Popular Woodworking 2003-02 № 132, страница 39
whatever size you need. Most craftsmen, I know, will immediately want to make the top a bit higher - 34" is somewhat low for a work surface for most people. But it works for me because I'm a short guy. Once you've decided on the overall dimensions of the bench, cut the plywood parts and rout a few dados to help you assemble and align the parts. Cut the bench ends with three intersecting dados in each - one vertical dado to hold the center divider and two horizontal dadoes to hold the shelves. Make each of these dadoes 3/4" wide and 1/4" deep. Also make 1/4"-deep dados in the shelves to hold the shelving dividers. Then rout horizontal dadoes in the center divider, 3/4" wide and Vs" deep. You must make these dados on both sides of the center divider - that's why they're only Vs" deep. Assemble the base parts with glue and screws (use pocket screws to attach the shelves l^- - to the center divider). To make sure that the top edges of the ends and center divider remain true to one another while the glue dries, stretch two strings diagonally from the outside corner of one cap to the outside corner of the other. The two strings should cross the base, forming a large "X." The strings should just kiss each other where they cross over the center divider, and they should rest lightly on the edge of the divider. If the strings aren't laying properly, level the parts of the workbench's base with small wedges and shims before the glue dries. Topping the Sandwich You can put a variety of tops on this base -I've used both butcher-block tops made from rock maple and less-expensive tops laminated from particleboard and hardboard. Any hard material about 11/2" thick will do. To attach the top, screw wooden cleats to the center divider and the ends, flush with the top edges. Position the top over the base and drive screws through the cleats and up into your top piece. You can customize this work island to serve your own needs with vises, work lamps and other workbench accessories. The first thing I usually add are swivel casters to make the bench easy to move. If you want more shelves, drill 1/4"-diameter holes in the ends and shelving dividers for shelving support pins, then rest the shelves on the pins. To add drawers, mount guide rails to the ends and divider, then build wooden boxes to slide on the rails. PW Nick Engler is the author of more than 50 books on woodworking, plus countless articles. Currently, he's helping kids across America build ribs for a full-size replica of the first true airplane, the 1903 Wright Flyer. popwood.com 39 |
