Benchwork complete. FINALLY!

[ExtremePCs]

Hi all,

I have not been on in a while because I've been workin' on the railroad I finally got my benchwork done yesterday. Here's a pic of the custom benchwork for the Granite Gorge and Northern from the Atlas book. It's 5' x 9', made from 1 x 4 and 1 x 6 "select white pine" Legs are 2 x 2's that I ripped from 2 x 4's. Home Depot had 2 x 2's, but they were all shaped like pretzels! Braces are 1 x 2's. The stilts around the perimeter are temporary... just there to hold the top level while I mark the track and cut the top.

I don't have a pic of the track plan handy, but it is on the Atlas website under HO layouts. Now on to cookie cutting the top!

Jayson

 

[jim currie]

nice benchwork mine never look that good

 

[nachoman]

that looks like some fine craftsmanship. Are you sure you want to cover it with a layout?

kevin

 

[nutz4trainz]

well the bench work looks great but are you going to be able to get to all the area

 

[ExtremePCs]

Barely, but there is just enough room to have a small aisle on all 4 sides. The wood floor and felt leg levelers (the floor is not perfectly level) allow the bench to slide very easily too, so if I need more room I can move it without much vibration.

 

[Ralph]

Nice carpentry!
Ralph

 

[Drew1125]

nice benchwork mine never look that good

Ditto for me! ops:
I always get in too much of a hurry through that stage...
Jayson,
Do you have experience with cabnet making, or building furniture? You do really fine looking work!
:thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

 

[eightyeightfan1]

That does look good. Nice woodowrking.
If you're not too busy......

 

[ExtremePCs]

Thanks for the compliments everyone. I'll post more pics next weekend after I'm through cutting the top. It's proving to be a challenge getting everything to line up. 8-(

 

[zedob]

I always dream of doing benchwork that would look like that, but it never seems to end up looking like that. Beautiful work.:thumb: :thumb: You should think of staining it and leaving the scenery off.

 

[ExtremePCs]

As promised, pics of the top after cutting and painting. I used a router along the river bank to make it look more natural.

 

[Wyomingite]

That looks great, keep the progress coming.

Ron :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

 

[JAyers]

You know, this is what is great about this hobby, there is no one way to do things. ExPC here has shown an interesting twist on the cookie cutter method with the routed edges and I think this is a really neat and inspiring technique. I will have to think on how this can be used further. Good job!

John

 

[60103]

We now have a terrific set of photos for people who ask about the cookie-cutter technique.

 

[jasonboche]

I was going to suggest painting your benchwork before you get too far. Help keep moisture and humidity in/out.

Your work looks fantastic!

 

[Badyin Macfadyi]

was going to suggest painting your benchwork

Don't forget the underneath as it may warp otherwise

 

[ExtremePCs]

You know, this is what is great about this hobby, there is no one way to do things. ExPC here has shown an interesting twist on the cookie cutter method with the routed edges and I think this is a really neat and inspiring technique. I will have to think on how this can be used further. Good job!

John

I started off using an old wood rasp... Once my hand got tired, I remembered that I had a router in the garage Kind of felt like I was cheating, but it sure was quicker and easier.

 

[Ernest Lafleur]

hi Jayson,
Are you sure you want to start with modeltrains? You could do good as a kabinet maker,
build kabinets for us ,so we can put our trains in them.HA.HA.HA
Real good work,it looks good.
Erne