Fold-up Modelling Bench

[RNfanDan]

Wanting to have a good work surface (other than the kitchen table) to ply my hobby upon, and equally short of space to make a permanent workbench, I needed a quick solution to both problems. Adding to the difficulty, is the need to utilize the space my bench occupies for temporary storage and/or human occupancy on family occasions.

My previous method was to seize the few opportunities when they came about, place protective covering on the aforementioned dinner table, and try to get some work done before I would have to vacate once again. This meant unpacking my supplies, setting up my materials and plans, and generally robbing myself of build time from both ends by having to pack it all away and clean up the area when it was needed again (usually much too soon)!

The solution? Quick, simple and "why did I take so long to figure it out?"!!
I purchased a Black and Decker "Workmate", on sale this weekend at a nearby home improvement store for under $20; a 2' x 4' pre-cut 1/2" piece of sanded particle board for about $7, four #8 wood screws and my drill. I just centered-up the 2x4' panel on the Workmate, drilled and secured the 4 screws through the Workmate's two vise boards and, VOILA! An instant, portable, fold-away modelling bench was born!

It's the perfect height for my needs, lightweight, sturdy (enough for modelling, anyway) and inexpensive. When it's "up", it takes only a moderate amount of space, and it will stash under just about any bed or behind a closet door, if the need arises. Sure, I still have to pack some of my stuff away, but a lot less often than with the family dinner table, and can go for weeks without bother. Being portable, it can be placed near any good light source including windows, and has just enough surface area to comfortably handle my warship build and supplies of paint, glue, and tools.

If you are in a similar bind, for whatever reason(s), I recommend you try one of these for yourself!

--RNFD--

[les]

Another option would have been to go to a office supply store and buy a folding table. They come in 4, 6 and 8 ft. lengths.

[woody_b]

Hi all

Im still new to this site and have been going through some of the old posts, I too have limited space, and i use a pair of fold up saw horses with a sheet of 22mm MDF on them the good thing about them is that i can adjust the height depending on what i am doing, the can also be folded away and shoved under a bed when the space is needed.

Andy

[les]

Woody, you might glue a piece of formica on it to give you a good clean and smooth surface.

[woody_b]

hiya

Thanks for the tip, but you have to remember to glue formica to both sides or else the top will bow. I have a separate board with 3mm vinal that i use as a cutting board, helps to save the points on my blades ( all stuff borrowed from work as i am a joiner)

Andy