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Default How To Build A "Flexible" Bench

My daughter saw these benches at a flea market and she wants me to build
one for her:

https://i.imgur.com/5n5kB3K.jpg

The bench she wants will be 5' long. The problem I foresee is that she
rents the first floor of an older home (1940) and the wide plank floors
aren't level/flat.

Am I nuts to be wondering if there is a way to build the bench so the
overall look is maintained and the bench is sturdy enough to hold 2-3
adults, but has just enough flex to not rock if the floor has a dip or
sag?

Maybe with 2-3 adults it will flex on it's own even if fully glued and
bolted, but what if only one person is sitting on it?

Am I, as usual, overthinking a simple project?




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Default How To Build A "Flexible" Bench

DerbyDad03 on Sat, 29 Sep 2018 09:06:52 -0700
(PDT) typed in rec.woodworking the following:
My daughter saw these benches at a flea market and she wants me to build
one for her:

https://i.imgur.com/5n5kB3K.jpg


Nice.

The bench she wants will be 5' long. The problem I foresee is that she
rents the first floor of an older home (1940) and the wide plank floors
aren't level/flat.

Am I nuts to be wondering if there is a way to build the bench so the
overall look is maintained and the bench is sturdy enough to hold 2-3
adults, but has just enough flex to not rock if the floor has a dip or
sag?


Not really.

Maybe with 2-3 adults it will flex on it's own even if fully glued and
bolted, but what if only one person is sitting on it?

Am I, as usual, overthinking a simple project?


Include a set of wedges / shims.
--
pyotr filipivich
Next month's Panel: Graft - Boon or blessing?
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Default How To Build A "Flexible" Bench

On Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 4:52:58 PM UTC-4, pyotr filipivich wrote:
DerbyDad03 on Sat, 29 Sep 2018 09:06:52 -0700
(PDT) typed in rec.woodworking the following:
My daughter saw these benches at a flea market and she wants me to build
one for her:

https://i.imgur.com/5n5kB3K.jpg


Nice.

The bench she wants will be 5' long. The problem I foresee is that she
rents the first floor of an older home (1940) and the wide plank floors
aren't level/flat.

Am I nuts to be wondering if there is a way to build the bench so the
overall look is maintained and the bench is sturdy enough to hold 2-3
adults, but has just enough flex to not rock if the floor has a dip or
sag?


Not really.

Maybe with 2-3 adults it will flex on it's own even if fully glued and
bolted, but what if only one person is sitting on it?

Am I, as usual, overthinking a simple project?


Include a set of wedges / shims.


What purpose would a set of wedges/shims serve?

The bench will be used primarily at a dining room table, which means it will
be moved to slightly different locations, some of which may have dips, humps, etc. That's why I'm asking about "flexibility", allowing the bench to find it's own solid footing.

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Default How To Build A "Flexible" Bench

On Sat, 29 Sep 2018 09:06:52 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

My daughter saw these benches at a flea market and she wants me to build
one for her:

https://i.imgur.com/5n5kB3K.jpg

The bench she wants will be 5' long. The problem I foresee is that she
rents the first floor of an older home (1940) and the wide plank floors
aren't level/flat.

Am I nuts to be wondering if there is a way to build the bench so the
overall look is maintained and the bench is sturdy enough to hold 2-3
adults, but has just enough flex to not rock if the floor has a dip or
sag?

Maybe with 2-3 adults it will flex on it's own even if fully glued and
bolted, but what if only one person is sitting on it?

Am I, as usual, overthinking a simple project?

How about making it a 3-point base. Simply cut one side panel so it
has one point in the center, rather than two at the corners. You
could even hide the point behind a faux-panel, identical to the
opposite end (just shave it down by 1/8", or whatever.
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Default How To Build A "Flexible" Bench

On Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 7:34:41 PM UTC-4, wrote:
On Sat, 29 Sep 2018 09:06:52 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

My daughter saw these benches at a flea market and she wants me to build
one for her:

https://i.imgur.com/5n5kB3K.jpg

The bench she wants will be 5' long. The problem I foresee is that she
rents the first floor of an older home (1940) and the wide plank floors
aren't level/flat.

Am I nuts to be wondering if there is a way to build the bench so the
overall look is maintained and the bench is sturdy enough to hold 2-3
adults, but has just enough flex to not rock if the floor has a dip or
sag?

