I just built all of my benchwork for my 16x13 O gauge layout. I did it all with 2x3 studs in an open grid configuration with 2x3 supports every 15 inches and 1/2 inch plywood on top. It seems sturdy as can be but should I have used 2x4's? The last thing I want to do is tear this all out and start over.
Did I make a mistake?
- Thread starter MXD
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I essentially built it like I was framing in a wall. I built a box out of 2x3's then I put in 2x3 studs every 15 inches topped off by a 1/2 inch peice of plywood screwed to the top.
I thought I would be ok then I started reading posts where people were saying to build it out of no less than 2x4's! I got a bit nervous.
2x4 actually is 1 1/2x3 1/2.
Not sure if 2x3s are any smaller than their actual dimensions.
I'm not. I was just posting what the 2x3's actually measured since he said he wasn't sure.
No worries, I figured you just read it fast and didn't realize I was talking about the 2x3's.
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I essentially built it like I was framing in a wall. I built a box out of 2x3's then I put in 2x3 studs every 15 inches topped off by a 1/2 inch peice of plywood screwed to the top.
I thought I would be ok then I started reading posts where people were saying to build it out of no less than 2x4's! I got a bit nervous.
Nah, you could have a dance party on that thing.2x3 studs are only a little less beefy than 2x4's, and many modern 2x4's aren't much larger than 2x3's anyway. You should bed just fine.
2x4 actually is 1 1/2x3 1/2.
Not sure if 2x3s are any smaller than their actual dimensions.
Are we fighting over lumber dimensions?
I'm not. I was just posting what the 2x3's actually measured since he said he wasn't sure.
Heck yeah! Jump on in.
Jim, U.S.A. 1x and 2x (dimensional) lumber always has and is a size based on a standard. Where we run into problems is buying lumber (Lowes, Hodo) manufactured for export or imported lumber, all that have been cut to metric and roughly converted to our US units.
Jim, U.S.A. 1x and 2x (dimensional) lumber always has and is a size based on a standard. Where we run into problems is buying lumber (Lowes, Hodo) manufactured for export or imported lumber, all that have been cut to metric and roughly converted to our US units.
True, Rex, the whole metric thing has screwed up our idea of what the old 2x4 really measures. You can still buy a real 2x4 or 2x3 from a "real" lumberyard. If you buy it from a big box store, you get the export, metric equivalent lumber. I still like to know that a 2x4 I buy actually measures 2" by 4", even if it costs more.
Josh, no fighting in the war room. Wolfe apparently misread that MXD was posting the correct nominal size of a 2x3 in reponse to an uncertainty about the meaurements of a 2x3 that Wolfe himself posted.
Josh, no fighting in the war room.
Wolfe apparently misread that MXD was posting the correct nominal size of a 2x3 in reponse to an uncertainty about the meaurements of a 2x3 that Wolfe himself posted.No worries, I figured you just read it fast and didn't realize I was talking about the 2x3's.
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