LOOKING FOR - Work Stand Input

[J T]

USEFUL input, that is. My shop is small, so, with smaller projects, I tend to to do glue-ups in the house. This is pretty much essential in colder weather. I've been using a cardboard box, kitchen stool, etc., and decided to make a dedicated work stand, for use in the house.

The idea is cut two sides out of plywood, about 12" X 30" for the sides. Then pieces about 12' X 16" to make 2-3 shelves. I'll cut strips about 1-2", to glue on the shelf edges to make a lip on each side

- in effect, shallow boxes, to hold clamps, glue, brushes, glue-up jigs, ete. I'll wind up gluing in strips later, to make some compartments. Be all glued, no nails, screws, etc.

Was going to hang some clamps on the back, but figured that would make it too unstable. That's when I chose the 16' width, that would make it wide enough so I could store my clamps on the bottom shelf. Not

100% sure I want to go that route, have been considering making it about 12X12", and hang the clamps ff of both sites, I think that might balance it enough to keep it stable. Still mulling that.

The top, I'm thinking of making that about 12'" (maybe a bit more) X 24", or so. Of course, I could just make it as deep and wide as the stand, then if that didn't work, could always glue a larger top on. I'll be using waxed paper to catch glue drips.

I would possibly be using it for putting on finish (water base poly), in the winter particularly. So, I've been thinking about cutting the top off of my Lazy Susan finishisng stand, and clamping that in place on it. The stand is taking up room in the shop, because it's not in use that much of the time, and I could still use it this way.

No plans, no set measurements (depends on what plywood sizes I've got on hand), no sketches. All I have to make sure of is, both sides are the sime size, shelves same, etc.

I've been going over this for a day or so, and come up with some changes from the original thought. Because of that, now, I'm wondering if anyone out there has any useful input. Something I might have missed. Anyone? Uh, almost anyone, that is. Useful?

JOAT Don't e-mail me while I'm breathing.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Once you've made the stand, that footprint of space is lost forever. Making it small enough so as not to be in the way but large enough to hold your work can be quite a compromise. So, how about a folding top? Keep it closed when not needed for smaller project, but open it to double your pace and then have a support or two in the front to hold it up. You could do a drop leaf front, but that would block access to the shelves. Ed

[J T]

Wed, Apr 14, 2004, 1:52am (EDT+4) [e-mail] (Edwin=A0Pawlowski) says: Once you've made the stand, that footprint of space is lost forever.

You've not been in my house. Not a prob. If it gets in the way while I'm not using it, it can go on top of the kitchen table, a chair, etc. No prob. LOL

Making it small enough so as not to be in the way but large enough to hold your work can be quite a compromise.

No prob. 12" X up to 24", plenty big enough, these aren't large projects, and still small enough to be out of the way.

So, how about a folding top? Keep it closed when not needed for smaller project, but open it to double your pace and then have a support or two in the front to hold it up. You could do a drop leaf front, but that would block access to the shelves. Ed

Too complicated. But, I did have an idea while reading that. Two trays, under the top, one each side, no wider than the top. If I ever do need more work surface, another stand would work.

But, if you had a lot of small parts you don't want messed with, hinged top. With lock, if needed. Glass or plastic top, if you want people to see work in progress.

JOAT Don't e-mail me while I'm breathing.

[Victor Radin]

Interesting idea... something akin to a folding top sewing machine cabinet perhaps? Top folds out to expose the work surface or for more surface area, simple pullouts for holding the table up, or a drop leg. Room for storage under or inside.

[J T]

All my considerations for this have been done, and aim in the glue-up stage.

It'll be about 31" tall, with 3 shelves, 11 7/8" X 11 7/8", each with a 2" lip, front and back. The top shelf is far enough down to accomodate standing Titebond glue bottles. The other two will have about 8" each. The glue will be in a compartment. Not sure yet if anything else will go in compartments, but, if so, will just glue partitions in, making compartments.

I'm thinking about a 11 7/8" X 24" top, but will decide for sure after the body is together.

The 6" quick clamps, and 12" bar clamps will go on hanging racks, one on each side. The PVC clamps will go in a shelf. Later, may also put a small shelf on each side, above the clamps.

This will actually free up floorspace. The cardboard box I've been using takes up more space. The kitchen stool can go back. The glue bottles, clamps, and assorted miscellaneous bits and pieces, now on the floor, can now go in the stand. Plus, it will look pretty decent. Life is basically good.

Don't ask for plans, there aren't any.

JOAT I will feel equality has arrived when we can elect to office women who are as unqualified as some of the men who are already there.

- Maureen Reagan

[B a r r y]

Photos?

Barry

[J T]

Fri, Apr 16, 2004, 9:53am (EDT+4) Keep_it_in_the_newsgroup [e-mail] (B=A0a=A0r=A0r=A0y) queries: Photos?

Now? No. Later? Maybe.

JOAT I will feel equality has arrived when we can elect to office women who are as unqualified as some of the men who are already there.

- Maureen Reagan