Maybe with 2-3 adults it will flex on it's own even if fully glued and
bolted, but what if only one person is sitting on it?

Am I, as usual, overthinking a simple project?

How about making it a 3-point base. Simply cut one side panel so it
has one point in the center, rather than two at the corners. You
could even hide the point behind a faux-panel, identical to the
opposite end (just shave it down by 1/8", or whatever.


Interesting idea, although I don't know if that would work, even on a level
floor. If a single person sat near the "pointed end" I imagine that it rock
forward/backward until it rested on the front/back of the faux panel.

I'll be buying the wood in the next day or two and I'm not really going
to worry about this. Heck, if it ends up rocking, I'll just buy her a nice
thick rug to absorb any issues caused by the uneven floor. ;-)


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Default How To Build A "Flexible" Bench

On Sat, 29 Sep 2018 16:49:40 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

On Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 7:34:41 PM UTC-4, wrote:
On Sat, 29 Sep 2018 09:06:52 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

My daughter saw these benches at a flea market and she wants me to build
one for her:

https://i.imgur.com/5n5kB3K.jpg

The bench she wants will be 5' long. The problem I foresee is that she
rents the first floor of an older home (1940) and the wide plank floors
aren't level/flat.

Am I nuts to be wondering if there is a way to build the bench so the
overall look is maintained and the bench is sturdy enough to hold 2-3
adults, but has just enough flex to not rock if the floor has a dip or
sag?

Maybe with 2-3 adults it will flex on it's own even if fully glued and
bolted, but what if only one person is sitting on it?

Am I, as usual, overthinking a simple project?

How about making it a 3-point base. Simply cut one side panel so it
has one point in the center, rather than two at the corners. You
could even hide the point behind a faux-panel, identical to the
opposite end (just shave it down by 1/8", or whatever.


Interesting idea, although I don't know if that would work, even on a level
floor. If a single person sat near the "pointed end" I imagine that it rock
forward/backward until it rested on the front/back of the faux panel.


Right, that would catch them to keep them from going all the way over.

I'll be buying the wood in the next day or two and I'm not really going
to worry about this. Heck, if it ends up rocking, I'll just buy her a nice
thick rug to absorb any issues caused by the uneven floor. ;-)


Put the rug on the bottom of the bench feet. Kill a couple of stones
with the same bird.
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Default How To Build A "Flexible" Bench

On Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 7:55:45 PM UTC-4, wrote:
On Sat, 29 Sep 2018 16:49:40 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

On Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 7:34:41 PM UTC-4, wrote:
On Sat, 29 Sep 2018 09:06:52 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

My daughter saw these benches at a flea market and she wants me to build
one for her:

https://i.imgur.com/5n5kB3K.jpg

The bench she wants will be 5' long. The problem I foresee is that she
rents the first floor of an older home (1940) and the wide plank floors
aren't level/flat.

Am I nuts to be wondering if there is a way to build the bench so the
overall look is maintained and the bench is sturdy enough to hold 2-3
adults, but has just enough flex to not rock if the floor has a dip or
sag?

Maybe with 2-3 adults it will flex on it's own even if fully glued and
bolted, but what if only one person is sitting on it?

Am I, as usual, overthinking a simple project?

How about making it a 3-point base. Simply cut one side panel so it
has one point in the center, rather than two at the corners. You
could even hide the point behind a faux-panel, identical to the
opposite end (just shave it down by 1/8", or whatever.


Interesting idea, although I don't know if that would work, even on a level
floor. If a single person sat near the "pointed end" I imagine that it rock
forward/backward until it rested on the front/back of the faux panel.


Right, that would catch them to keep them from going all the way over.

I'll be buying the wood in the next day or two and I'm not really going
to worry about this. Heck, if it ends up rocking, I'll just buy her a nice
thick rug to absorb any issues caused by the uneven floor. ;-)


Put the rug on the bottom of the bench feet. Kill a couple of stones
with the same bird.


Maybe I'll just buy the wood at the local Borg. The bench will end up twisted enough to
compensate for the uneven floor.
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Default How To Build A "Flexible" Bench

On Sat, 29 Sep 2018 17:31:15 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

On Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 7:55:45 PM UTC-4, wrote:
On Sat, 29 Sep 2018 16:49:40 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

On Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 7:34:41 PM UTC-4, wrote:
On Sat, 29 Sep 2018 09:06:52 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

My daughter saw these benches at a flea market and she wants me to build
one for her:

https://i.imgur.com/5n5kB3K.jpg

The bench she wants will be 5' long. The problem I foresee is that she
rents the first floor of an older home (1940) and the wide plank floors
aren't level/flat.

