Jim Weir wrote:

I'm about to start building the "furniture" for the hangar. After a lifetime of
building "manly" workbenches out of DF 4x4s milled to take 2x4 crossmembers, and
having the concomitant rot and deterioration of wood, I'm considering making the
framing out of 1¼ PVC Schedule 40 pipe and fittings. The problem is what to use
for the bench tops and shelving underneath.

So far, all my "heavy duty" workbenches have been made out of 3/4" plywood with
a 2" doubler plate along the front and back, and my electronic workbenches have
been either solid core or hollow core doors with an appropriate varnish or Deft
coating on them.

However, since I'm going to a new method of framing, I'd like thoughts on what
you have used as workbench/shelving materials. The benches will be about 2'
wide and 6' long. Yes, I know, solid moulded Teflon would be best, but quick
and cheap is high on the list of attributes I'm looking for.

Thoughts appreciated.

Jim
Jim Weir (A&P/IA, CFI, & other good alphabet soup)
VP Eng RST Pres. Cyberchapter EAA Tech. Counselor
http://www.rst-engr.com

Just out of curiosity what's wrong with "manly" workbenches? And why
would DF 4x4's
rot away during your lifetime in a hanger that one presumes is dry
enough to do good
work on an airplane and/or anything else? I'd stick with the "manly"
frame and use
replaceable particle board tops. When driving something apart with a
"meanit" hammer
there's nothing like a good stout structure underneath. Shelving and
storage
compartments can be lighter duty but a workbench is for WORK. The first
time you set
something heavy on that pvc base you'll remember with fondness those old
"manly" benches:-)

Gary Thomas