Comments on: Torsion Box Workbench – Viewer Project

By: lucius

lucius — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:05:39 +0000

I have a question. Is there blueprints for this bench and a Material list.

Thanks

By: Todd Boyland

Todd Boyland — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:47:07 +0000

Do you have pics or diagrams of how you incorporated the bench dogs into the torsion box?
Thanks for any info.

Todd B.

By: Bud

Bud — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 08:01:11 +0000

I actually glued everything except for the sacrificial top and all the hardboard. Since I’m using this bench as an out-feed table I went with rubber leveling feet.

By: mrrberger

mrrberger — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:31:00 +0000

Great Fabrication, the concept isn’t new but the execution is invaluable. I would add 2 observations:

1: Use glue – Ply gains it’s strength from the run of wood fiber in each lamination, screwing does not join these fiber layers from separate boards together. Glue will allow better transfer of forces through joints and give better durability through lower load bearing.

2: Feet – Point load feet also creates issues with vibration harmonics, movement…. Use some left over ply to build small box frames around each pin foot so after leveling you can fill the box with rapid set concrete $5 a bag and have solid leg to floor load transfer.

These 2 steps will firm up your bench significantly.

By: Pierre Miura

Pierre Miura — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 05:35:20 +0000

Excellent concept. It’s possible to obtain detailed plans?

By: Greg

Greg — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:51:26 +0000

I think is awesome. I’ve been wanting to build a mobile workbench since I saw the torsion top video. I have a smaller shop so mobility is key. Having a slightly lighter but still strong, flat bench like this would be perfect.

By: DTharp

DTharp — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:22:41 +0000

I am finishing up my first work bench and already thinking about my next one. This looks like it could be my next and last bench. I definitively like it, I might just love it.

By: One-Car-Garage Steve

One-Car-Garage Steve — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:33:00 +0000

Sand in the cavities will add weight and might have the added benefit of dampening some of the shocks (helping to save floors from damage!). Just make sure that the underneath is strong enough and doesn’t “leak” – otherwise they’ll be sand everywhere!

By: Bud

Bud — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:29:16 +0000

I glued the torsion box, I guess I meant there are no clamping glue-ups as with solid lumber. Also, I’ve used two torsion assembly tables similar to this (they were actually even wider with fewer stretchers) and they never sagged. I am confident that this bench will stay flat.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:32:40 +0000

I grew up as a weekend warrior in my father’s humble basement shop. He has always been fascinated with tools and building things. One of my best memories in the shop is actually helping him build his new workbench. We had recently moved and his previous work area was attached to the walls and thus went with the house.

The new workbench was a masterpiece to me as a 8yr old, though it was actually a very simple thing. We used standard 2x lumber for legs and frame work and a plywood top, it looked much like the photos above.

It has been almost 30 years now and he still has that thing! It has endured hundreds of projects, pounding, and splattering of various liquids. Not to mention the half dozen or more moves across the country and back that it has made.

It is a heavy thing, but the two of us (once I was a bit older) could move it around pretty easily. He moved once again about 2 years ago (finally closer to me) and has been upgrading his shop space- a one car garage bay that can expand into the second stall with the movable equipment stands we have built for it. Now he is also upgrading that old workbench. He has enclosed the once exposed frame so he has hide-away storage for some of his smaller tools/boxes. Some of which are tools that belonged to my great-grandfather!

So I guess what I am saying is that a simple, inexpensive workbench can not only be very functional and durable, but it can also give you cherished lifetime memories of working with your father, or son and ties you to the past (in this case my great-grandfather whom I remember very well). Thanks for the original post- and allowing me to think about working with my pop in his shop!

-Chris