Am I nuts to be wondering if there is a way to build the bench so the
overall look is maintained and the bench is sturdy enough to hold 2-3
adults, but has just enough flex to not rock if the floor has a dip or
sag?

Maybe with 2-3 adults it will flex on it's own even if fully glued and
bolted, but what if only one person is sitting on it?

Am I, as usual, overthinking a simple project?

How about making it a 3-point base. Simply cut one side panel so it
has one point in the center, rather than two at the corners. You
could even hide the point behind a faux-panel, identical to the
opposite end (just shave it down by 1/8", or whatever.

Interesting idea, although I don't know if that would work, even on a level
floor. If a single person sat near the "pointed end" I imagine that it rock
forward/backward until it rested on the front/back of the faux panel.


Right, that would catch them to keep them from going all the way over.

I'll be buying the wood in the next day or two and I'm not really going
to worry about this. Heck, if it ends up rocking, I'll just buy her a nice
thick rug to absorb any issues caused by the uneven floor. ;-)


Put the rug on the bottom of the bench feet. Kill a couple of stones
with the same bird.


Maybe I'll just buy the wood at the local Borg. The bench will end up twisted enough to
compensate for the uneven floor.


Murphy doesn't work that way. ;-)
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Default How To Build A "Flexible" Bench

DerbyDad03 on Sat, 29 Sep 2018 14:30:21 -0700
(PDT) typed in rec.woodworking the following:
On Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 4:52:58 PM UTC-4, pyotr filipivich wrote:
DerbyDad03 on Sat, 29 Sep 2018 09:06:52 -0700
(PDT) typed in rec.woodworking the following:
My daughter saw these benches at a flea market and she wants me to build
one for her:

https://i.imgur.com/5n5kB3K.jpg


Nice.

The bench she wants will be 5' long. The problem I foresee is that she
rents the first floor of an older home (1940) and the wide plank floors
aren't level/flat.

Am I nuts to be wondering if there is a way to build the bench so the
overall look is maintained and the bench is sturdy enough to hold 2-3
adults, but has just enough flex to not rock if the floor has a dip or
sag?


Not really.

Maybe with 2-3 adults it will flex on it's own even if fully glued and
bolted, but what if only one person is sitting on it?

Am I, as usual, overthinking a simple project?


Include a set of wedges / shims.


What purpose would a set of wedges/shims serve?


To fill the gap between base of table and floor.

The bench will be used primarily at a dining room table, which means it will
be moved to slightly different locations, some of which may have dips, humps, etc. That's why I'm asking about "flexibility", allowing the bench to find it's own solid footing.


Just how "potholed" is this floor?

You've got two basic choices: the table top is stiff enough to
remain "flat", in which case one of the feet will not touch down, and
the table will rock as weight on top shifts*. Or the table top is
flexible enough to let all four feet reach the floor, in which case it
will not be flat. Okay, two extremes, one doesn't flex at all, the
other extreme it reflects every bump and dip.

The "simple solution" to a table as stiff as this and an uneven
floor is a collection of shims. An elegant solution is to make
adjustable feet that can be raised and lowered. Hmmm, wooden rack and
pinion is one suggestion. Or just turn an Acme Screw thread and nut.
Each foot will have to be independent of the others, so a central
adjustment knob/crank is out. Although that could be fun.

tschus
pyotr

* I have a solid door I'm using as a work-bench, and it is resting on
the legs. The other day I looked under it, and saw an air gap between
the one leg and the bench. "Hmmm," I says, "might want to shim
that." Someday.
--
pyotr filipivich
Next month's Panel: Graft - Boon or blessing?
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Default How To Build A "Flexible" Bench

On Sunday, September 30, 2018 at 10:52:28 AM UTC-4, pyotr filipivich wrote:
DerbyDad03 on Sat, 29 Sep 2018 14:30:21 -0700
(PDT) typed in rec.woodworking the following:
On Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 4:52:58 PM UTC-4, pyotr filipivich wrote:
DerbyDad03 on Sat, 29 Sep 2018 09:06:52 -0700
(PDT) typed in rec.woodworking the following:
My daughter saw these benches at a flea market and she wants me to build
one for her:

https://i.imgur.com/5n5kB3K.jpg

Nice.

