A folding portable work bench suitable for use by elementary students while they build projects in their classroom
Tools & Materials
Material List
- 2 x 4 x 8' x 3 pieces / 1 x 3 x 8' x 1 piece / 4' x 4' x 5/8 plywood / 2" Butt hinges x 8 / 2" Strap hinges x 4
Tool list
- Drop saw, battery hand drill, jig saw
Procedure
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Cut 2 x 4 material to length: 24" x 8 pieces
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Drill 8 pilot holes ( 2 on each end) on 4 of the pieces
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Glue and screw the 8 pieces together to make 2 rectangular squares, approximately 28" x 24"
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Cut 2 x 4 material to length: 24" x 4 pieces. Glue and screw inside of rectangle on 24" side. This will be the horizontal sides
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Cut 1 x 3 material to fit the other 24" side. Notch out to fit around 2 x 4 attached in step 4. Glue and screw to fit. This will be the vertical sides.
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Cut 5/8 plywood to size: 2' x 4' x 1 piece , 20' x 6" x 4 pieces, 20 x 8 x 2 pieces
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Apply Butt Hinge to one end of each of 20 x 4 plywood pieces, two Butt Hinges to one end of each 20 x 6 plywood pieces
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Apply Butt Hinge and 20 x 4 plywood to 1 x 3 vertical piece at top and bottom, apply Butt Hinge and 20 x 6 plywood to vertical piece in the middle. These to be fixed on opposite sides of rectangle
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Support both rectangle sides upright and open up so plywood sheet move freely and are extended
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Apply strap hinges between appropriate plywood pieces. The two sides should fold into each other.
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Obtain 2' x 4' x 5/8 plywood and screw / glue support strips on underside. Fit to lock two sides in place
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Add latch hooks to sides to keep together, and latch bolt to keep rigid if necessary. Add casters if desired, but the bench will tend to wander.
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Go to Family Handyman YouTube video and "How to Make a Folding Mobile Workbench"; that's where I got the idea from