Harbor Frieght pine farm bench

[InsaneIrish]

Well, since I can't find the previous thread where we were discussing this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/D ... mber=93994


I started a new one.


I got my bench in.

I IS split into 3 pieces along the bench with about a 1/2" gap inbetween each slat.

It does go together with no bolts or screws and IS colapsable. However, the way they set up the legs is NOT designed for repeated breakdown.

Basically there is a 2" x 8" slat of wood attached to the bottom of each end of the bench. In that slat is a 3/4" to 1" wide groove that is about 1" deep.

A slot is cut into the top of each leg that matches each groove. You hammer the slots into the grooves and then put the tenons into the mortise joints on the cross member.

It seems to be a pretty good bench, but the thin slot and groove method makes me worry about how long it would last with repeated assembly and breakdown.

I think I would have to do some significant modification to the existing bench before I would be happy the set up.

But, if you are looking for a nice bench for in your yard, this is pretty good.

[Cian of Storvik]

Thank you for investing in that, InsaneIrish, and giving us the straight dope on it.
Sometimes it takes having and item in hand and tinkering to make sure your perception of an item is really what you need.
That thing is about the cost of materials, but I think there are some gifted wood workers on here that can probably make something better while still at an affordable price.
-Cian

[Mord]

Well, since I can't find the previous thread where we were discussing this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/D ... mber=93994


I started a new one.


I got my bench in.

I IS split into 3 pieces along the bench with about a 1/2" gap inbetween each slat.

It does go together with no bolts or screws and IS colapsable. However, the way they set up the legs is NOT designed for repeated breakdown.

Basically there is a 2" x 8" slat of wood attached to the bottom of each end of the bench. In that slat is a 3/4" to 1" wide groove that is about 1" deep.

A slot is cut into the top of each leg that matches each groove. You hammer the slots into the grooves and then put the tenons into the mortise joints on the cross member.

It seems to be a pretty good bench, but the thin slot and groove method makes me worry about how long it would last with repeated assembly and breakdown.

I think I would have to do some significant modification to the existing bench before I would be happy the set up.

But, if you are looking for a nice bench for in your yard, this is pretty good.

Interesting. I'm in the process of rebuilding my "workshop" after moving. I have a small space, so I considered building something like this to use as a plaining bench and all around work bench, etc. I would not have to disassemble/re-assemble it. How thick is the wood?

Thanks,

Mord.

[InsaneIrish]

Interesting. I'm in the process of rebuilding my "workshop" after moving. I have a small space, so I considered building something like this to use as a plaining bench and all around work bench, etc. I would not have to disassemble/re-assemble it. How thick is the wood?

Thanks,

Mord.

I will have to measure when I get home, but the stock is pretty significant. It is atleast true 1" thick stock and might eve be closer to standard 2" thick stock. but I will have to measure first.

If you were planning on assembling and leaving be, you could EASILY screw in long drywall screws through the top and shore up the leg assembly.

All and all this bench has alot of potential for tinkering. It is just not "camp" worthy out of the box. I may play with it sometime and see if I can retro fit a more secure way of making it repeatedly colapsable.

[InsaneIrish]

Sorry for the delay.

Mord, all the stock on the bench is 1.25" thick. So, it looks like the whole thing was made from 2X lumber.