The bench she wants will be 5' long. The problem I foresee is that she
rents the first floor of an older home (1940) and the wide plank floors
aren't level/flat.

Am I nuts to be wondering if there is a way to build the bench so the
overall look is maintained and the bench is sturdy enough to hold 2-3
adults, but has just enough flex to not rock if the floor has a dip or
sag?

Not really.

Maybe with 2-3 adults it will flex on it's own even if fully glued and
bolted, but what if only one person is sitting on it?

Am I, as usual, overthinking a simple project?

Include a set of wedges / shims.


What purpose would a set of wedges/shims serve?


To fill the gap between base of table and floor.

The bench will be used primarily at a dining room table, which means it will
be moved to slightly different locations, some of which may have dips, humps, etc. That's why I'm asking about "flexibility", allowing the bench to find it's own solid footing.


Just how "potholed" is this floor?

You've got two basic choices: the table top is stiff enough to
remain "flat", in which case one of the feet will not touch down, and
the table will rock as weight on top shifts*. Or the table top is
flexible enough to let all four feet reach the floor, in which case it
will not be flat. Okay, two extremes, one doesn't flex at all, the
other extreme it reflects every bump and dip.

The "simple solution" to a table as stiff as this and an uneven
floor is a collection of shims. An elegant solution is to make
adjustable feet that can be raised and lowered. Hmmm, wooden rack and
pinion is one suggestion. Or just turn an Acme Screw thread and nut.
Each foot will have to be independent of the others, so a central
adjustment knob/crank is out. Although that could be fun.



You appear to be missing a key point here - something I pointed out in
my OP as well as my previous response: I'm building a *bench*, not a table.

Sure, a table could be shimmed or fitted with adjusters because once placed
it's not going to move very often.

However, as I mentioned:

"The bench will be used primarily at a dining room table, which means it
will be moved to slightly different locations, some of which may have dips,
humps, etc."

The bench may shift left or right, in or out, depending on the size of the
users, it's current use, etc. "Filling the gap between the base and the floor"
is not a feasible solution for a movable bench.



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Default How To Build A "Flexible" Bench

On Sun, 30 Sep 2018 07:52:47 -0700, pyotr filipivich
wrote:

DerbyDad03 on Sat, 29 Sep 2018 14:30:21 -0700
(PDT) typed in rec.woodworking the following:
On Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 4:52:58 PM UTC-4, pyotr filipivich wrote:
DerbyDad03 on Sat, 29 Sep 2018 09:06:52 -0700
(PDT) typed in rec.woodworking the following:
My daughter saw these benches at a flea market and she wants me to build
one for her:

https://i.imgur.com/5n5kB3K.jpg

Nice.

The bench she wants will be 5' long. The problem I foresee is that she
rents the first floor of an older home (1940) and the wide plank floors
aren't level/flat.

Am I nuts to be wondering if there is a way to build the bench so the
overall look is maintained and the bench is sturdy enough to hold 2-3
adults, but has just enough flex to not rock if the floor has a dip or
sag?

Not really.

Maybe with 2-3 adults it will flex on it's own even if fully glued and
bolted, but what if only one person is sitting on it?

Am I, as usual, overthinking a simple project?

Include a set of wedges / shims.


What purpose would a set of wedges/shims serve?


To fill the gap between base of table and floor.

The bench will be used primarily at a dining room table, which means it will
be moved to slightly different locations, some of which may have dips, humps, etc. That's why I'm asking about "flexibility", allowing the bench to find it's own solid footing.


Just how "potholed" is this floor?

You've got two basic choices: the table top is stiff enough to
remain "flat", in which case one of the feet will not touch down, and
the table will rock as weight on top shifts*. Or the table top is
flexible enough to let all four feet reach the floor, in which case it
will not be flat. Okay, two extremes, one doesn't flex at all, the
other extreme it reflects every bump and dip.

The "simple solution" to a table as stiff as this and an uneven
floor is a collection of shims. An elegant solution is to make
adjustable feet that can be raised and lowered. Hmmm, wooden rack and
pinion is one suggestion. Or just turn an Acme Screw thread and nut.
Each foot will have to be independent of the others, so a central
adjustment knob/crank is out. Although that could be fun.

tschus
pyotr

* I have a solid door I'm using as a work-bench, and it is resting on
the legs. The other day I looked under it, and saw an air gap between
the one leg and the bench. "Hmmm," I says, "might want to shim
that." Someday.


