Okay, goal for this thread is to show my new 4x8 setup as it goes along and hopefully document my mistakes and missteps so that other newbies starting for the first time can avoid my pitfalls! (And so I can avoid my pitfalls when I do my next set up!) As such, feel free to point out some of my potential mistakes, just please remember this is my first try.
Okay, to start, here's the bench work I put together. From reading online I decided to start with the "classic" 4x8. Not very original, but simple to start with. I looked at several setups online, and decided to go with a modified version of them. My problem was I only had a sedan for the lumber, so I could only carry 2'x4' plywood and 4' long posts/studs. What I eventually decided to do was build four 2'x4' frames to mount the plywood and then attach these together to form a 4'x8' setup. At each of the long side seams, I used 8x 2" drywall screws based on an online suggestion to use drywall vs deck screws. I used 4 of the same on each of the short seams. In both cases I put 4 screws in from each side. After that, installed 4"x4" legs (42" tall) using "L" brackets. It resulted overall in the long seams feeling solid, but the middle seam was a big saggy. To firm this up, I used a 2"x4"x4' piece with "U" brackets under the short seam. This plus a 2"x4" leg underneath the center fixed the sagging issue, but still left a wobbly table. I took 1"x2"x4' pine and made the cross supports between the legs. The result is actually a rock solid table despite the errors. Here's the lessons learned:
1. It's way easier to find a buddy with a truck and just get 4'x8'.
2. Deck screws work way better than drywall. I switched halfway through and will not go back.
3. 4'x8' might be "classic", but www.layoutdesigns.com points out there are much more efficient ways of using the space. Next time I will not make a 4x8.
4. A few extra bucks invested into metal brackets makes a much nicer and more sturdy product.
5. Bolting at the seams: would have likely been easier, more secure, and made the setup more portable.
Next Step: Finding a layout
Okay, to start, here's the bench work I put together. From reading online I decided to start with the "classic" 4x8. Not very original, but simple to start with. I looked at several setups online, and decided to go with a modified version of them. My problem was I only had a sedan for the lumber, so I could only carry 2'x4' plywood and 4' long posts/studs. What I eventually decided to do was build four 2'x4' frames to mount the plywood and then attach these together to form a 4'x8' setup. At each of the long side seams, I used 8x 2" drywall screws based on an online suggestion to use drywall vs deck screws. I used 4 of the same on each of the short seams. In both cases I put 4 screws in from each side. After that, installed 4"x4" legs (42" tall) using "L" brackets. It resulted overall in the long seams feeling solid, but the middle seam was a big saggy. To firm this up, I used a 2"x4"x4' piece with "U" brackets under the short seam. This plus a 2"x4" leg underneath the center fixed the sagging issue, but still left a wobbly table. I took 1"x2"x4' pine and made the cross supports between the legs. The result is actually a rock solid table despite the errors. Here's the lessons learned:
1. It's way easier to find a buddy with a truck and just get 4'x8'.
2. Deck screws work way better than drywall. I switched halfway through and will not go back.
3. 4'x8' might be "classic", but www.layoutdesigns.com points out there are much more efficient ways of using the space. Next time I will not make a 4x8.
4. A few extra bucks invested into metal brackets makes a much nicer and more sturdy product.
5. Bolting at the seams: would have likely been easier, more secure, and made the setup more portable.
Next Step: Finding a layout
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