Scrollsaw Workbench

[Dchatley]

I am thinking of building a workbench/table for for my scrollsaw.

What I had in mind was to build a scrollsaw bench that would allow you to use a standard height computer chair rather than the stool I currently use for my Dewalt.

Has anyone here tried that? if so I am curious how it turned out.

What I have in mind is a low bench( for the saw) with a higher work surface to either side made with 2 x 4 's (with Kreg pocket hole joinery) and 3/4 plywood for the top.

What gave me the idea was the RBI Hawk that has the table that allows wheelchair access....same idea but as a bench instead.

Any suggestions /comments would be great.

Thanks,

Dan

[Magpie]

I have a long wooden kitchen table that I have cut down the legs on, to where the top is just over my legs when I'm sitting in my chair. I have my scrollsaw, drill press, and sander on the table and can wheel around between them and my finishing table very easily. I would think a real workbench at that height would be great!

[Gill]

It sounds like a great idea .

My only comment would be to make the bench as heavy as possible so that vibration is minimised. My workbench is actually a redundant computer workstation which would be quite flimsy were it not for a slab of marble on top of it.

Gill

[PuzzledMoose]

The only problem I could see is for the occasions when you might want to stand - scrolling a larger piece for instance - you would have to bend over a long way with a low table.

[MikeDingas]

My thought exactly, Ian. I usually sit but occasionally stand and scroll just to stretch my back. If I sat that low I'd eventually end up with a beer in one hand and a cigar in the other.

[Gill]

If I sat that low I'd eventually end up with a beer in one hand and a cigar in the other.

And the problem would be...?

[Taffy Turner]

And the problem would be...?

The sawdust gets in the beer and makes it taste funny!

[PuzzledMoose]

And the problem would be...?

No hands left to scroll with?

[Rivari]

Dan, I have 4 work benches in my shop and made all of them by using those cheap kitchen countertops that are sold in varying lengths at Home Depot or Lowe's ($35.00 for an 8 footer). As for the base/legs 2 x 6s or 2 x 4s work great depending on what type of tool/machine you plan to mount on top. Each of my benches also have a storage shelf underneath. What I like most about using these countertops is that they are really easy to clean...that includes my finishing bench and all the stain that gets on it.

[workin for wood]

My saw sits a bit higher than the surrounding benches...just a hair higher. If you have any tables/benches beside the saw and they are higher than the saw table, you have to move the saw to scroll large pieces. I like the workbench to be close by..within hands reach, so I can put cut pieces on it, or grab another blade, or my coffee cup.

[Dchatley]

Thanks for all the input. I really like the idea of using the countertop.

Now I just need an idea for how not to freeze my butt off.

I have a heater sold by Costco that heat just objects but it does not work that good.

My scroll saw used to be inside but I have since been sent to the garage by the (boss).

What do use to heat your shops?

Dan

[workin for wood]

My wife's a red head...all I have to do is piss her off !

I have a modine "hot dawg"...propane overhead vented blast heater...perfect for heating a garage, costs about $1000 and that should include installation.

[BobD (Archive)]

My wife has red hair as well...so I know how brave you are to say something like that <GRIN>

Bob

[utbva]

I also have the radiant heater from Costco that I have directed toward my scroll saw station. I fixed the tip switch on the bottom and have hung it from the ceiling so it points down to where I am working. I also have a kerosine heater to take the chill off of the rest of the shop. It takes awhile to heat up the shop, but if I start it about an hour before I go out to work, it does help. However, it sounds like it is going to be cold enough here this weekend that even that won't help much, so I don't think I'll get much done this weekend.

[Mackem]

in my vast workshop (8'x6'8'') i use an oil filled radiator which works perfect for my needs.