How about making it with three legs? I think that could be made to
work with the design shown.
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My daughter saw these benches at a flea market and she wants me to build
one for her:
https://i.imgur.com/5n5kB3K.jpg
The bench she wants will be 5' long. The problem I foresee is that she
rents the first floor of an older home (1940) and the wide plank floors
aren't level/flat.
Am I nuts to be wondering if there is a way to build the bench so the
overall look is maintained and the bench is sturdy enough to hold 2-3
adults, but has just enough flex to not rock if the floor has a dip or
sag? Am I, as usual, overthinking a simple project?

"The bench will be used primarily at a dining room table, which means it
will be moved to slightly different locations, some of which may have dips,
humps, etc."
The bench may shift left or right, in or out, depending on the size of the
users, it's current use, etc. "Filling the gap between the base and the floor"
is not a feasible solution for a movable bench.



I say build it simple and see how it works.
Often, in rustic restaurants, the annoying wobble in a table or chair
can be corrected with just a slight move or rotation.
You might be pleasantly surprised - that it isn't a big deal.
John T.

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Default How To Build A "Flexible" Bench

On Sunday, September 30, 2018 at 11:49:54 AM UTC-4, J. Clarke wrote:
On Sun, 30 Sep 2018 07:52:47 -0700, pyotr filipivich
wrote:

DerbyDad03 on Sat, 29 Sep 2018 14:30:21 -0700
(PDT) typed in rec.woodworking the following:
On Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 4:52:58 PM UTC-4, pyotr filipivich wrote:
DerbyDad03 on Sat, 29 Sep 2018 09:06:52 -0700
(PDT) typed in rec.woodworking the following:
My daughter saw these benches at a flea market and she wants me to build
one for her:

https://i.imgur.com/5n5kB3K.jpg

Nice.

The bench she wants will be 5' long. The problem I foresee is that she
rents the first floor of an older home (1940) and the wide plank floors
aren't level/flat.

Am I nuts to be wondering if there is a way to build the bench so the
overall look is maintained and the bench is sturdy enough to hold 2-3
adults, but has just enough flex to not rock if the floor has a dip or
sag?

Not really.

Maybe with 2-3 adults it will flex on it's own even if fully glued and
bolted, but what if only one person is sitting on it?

Am I, as usual, overthinking a simple project?

Include a set of wedges / shims.

What purpose would a set of wedges/shims serve?


To fill the gap between base of table and floor.

The bench will be used primarily at a dining room table, which means it will
be moved to slightly different locations, some of which may have dips, humps, etc. That's why I'm asking about "flexibility", allowing the bench to find it's own solid footing.


Just how "potholed" is this floor?

You've got two basic choices: the table top is stiff enough to
remain "flat", in which case one of the feet will not touch down, and
the table will rock as weight on top shifts*. Or the table top is
flexible enough to let all four feet reach the floor, in which case it
will not be flat. Okay, two extremes, one doesn't flex at all, the
other extreme it reflects every bump and dip.

The "simple solution" to a table as stiff as this and an uneven
floor is a collection of shims. An elegant solution is to make
adjustable feet that can be raised and lowered. Hmmm, wooden rack and
pinion is one suggestion. Or just turn an Acme Screw thread and nut.
Each foot will have to be independent of the others, so a central
adjustment knob/crank is out. Although that could be fun.

tschus
pyotr

* I have a solid door I'm using as a work-bench, and it is resting on
the legs. The other day I looked under it, and saw an air gap between
the one leg and the bench. "Hmmm," I says, "might want to shim
that." Someday.


How about making it with three legs? I think that could be made to
work with the design shown.


....already been suggested. It's a possible solution, although at 5'
I worry about tipping if a single person sits at the "one legged end"
and the weight isn't centered over the leg.

Mid-20's crowd. I have to include beer and wine consumption as part of
the design process. ;-)
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DerbyDad03 wrote:

My daughter saw these benches at a flea market and she wants me to build
one for her:

https://i.imgur.com/5n5kB3K.jpg

The bench she wants will be 5' long. The problem I foresee is that she
rents the first floor of an older home (1940) and the wide plank floors
aren't level/flat.

Am I nuts to be wondering if there is a way to build the bench so the
overall look is maintained and the bench is sturdy enough to hold 2-3
adults, but has just enough flex to not rock if the floor has a dip or
sag?

