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simply by spinning the cart around. When you're finished using it, just roll it out of the way.

To make the cart easy to move, I kept the size relatively small. But a small worksurface won't always fit the task at hand. So I added flip-up wings that are firmly supported by folding shelf brackets.

This cart has one other feature that I should mention. I placed a shelf between the lower stretchers.

NOTE: locate assembly

table near workbench to save steps

NOTE: table height of 20"-30" works for most projects

It provides some easy-access storage when I'm working.

I didn't want to skimp with lightweight construction. So I used traditional mortise and tenon joints to connect the upper and lower aprons to the beefy legs, as shown in the detail above.

ULTIMATE ASSEMBLY TABLE

The two previous projects are both versatile and practical, but they

large, flat top handles nearly any size project

large shelf below means you have everything you need close at hand

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do make tradeoffs in order to be tucked away easily. The "full-size" assembly table shown below is just the opposite. I like to think of it as my workbench's little brother — it's not as tall, but you can definitely see the family resemblance.

The advantages here are numerous. First, the lower height of the worksurface makes putting together a large project more comfortable. And the large, sturdy top has a wide overhang so that you can easily clamp workpieces to it. Plus, like the rolling cart, this table is built with stout legs and sturdy mortise and tenon construction. Finally, an ample shelf below means that I can avoid a lot of trips across my shop to get supplies.

Another thing worth mentioning is the location of my assembly table. It's close to my workbench so I can go from one to the other by just turning around.

Now you might think that one of these dedicated assembly tables would simply add clutter to a small shop. But you'll find that it actually makes more efficient use of limited space and time. There's no more downtime while waiting for glue to dry or trying to find space to store a partially assembled project. This way, your workbench will be clear to handle the tasks that it's best suited for.

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