main bench. I mounted my vise and disc/belt table top sander on that bench. This gives a good work area with benches on both side from a single sheet of ply wood. My tools are on a peg board above the narrow bench. Pretty much everything is within easy reach with 2 steps, just like a good kitchen.

I mounted 2 grinders on a seperate stand, one with a polishing wheel and one with medium and fine stones. The buffing wheel needs lots of room as you will be moving long and large pieces around it.

Jekyll
7A QB slider

Some builders like to embed a back riveting plate in the bench; I just laid mine on top when using it.

Flyguytki · #6 02-16-2011, 11:39 PM

I have done both Standard/Slow Build wings and fuse. I chose to do a 3X5 so I could make it as big as possible while still being able to reach all parts of the table. I also have my table on 3'' casters, I chose the some big heafty casters that have proven to be very stable. A 3X8 table sounds even better however it is a very large table so if you have the space available then go for it. In the hanger I just moved into I also built 2 2X8 tables that make one long 2X16 table to use as work benches for misc stuff. In my opinion the 2 foot depth would not be enough space, you defiantly need to go at least 3 feet to have a comfortable work space. Make sure you use particle board as the table top, very flat and smooth and you can also drill and cleco directly into the table.
Just my 2cents

In this table I also Used a router to make a space for the back riveting plate. After the tail is done I have found very little need to back rivet so I did not include it in my second table.

-david

Doug Lewis · #7 02-17-2011, 08:30 AM

If I were buildling another table I'd make the frame for the lower shelf at 31-1/2 x 70". The wing crate can be shortened and easily hung underneath like Bob Ellis did for skin and other parts storage.

I also like the retractable wheels option for one end of the EAA table.

larrynew · #8 02-17-2011, 10:36 AM

I build 2 standard EAA benches to plans and wouldn't change a thing about the size. I'm finishing SB wings and haven't needed for any more bench top room. I do have another small bench on wheels with my drill press, grinder, band saw and sander bolted to the top. The only modifications I've made are: Wheels (absolute must have for a garage build), inset rivet plate, added two drawers and drilled holes in legs and added platenuts to allow me to bolt the two tables together. I didn't add a lip and have no trouble clamping on the edge. A lip would not allow me to bolt them together.

mike newall · #9 02-17-2011, 12:38 PM

I have snaps of my benching.

Will email easily but will take ages to upload !!!!

PM or email me.

Great bench

jbagley · #10 02-18-2011, 10:04 AM

To the original poster; thanks for asking! I need to build a new workbench as i'm moving into a new hangar and losing all of my current workbench space, so timing of this thread is about perfect. I think the work table space should fit the work area as much as the project.

Some great ideas here! I have found a 2 inch "lip" or "overhang" on one side of my work table to be pretty handy. Easy to add, and if you don't like it, easy to cut off later. -my $0.02