Maybe with 2-3 adults it will flex on it's own even if fully glued and
bolted, but what if only one person is sitting on it?

Am I, as usual, overthinking a simple project?


I'd go with the inverted V cutout base which gives 4 contact points
with the floor (as opposed to the flat cut).

At 5' long, there will be some twist in the finished bench. To
prevent the bench from rocking it seems to me you've got 2 options,
leveling feet or removing wood.

https://www.amazon.com/Rok-Hardware-...dp/B01N4BUE1P/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQipEk90-84

Yea, these aren't benches but same general principal ...

Leveling Chair Legs Gary Rogowski,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZFDo1f2tQs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpgU-_W-YrA

Get the Rock Out Charles Neil
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiunzAJgdjw

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On Sunday, September 30, 2018 at 2:04:07 PM UTC-4, Spalted Walt wrote:
DerbyDad03 wrote:

My daughter saw these benches at a flea market and she wants me to build
one for her:

https://i.imgur.com/5n5kB3K.jpg

The bench she wants will be 5' long. The problem I foresee is that she
rents the first floor of an older home (1940) and the wide plank floors
aren't level/flat.

Am I nuts to be wondering if there is a way to build the bench so the
overall look is maintained and the bench is sturdy enough to hold 2-3
adults, but has just enough flex to not rock if the floor has a dip or
sag?

Maybe with 2-3 adults it will flex on it's own even if fully glued and
bolted, but what if only one person is sitting on it?

Am I, as usual, overthinking a simple project?


I'd go with the inverted V cutout base which gives 4 contact points
with the floor (as opposed to the flat cut).

At 5' long, there will be some twist in the finished bench. To
prevent the bench from rocking it seems to me you've got 2 options,
leveling feet or removing wood.

https://www.amazon.com/Rok-Hardware-...dp/B01N4BUE1P/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQipEk90-84

Yea, these aren't benches but same general principal ...

Leveling Chair Legs Gary Rogowski,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZFDo1f2tQs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpgU-_W-YrA

Get the Rock Out Charles Neil
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiunzAJgdjw


Thanks for the research and the links, but none of those fit my situation.

I'm not trying to fix a bench that wobbles on a level floor or level a
bench for a specific location on an unlevel floor. (BTDT)

I'm trying to come up with a way to prevent a bench from wobbling when
moved from a level (or unlevel) location to a different unlevel location.

Only your comment about a 5' bench having "some flex" applies. That is
something that I've already considered and I'll probably just hope for
that as the solution.


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DerbyDad03 wrote:

Only your comment about a 5' bench having "some flex" applies. That is
something that I've already considered and I'll probably just hope for
that as the solution.


Considering I said "some twist" I guess I'm batting 000!


| | | |
| | | |
| /\ | | |
|_/ \_| |______|
GOOD BAD

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On Sunday, September 30, 2018 at 2:54:08 PM UTC-4, Spalted Walt wrote:
DerbyDad03 wrote:

Only your comment about a 5' bench having "some flex" applies. That is
something that I've already considered and I'll probably just hope for
that as the solution.


Considering I said "some twist" I guess I'm batting 000!


| | | |
| | | |
| /\ | | |
|_/ \_| |______|
GOOD BAD


The legs will either be notched flat panels or individual legs, so your
Good/Bad suggestion makes your average 167 now. ;-)
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On Sunday, September 30, 2018 at 2:54:08 PM UTC-4, Spalted Walt wrote:
DerbyDad03 wrote:

Only your comment about a 5' bench having "some flex" applies. That is
something that I've already considered and I'll probably just hope for
that as the solution.


Considering I said "some twist" I guess I'm batting 000!


| | | |
| | | |
| /\ | | |
|_/ \_| |______|
GOOD BAD


P.S. Read my Wendell Castle post. Give it some traction.
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DerbyDad03 on Sat, 29 Sep 2018 17:31:15 -0700
(PDT) typed in rec.woodworking the following:

Right, that would catch them to keep them from going all the way over.

I'll be buying the wood in the next day or two and I'm not really going
to worry about this. Heck, if it ends up rocking, I'll just buy her a nice
thick rug to absorb any issues caused by the uneven floor. ;-)


Put the rug on the bottom of the bench feet. Kill a couple of stones
with the same bird.


Maybe I'll just buy the wood at the local Borg. The bench will end up twisted enough to
compensate for the uneven floor.


