Shop Table

Creator: opticron Status: Implemented Born On: 21:59, 1 May 2009 (CDT) Last Updated: 18:08, 15 June 2010 (CDT)

Overview

This is the official design for stool height shop tables with dry-erasable tops. The end cost is targeted to be somewhere around $80. The design was created by korc and the instructions were created and refined by opticron. The under-table shelf provides a storage area for active projects as well as a conveniently placed footrest. Two of these tables have been built in addition to the original, shorter table.

The modified design with height to match 3ft stools.

This was the original design with short legs.

Raw Materials

Cutting these boards will result in 30" of wasted wood in 6 pieces.

• 2"x4"x8' [2]
• 2"x4"x10' [2]
• 2"x4"x12' [4]
• 4'x8' dry-erase showerboard material [1] (replacable top surface)
• 4'x8'x0.75" MDF [1]

Finished Materials

• Legs [6]
  • 2"x4"x40"
  • These are cut from the 10' boards.
• Short Horizontal Supports [4]
  • 2"x4"x47.5"
  • These are cut from the 8' boards.
• Center Horizontal Supports [4]
  • 2"x4"x44.5"
  • Each of these is cut from a 12' board.
• Long Horizontal Supports [4]
  • 2"x4"x92.5"
  • Each of these is cut from a 12' board.
• Base Table Surface [1]
  • 4'x8'x0.75" MDF
  • Bevel the edges of this with a router.

Assembly

Support Frame [2]

1. Place the long horizontal supports 44.5" apart.
2. Cap them with the short horizontal supports.
3. Center the two center horizontal supports 3.5" apart between the long horizontal supports.
4. Drill 2 holes for each joint, countersink them, and secure them with screws.
5. Secure all joints with 2 screws.

Shelf [1]

1. Make holes for the 2"x4" legs.
   1. Mark 5.25" and 1.75" in from a corner on a short side.
   2. Mark 3.25" and 1.75" in from a corner on the adjacent long side.
   3. Cut out the rectangle formed by these four markings.
   4. Mirror the hole to all four corners.
   5. Mark 1.75" on either side of the center of the long sides.
   6. Mark 3.25" and 1.75" deep from the center of the long sides.
   7. Cut out the rectangle formed by these four markings.
2. Alternatively, make notches for the 2"x4" legs.
   1. Mark 5.25" in from each side on the short sides.
   2. Mark 3.25" in from each side on the long sides.
   3. Notch each corner according to the markings.
   4. Mark a notch in the middle of the long sides 3.5" wide and 3.25" deep.
   5. Notch the middle of the long sides as marked.
3. Attach the shelf to the top of one of the support frames.
4. Slide legs through the remaining holes.
5. Secure the legs such that the top of the shelf is 1' off the ground.

Top [1]

1. If necessary, bevel the edges of the MDF using a router.
2. Attach the MDF to the top of the remaining support frame with screws.
3. Set the MDF support frame on top of the legs.
4. Use 4 screws per leg to secure the legs to the top.
5. Staple the whiteboard slab to the MDF.