A few weeks back, I finished assembling the steel table frames I bought for my new X-Carve 1000mm x 1000mm. I ended up going with a set of 2 Stack-On SOP-AWB-6 Adjustable Height & Length Steel Workbench Frames30, bolted together. The adjustable height and length steel frames is exactly what I needed for strength/stability and to mitigate a 3″ offset on the garage floor at the X-Carve’s designated shop location.
I like that fact that the frame height adjusts from 29 inches to 41 inches tall and the legs have adjustable screw levelers. The length can be adjusted for 4 foot, 5 foot or 6 foot x 24 inch work surfaces. I knew I had to mitigate the issue with my uneven floor and I wasn’t completely sure where I would end with the work area so having this flexibility to work with was great for me.
At the end, I settled with a 4’ x 4’ work surface configuration and 3/4″ MDF table top. A good simple base to start with.
Below are a couple of photos showing the assembled table and the steel frame components after unpacking. So far, I like the empty space below to store my shop vac and/or other materials. I may add a shelf across in the back and leave the front open. Just love the flexibility.
The workbench frame is sturdy as built before even bolting down the MDF top (my choice). Each table weights approximately 29 lbs. So, I’m at ~58 lbs. overall on the steel frames before the MDF top. The manufacturer claims each table has a weight capacity of 750 lbs. No issues there for my application. The table can also be bolted to the ground.
To fasten the MDF table top to the steel frame I decided to use E-Z LOK’s 1/4-20 x 1/2″ threaded inserts embedded in the MDF table top. Once I placed the table top over the steel frame exactly where I wanted it, I marked all 34 available holes on the MDF table top with a black marker. Then, using a 3/8″ Forstner bit, I drilled a total of 34 1/2″ holes for the threaded inserts. Next, I screwed the inserts into the MDF board with a screwdriver. A bit of patience pays off.
Once I placed the MDF over the table, I aligned the corner inserts to the steel frame holes and fastened the MDF table top to the steel frame using 1/4″-20 by 1/2″ screws, 1/4″ lock washers and 1/4″ flat washers.
And here it is after my first carve. Couldn’t be happier with the table. My main goal was to get a sturdy table that could get me going with my X-Carve relatively quickly. Mission accomplished and loving every minute with my X-Carve!
Happy carving!
