Bench Basics Part 6

As you can see we do not have doors on this bench, we will probably be adding them in the near future.  Doors make a nice addition plus they keep the coolant and mess in better.

This bench is flat, our last bench was slanted, 1" in 4' both left to right and front to back.  This allowed the coolant to flow to the front right hand corner.  Since this is flat coolant tends to puddle.

We bolt down the mill AFTER it is under power.  We go through a full range of motion and make sure we don't clip the sides.  Bolts for the mill are sized so they go into the sleeper about 1.25".

Painting your bench is optional, is surely wouldn't hurt.

Lastly, and most important.  This bench is a temporary solution for us, and although our last bench (made from wood) lasted a year with no problems we strongly recommend taking measures to make it more permanent.  Carriage bolts throughout would be an improvement, 3 sheets of MDF or particle board for the top and such.  A thin gauge steel top would also work well.  Our next set of benches will be made from steel.

Furthermore, inspect your bench regularly for coolant damage or rot and repair as necessary.

Use common sense...a lot of common sense.