Folding Mobile Work Bench

Length of Project:
Project theme:
Suitable for grades:
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
  1. Cut 2 x 4 material to length: 24" x 8 pieces
  2. Drill 8 pilot holes ( 2 on each end) on 4 of the pieces
  3. Glue and screw the 8 pieces together to make 2 rectangular squares, approximately 28" x 24"
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. Cut 5/8 plywood to size: 2' x 4' x 1 piece , 20' x 6" x 4 pieces, 20 x 8 x 2 pieces
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. Support both rectangle sides upright and open up so plywood sheet move freely and are extended
  10. Apply strap hinges between appropriate plywood pieces. The two sides should fold into each other.
  11. Obtain 2' x 4' x 5/8 plywood and screw / glue support strips on underside. Fit to lock two sides in place
  12. 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.
  13. Go to Family Handyman YouTube video and "How to Make a Folding Mobile Workbench"; that's where I got the idea from
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