Today I constructed a 4' x 12" work bench. I cut 9-1/2" X 40" end caps from 23/32" plywood and attached them to the joists using deck screws. The bench was then decked with the same plywood. In this configuration the structure twisted quite easily. So, with the top-side down I leveled both ends then attached a 40" X 8' piece of 1/2" plywood to the bottom to complete a box section and provide torsional stiffness. This feature was not part of my original plan but since the plywood was left over from another project I figured this would be as good a use as any. The L-section legs were cut 32" long and were made from 2 X 6's screwed to 2 X 4's. The 2 X 6's were bolted to the i-joists using 3/8" carriage bolts through 3/4" X 4" MDF spacers cut from the remains of an old cabinet. Deck screws through the end caps add additional support and twist resistance. May add slotted, adjustable leg "feet" if I am unable to properly level the table on my sloped garage floor.
My friend Brian and his son Conner lent helping hands on leg assembly and getting the table upright. I jumped on top of the table to test it's sturdiness and was pleased to find that it did not budge under my 210 LB load. Eventually I will add a 1/2" HDF top as a clean, useable work surface.
Logged time includes that used for procuring materials at Home Depot
