Workmate Bench

[SixPointEight]

I know several of you are using a version of this:

http://accurateshooter.wordpress.com/2007/08/28/portable-shooting-bench-free-plans/

I got a free workmate from a family friend, so I'm planning on making something similar. Have some 1/2in hardwood plywood that, as I was cutting to the size I wanted, my friend tells me there's no way in hell I can use nails to hold it together, the layers of the plywood will just split. The write-ups I see online show people using finishing nails through the side of the wood to hold it together. Is 1/2in too thin for that? Should I drill pilot holes? Or should I use a piece of solid wood in the corners, then nail through flat part of the plywood into those?

If you need pics I can post some of what I'm talking about.

[Boots]

You can use finish nails... but more importantly, use a quality wood glue on all the joints as well. Another recommendation is to use a 3/4" plywood for the base (1/2" is fine for the walls and shelf) as you'll be exerting a certain amount of force with the press and frankly, 1/2" plywood would just flex to easy.
Which brings into question on how stable the footings are with the frame.

I do like the idea and have a B&D workbench whose table top is in need of replacing and might try myself... but as long as I feel it will be sturdy enough. If at all, it will make for a good powder measure / dispensing table as I plan on having that on a separate (isolated) surface from the press.

Looking forward to see how the project turns out.

[SixPointEight]

You can use finish nails... but more importantly, use a quality wood glue on all the joints as well. Another recommendation is to use a 3/4" plywood for the base (1/2" is fine for the walls and shelf) as you'll be exerting a certain amount of force with the press and frankly, 1/2" plywood would just flex to easy.
Which brings into question on how stable the footings are with the frame.

I do like the idea and have a B&D workbench whose table top is in need of replacing and might try myself... but as long as I feel it will be sturdy enough. If at all, it will make for a good powder measure / dispensing table as I plan on having that on a separate (isolated) surface from the press.

Looking forward to see how the project turns out.

I thought About 3/4 inch, but I decided to leave the original base on there, so if I still want to use it as a sawhorse etc I can. So the original base should be pretty flex resistant. I hope at least. Anyways, I don't have a mounted press yet, so I'll have to update when I get one. Rockin' the hand press at the moment.

The footings are super stable. In fact, more stable than I even expected it to be. I'll be working on this tomorrow. Does quality wood glue exclude elmers? Because that's what I have around.

[RaymondMillbrae]

I can almost guarantee that if you are going to build a fancy-schmancy cabinet on top...that you willl probably not fold it down when done, but leave it set up.

If the latter is the case, then just build a solid wood one instead. They are pretty cheap to make, and you can custom-make it to suit, or fit, your needs.

In Christ: Raymond

[Chief-7700]

Use Sheet Rock screws AKA Grabbers

[bjl333]

Use Sheet Rock screws AKA Grabbers

+ doubling up the wood on top for 1" & glue it together. That way it can take more pressure.

[SixPointEight]

Use Sheet Rock screws AKA Grabbers

Those would certainly split plywood. If it was solid that may be an option

[Chief-7700]

Most all plywood subflooring is put down with glue and Grabbers because nails will back out. Have yet to split a piece of plywood with a Grabbers.

[SixPointEight]

Did you understand I was going to go through the 1/2in edge not the surface? Or are you seconding the idea of using another piece of wood to drill into?

[Chief-7700]

Yes I do! Countersink and pre-drill the holes and the plywood will not split. Once the holes are countersunk apply glue, screw together, wipe excess glue off with wet cloth/paper towel, now clamp together for 24 hours.

[SixPointEight]

Oh, alright. Guess I'll head up to Ace and get some of those

[Waldog]

I teach reloading and use three "Work Mate" tables with single stage presses for a portable classroom. I Use 3/4" plywood. Works well for loading smaller cases, i.e. pistol and 223 etc. Larger cases need a little more support. Two sheets of 3/4" glued and screwed would be perfect.

[Faust]

Yes I do! Countersink and pre-drill the holes and the plywood will not split. Once the holes are countersunk apply glue, screw together, wipe excess glue off with wet cloth/paper towel, now clamp together for 24 hours.

This is good advice even IF you end up using thicker stuff.

[SixPointEight]

Tried the screws and my scrap piece cracked. So I went with a small ribbed nail, combined with wood glue. Not perfect, and kind of wish I'd gone with a gloss finish, but oh well:



Still have to come up with a reliable method to secure to the workmate.

[SeanF]

looks good.