Baton Rouge Southern 3.0 - a Design discussion

[nickelplate759]

I wouldn't expect the workbench to have heavier loads then the layout portion.  SO why the more robust build?

I would, at least for me.    I put heavy-ish tools on it, and also hammer, file and otherwise lean into it.  I want it to be pretty rigid, and not bouncy.  I'm not so rough on the layout itself.

[Philip H]

I would, at least for me.    I put heavy-ish tools on it, and also hammer, file and otherwise lean into it.  I want it to be pretty rigid, and not bouncy.  I'm not so rough on the layout itself.

This is actually fascinating to me - I don't have what I'd consider heavy tools in the layout space - aside from my airbrush compressor which sits on the floor. Very occasionally I bring in a drill for benchwork/wiring considerations. I don't have even a small vise on the bench,a nd I find applying a hammer to my models never goes well.  Thanks for the food for thought.

[nickelplate759]

This is actually fascinating to me - I don't have what I'd consider heavy tools in the layout space - aside from my airbrush compressor which sits on the floor. Very occasionally I bring in a drill for benchwork/wiring considerations. I don't have even a small vise on the bench,a nd I find applying a hammer to my models never goes well.  Thanks for the food for thought.

Good point.  I pile a lot of tools on my workbench, compared to the weight on the layout, but the heaviest is no more than a Panavise or Dremel drill press.  I do use it for small non-model work, and hammering, etc. is really something I do from time to time.  I don't like a bouncy workbench.   

That said, 6' isn't a horribly long span, so I'd recommend trying it with legs in the corner.  If it's too bouncy, then it can be stiffened  with 1.5" metal angle (run the full width of the span) and/or some sturdy 90-degree braces (like shelf brackets - NOT simple 90" bent-metal angle brackets).

[Philip H]

I used Ikea Omar shelves as the legs for my workbench. Bonus: they give you shelves.
These might work for you:

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/omar-shelf-unit-galvanized-00069768/

I love me some IKEA but my closest one is Atlanta.

[packers#1]

There’s one in Memphis Phil, but it’s probably still a decently long drive up there for you.

[Philip H]

There’s one in Memphis Phil, but it’s probably still a decently long drive up there for you.

It is about 6 Hours.  Atlanta is 7.  There's a Houston one as well, at 8 hours.  I miss the 20 minutes to College Park.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I love me some IKEA but my closest one is Atlanta.

[packers#1]

I did, to Memphis. Lasted about two years before the crime just went bananas. 

[wm3798]

If 18" is a functional depth for the work bench, then go to your local ReStore/Goodwill/Salvation Army store and find an old student desk.  Push it into position, then build the layout shelf so it's supported by the desk.  That's the solution I came up with for the Retro Rig.


The support isn't even attached to the layout or the desk.  I built a stand in the shape of an asymmetric "H" out of 1/2" plywood, which was wide enough to support the hollow core door at four points on the door frame.  The H framed had the added benefit of providing a "backstop" for the work surface, so those pesky little N scale bits weren't forever disappearing over the back of the desk.  I think my desk is about 22" deep (it's in storage at the moment, so not available for analysis) so your 18" deep layout shelf could work just fine, and be supported by a well crafted "U" shaped rack.  A couple of metal angle brackets would do the trick to secure everything in place free of the cubicle wall, and provide enough stability to make your lift bridge work for the roundy round route.

Even better, you get more drawers to put junk in!

Lee

[davefoxx]

A 6’8” HCD will sag, even with the legs set in from the end a little.  It doesn’t take much of a sag to cause your free-rolling freight cars to roll away.  However, apply a Masonite fascia along the sides, and that can act as the web in an I-beam.

DFF

[wm3798]

Did you solve the riddle yet?

[Philip H]

Did you solve the riddle yet?

No - the doors in the attic I had intended to use are 16 in doors not 18, and that extra two inches make a difference with the track plan I have.  I am working on ripping plywood for l-shaped legs that can screw into the edges of the doors once acquired.  Which, considering the state of may garage, is its own fools errand. 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I've been using an HCD for my workbench for, probably, close to 10 years. It hasn't sagged on me, and it has TONS of crap piled on it.

[dem34]

I've been using an HCD for my workbench for, probably, close to 10 years. It hasn't sagged on me, and it has TONS of crap piled on it.

And with that flag, its fate has been sealed.

[Missaberoad]

No - the doors in the attic I had intended to use are 16 in doors not 18, and that extra two inches make a difference with the track plan I have.  I am working on ripping plywood for l-shaped legs that can screw into the edges of the doors once acquired.  Which, considering the state of may garage, is its own fools errand. 

Could you rip a Tuba-Four to add the extra 2 inches to the edge of the doors? the frame of a HCD should accept screws easily enough.