Bench Basics Part 1

 
We get a fair number of questions regarding the bench that our mill sits on, and for the most part we've always been a little hesitant about giving out information on building one (liability and all).  But, because we just relocated and we need to set up out mill temporarily (we're getting a new set of mills) we decided to shoot it and put it on the site. 
   This is not to be construed as complete instructions or plans,  it is merely some possible suggestions that we are offering for you to take a look at.  Use these ideas at your own risk.

Although wood is a wonderful medium which to work, it does have some issues regarding longevity.  Wood will eventually deteriorate to a point of failure.  Adding moisture (coolant) hastens the process.

A bench mill weighs about 1000 POUNDS make a table that is strong enough to withstand many times that weight, if you and all your friends that will fit cannot stand on the top of the table without is being shaky DO NOT put you're mill up there "to see happens", it will fall, it is simply a matter of time.

Use common sense...a lot of common sense.

Because we planed on shooting for the site this we made a few rules that we had to follow.

Everything can be purchased off the shelf from Home Depot.
Construction requires no special tools and can be done in about a day
Cost has to be reasonable (about $200-$300)

How to read the above list as newly relocated a small business.
We know where the Home Depot is at.
All the "good" tools are in boxes.
This had to be done yesterday.
WOW!! was diesel fuel expensive for the 3100 mile trip out here. 
 
One trip to Home Depot and we came up with just about everything we needed.  The legs are 4x4's, the stringers 2x6's and the top is two sheets of particle board.  For glue we used Liquid Nails.
We chose a 30" leg height.
A little Liquid Nails at the joints, the joints also got 5 nails each.

If this bench was designed to last "forever" we would have used carriage bolts.
The legs basically built.
Putting in the first stringer.
Free standing table.

The basic dimensions of our table is 8' wide, 40" deep, and 30" tall.  The "mill" side (between the four legs) is 6' and the computer side (cantilevered side) is the remaining 2'.

All stringers installed.
Joist hangers are a good idea.
The top installed and trimmed.
A lower shelf seems like a good idea.
Lower shelf installed.
And now the "mill side" gets a 2x6 raised skirt.
 
Continue to Bench Basics Part 2