Adjustable Workbench

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Lodgepole
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Posts: 286
Joined: Tue Oct 17, 2006 7:21 pm
Location: Idaho

Adjustable Workbench

Post by Lodgepole »

I don't know if anyone has seen this video from the American Woodshop, but it has an interesting design for an adjustable height workbench:

http://video.wbgu.org/video/2365229095/

I found it interesting that the inventor of this workbench also uses a Shopsmith.
newportcycle
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Posts: 191
Joined: Sat May 05, 2012 5:43 am
Location: Pittsfield, Maine

Re: Adjustable Workbench

Post by newportcycle »

Pretty ingenious thanks for posting.
claimdude
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Joined: Fri Dec 29, 2006 11:47 pm

Re: Adjustable Workbench

Post by claimdude »

I built an MFT version of the JackBench to use with all my 20 mm work holding equipment and my Festool stuff. It was a time consuming process but I am very happy with the results.

Jack
Mk V Powerpro and other stuff
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Lodgepole
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Posts: 286
Joined: Tue Oct 17, 2006 7:21 pm
Location: Idaho

Re: Adjustable Workbench

Post by Lodgepole »

Nice job! I like your modifications!
cham-ed
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Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2015 6:35 pm

Re: Adjustable Workbench

Post by cham-ed »

Not as nice but I built a bench I believe was from "Shop Notes" It uses a hydraulic lift table from Harbor Freight. It has a number of things dog holes, an end vise, an opening for a shop vac so it can be used as a downdraft table. Added to the side were a electrical outlet strip and one of those long magnetic tool holders. Another possibility...
number3456
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Joined: Sat Aug 12, 2017 6:21 pm

Re: Adjustable Workbench

Post by number3456 »

By any chance do have pictures of your workbench you can post?
520 now upgraded to Mark 7, 520 "shorty", 500 converted to a dedicated drill press.
2 - bandsaws, jig saw, belt sander, strip sander, 4" Jointer, planer, air compressor.
ClearVue dust collection system.
Location: Central Iowa
cham-ed
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Posts: 127
Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2015 6:35 pm

Re: Adjustable Workbench

Post by cham-ed »

I'd love to but I can't figure out how to do that. I searched for how to do that and didn't find a thread. The FAQ say nothing on how to actually do that. My pictures are too big to attach and I don't know how to fix that problem either. I would mind some Attachment for Dummies help.
cham-ed
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Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2015 6:35 pm

Re: Adjustable Workbench

Post by cham-ed »

Here are some pics. You can see the large vertical range. The cart has locking casters on one end. It's hard to see but the end vise can be seen in the grid picture. One thing that went wrong, I built the table width to the instructions but adjusted the supporting structure to the lift table. It didn't have enough space so you could use clamps along the edges. Next time I'd make it wider (you can see the strips I added).
The knock down grid is used to cut up plywood. The rounded ends make it easier to load the sheets along with putting it in a low position. Then I raise it and use my track saw. The 1950s potty chair I'm rebuilding is not part of the table.
A side note I had a heck of a time getting the pictures to loads. It would be nice if the moderators added some instructions on how to reduce photos to fit.
Attachments
raised - opening for vacuum line is just above pump handle
raised - opening for vacuum line is just above pump handle
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lowered
lowered
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side view - note outlet strip
side view - note outlet strip
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it has dog hole plus slots allowing the use of clamps
it has dog hole plus slots allowing the use of clamps
DSC03228e.JPG (726.18 KiB) Viewed 17159 times
with sawing grid attached note end vise
with sawing grid attached note end vise
DSC03230.JPG (868.32 KiB) Viewed 17159 times
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BuckeyeDennis
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Location: Central Ohio

Re: Adjustable Workbench

Post by BuckeyeDennis »

Cham-ed, is that a Harbor Freight lift table? I’m contemplating getting one to use as a stand for my benchtop drum sander. Then when not in use, I could lower it and tuck it away underneath another table.

When in the raised position, how “wobbly” side-side is the lift table? Any other issues I should know about?

Thanks for posting!
cham-ed
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Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2015 6:35 pm

Re: Adjustable Workbench

Post by cham-ed »

Yes that is a Harbor Freight lift table underneath that top. I'm a little paranoid and after years of experience with hydraulics I clamp a wood block in the track that the bottom rollers ride in. I know in that configuration there isn't a wobble.
I Never Ever trust hydraulics and insure it can't drop and sever a body part. And don't think you can get out of the way fast enough. I once saw the 2 cu yd bucket of an end loader drop when a hose blew. And if you were under it, you wouldn't be alive. That thing dropped like a 2 ton stone. Bam!
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