Workbench / Table

[kmmcrafts]

Many of you know I bought a new laser a couple months back. I'm wanting to get a workbench to set it on but having a bit of trouble finding one that the laser will actually fit on. The dimensions of the laser are 48.8W x 34.3D x 26.4H and most benches I find are not but 24 inch deep, while the laser could overhang the edges some as the feet are not all the way out to the edge of it. I'd have to measure but I'm guessing a 30" Deep might work. Next issue is how tall the table is as the machine is already 26" tall so a 30" tall table would make loading and unloading the work a bit on the tall side.. but as it is only 26.4 tall leaving it on the ground as is I have to almost be on my hands and knees to load and unload it which is partly why I want to table. A 30" tall table would do better than leaving this on the ground though so I could probably live with that. 

I'm wondering if anyone knows of any nice larger benches that can hold this 300lb machine and have some room on either side to place the laptop and other things to run it.. Hoping to be able to put the chiller red thing off to the side in the picture underneath the table. Looking at the photos maybe 30" wouldn't be too bad after all because the laser table is half way down into the machine once the door is open.. I just gotta be able to reach and see the control panel on the right side of it.. I am 5.6Ft so that might work. I know someone gonna say build a bench.. I'd rather buy one.. but worst case I might settle for building one but I'm not much of a builder unless there is some real good blueprints.. I'm not great at just winging it like many of you guys are.. 

I've asked on the laser sites I'm on and 90% just deal with it on the ground.. a couple folks built a bench out of the parts from the shipping crate it ships in but the crate is exactly the size of the laser and I need a space for my laptop etc.. and those homemade ones looked pretty sketchy to me for a 300lb machine that probably would shake that whole table when the machine is running, LOL 

Anyway, anyone know of a site with many different workbench options? IF I have to build my own it's going to be a while as my truck doesn't get out in the snow and salt.. so like to buy so I can get this up and running. Thoughts and Suggestions? Maybe you guys will be more help than the laser groups.. most those folks are only into laser talk and show off of projects rather than shops and workbenches, LOL

 

 

[rjweb]

Kevin, sorry my only suggestion would be to build your own, this way you can customize it any way you want, RJ

[OCtoolguy]

I'd build my own too. There are many videos on bench building. It would just be a matter of plugging in your own numbers.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

If you find a bench then just add a 3/4" piece of plywood any size you want. Make it so you can store tools and things on it. The 24" should not deter you. The height maybe. What height would you like? Maybe find a bench and cut the legs down. Or it is so easy to build a basic bench. I made one just to hold my TV last year while I work on my rooms. I will replace with cabinet at later date when done. Had some 3/4" plywood laying around and bought a couple 2X4's. Very easy. Not even a day to build. 

Come on you do not plans to build a bench. Frame with 4 legs and put a top and shelf to stabilize the lower half. 

Edited 15 hours ago by JTTHECLOCKMAN

[kmmcrafts]

I knew this would be the response and deep down I also know this is really what I need to do to really make it the way I want.. I may end up building a huge bench down one whole side of the shop so I can place my other two lasers on it as well.. then plumb the exhaust into one big manifold to exit out in one spot. Then I won't need to cut several holes in my wall to install the smoke stack, LOL. 

The bigger reason I don't really want to build it is I'm not really supposed to be doing any sawing of wood.. I think I could get away with it outside in the spring / summer.. just hoping to set things up before then.. and building my own is not a best option currently due to my doctor's orders.. 

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

2 minutes ago, kmmcrafts said:

I knew this would be the response and deep down I also know this is really what I need to do to really make it the way I want.. I may end up building a huge bench down one whole side of the shop so I can place my other two lasers on it as well.. then plumb the exhaust into one big manifold to exit out in one spot. Then I won't need to cut several holes in my wall to install the smoke stack, LOL. 

The bigger reason I don't really want to build it is I'm not really supposed to be doing any sawing of wood.. I think I could get away with it outside in the spring / summer.. just hoping to set things up before then.. and building my own is not a best option currently due to my doctor's orders.. 

Well what size bench are you looking for. You know you are going to spend good money on it. Look at HF and see what they have and adapt something. Cheapest place. 

[kmmcrafts]

1 minute ago, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

Well what size bench are you looking for. You know you are going to spend good money on it. Look at HF and see what they have and adapt something. Cheapest place. 

Yeah, I found one that is close to the size and might work.. but it's close to $400 too.. I'm rethinking this now.. I might just have to go at it really slow and build what I need.. so long as no snow or rain I guess I could work in the driveway in the cold to make some cuts on my table saw and miter saw.. table saw is hooked to dust collector and not much comes off it.. don't have any step down connectors for the miter saw but might be able to do all of it on the table saw anyway. 

[Fab4]

Hi Kev:
Is that crate cardboard and wood?
You have the dimensions from the crate
Is that a thin sheet of plywood on top just add a thicker piece of plywood as mentioned above and add 2x4 legs to it. then get a small separate table for your laptop, and other things you need a table for
Fab4

[barb.j.enders]

The only thing I will add to this conversation is a place to get plans.  I can't wing it on my own either.  I got the plans for my flip cart from here.  https://www.youtube.com/c/Fixthisbuildthat

[ChelCass]

Do you have Amish close by?  Maybe you could talk to them and see what they would charge to build you your table. Or maybe a handyman in your area (think Marketplace or Facebook). Also I'm thinking someone who builds those work sheds would be able to do a side job and built you a bench.  Just a couple of things to consider.  If you were closer I could lend you my hubby, he can build anything. 

[kmmcrafts]

5 hours ago, Fab4 said:

Hi Kev:
Is that crate cardboard and wood?
You have the dimensions from the crate
Is that a thin sheet of plywood on top just add a thicker piece of plywood as mentioned above and add 2x4 legs to it. then get a small separate table for your laptop, and other things you need a table for
Fab4

The crate is wood.. I think it's probably 3/8" plywood.. I think this might be a temporary and possible permanent (since most of my temporary ends up being permanent) solution.. I think I'll glue and nail both top and bottom pieces together and then frame it build some legs from 2x4's.. I also forget than this laser will run via thumb drive or even wifi etc.. so it really doesn't need the computer connected.  

[kmmcrafts]

43 minutes ago, barb.j.enders said:

The only thing I will add to this conversation is a place to get plans.  I can't wing it on my own either.  I got the plans for my flip cart from here.  https://www.youtube.com/c/Fixthisbuildthat

Thanks for the link, funny I was just looking at another Youtube (whosthevoss I think is the name) where he built a fliptop table.. I need one of those too.. I think 

[kmmcrafts]

12 minutes ago, ChelCass said:

Do you have Amish close by?  Maybe you could talk to them and see what they would charge to build you your table. Or maybe a handyman in your area (think Marketplace or Facebook). Also I'm thinking someone who builds those work sheds would be able to do a side job and built you a bench.  Just a couple of things to consider.  If you were closer I could lend you my hubby, he can build anything. 

I have Amish cabinet maker shop about a half mile from here.. They actually want me to do their CNC custom cabinet door designs etc for them.. I never even gave that much thought but I'm sure they'd build something too.. 

[rjweb]

Kevin, If I was closer I come and build you a bench, just a few too many miles, but I agree the Amish may be the best answer, RJ