Nope. the twists in the boards will raise the leg where the hole
is deepest.
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DerbyDad03 on Sun, 30 Sep 2018 08:35:40 -0700
(PDT) typed in rec.woodworking the following:
On Sunday, September 30, 2018 at 10:52:28 AM UTC-4, pyotr filipivich wrote:
DerbyDad03 on Sat, 29 Sep 2018 14:30:21 -0700
(PDT) typed in rec.woodworking the following:
On Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 4:52:58 PM UTC-4, pyotr filipivich wrote:
DerbyDad03 on Sat, 29 Sep 2018 09:06:52 -0700
(PDT) typed in rec.woodworking the following:
My daughter saw these benches at a flea market and she wants me to build
one for her:

https://i.imgur.com/5n5kB3K.jpg

Nice.

The bench she wants will be 5' long. The problem I foresee is that she
rents the first floor of an older home (1940) and the wide plank floors
aren't level/flat.

Am I nuts to be wondering if there is a way to build the bench so the
overall look is maintained and the bench is sturdy enough to hold 2-3
adults, but has just enough flex to not rock if the floor has a dip or
sag?

Not really.

Maybe with 2-3 adults it will flex on it's own even if fully glued and
bolted, but what if only one person is sitting on it?

Am I, as usual, overthinking a simple project?

Include a set of wedges / shims.

What purpose would a set of wedges/shims serve?


To fill the gap between base of table and floor.

The bench will be used primarily at a dining room table, which means it will
be moved to slightly different locations, some of which may have dips, humps, etc. That's why I'm asking about "flexibility", allowing the bench to find it's own solid footing.


Just how "potholed" is this floor?

You've got two basic choices: the table top is stiff enough to
remain "flat", in which case one of the feet will not touch down, and
the table will rock as weight on top shifts*. Or the table top is
flexible enough to let all four feet reach the floor, in which case it
will not be flat. Okay, two extremes, one doesn't flex at all, the
other extreme it reflects every bump and dip.

The "simple solution" to a table as stiff as this and an uneven
floor is a collection of shims. An elegant solution is to make
adjustable feet that can be raised and lowered. Hmmm, wooden rack and
pinion is one suggestion. Or just turn an Acme Screw thread and nut.
Each foot will have to be independent of the others, so a central
adjustment knob/crank is out. Although that could be fun.



You appear to be missing a key point here - something I pointed out in
my OP as well as my previous response: I'm building a *bench*, not a table.

Sure, a table could be shimmed or fitted with adjusters because once placed
it's not going to move very often.

However, as I mentioned:

"The bench will be used primarily at a dining room table,


Oops, my mistake: I read that as "used primarily _as_ a dining
room table."
Does change things, doesn't it.

which means it
will be moved to slightly different locations, some of which may have dips,
humps, etc."

The bench may shift left or right, in or out, depending on the size of the
users, it's current use, etc. "Filling the gap between the base and the floor"
is not a feasible solution for a movable bench.

--
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Next month's Panel: Graft - Boon or blessing?


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DerbyDad03 on Sun, 30 Sep 2018 10:00:19 -0700
(PDT) typed in rec.woodworking the following:

How about making it with three legs? I think that could be made to
work with the design shown.


...already been suggested. It's a possible solution, although at 5'
I worry about tipping if a single person sits at the "one legged end"
and the weight isn't centered over the leg.

Mid-20's crowd. I have to include beer and wine consumption as part of
the design process. ;-)


Your's or theirs? B-)

tschus
pyotr

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On Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 11:06:55 AM UTC-5, DerbyDad03 wrote:

Am I nuts to be wondering if ...


No, you're not nuts, but your thinking is in the wrong direction.

Maybe with 2-3 adults it will flex on it's own even if fully glued and
bolted, but what if only one person is sitting on it?


Screw that idea. That ain't reality.

Am I, as usual, overthinking a simple project?


Yes. Don't alter the basic design of the bench in your pic, but improvise, here and there, and make yours better, than what's in that pic. The basic form/design will remain the same, but tweak some elements of the design, for a different purpose than sitting flat on the floor. Don't worry about it sitting flat on the floor.

Your daughter and her friends will be aware of the floor or furniture issue, and they don't care about that. Those issues can't be changed. Only some unknown SOB will walk in to someone's home and complain about someone's furniture or floor. In turn, your daughter should tell them to sit on the GD floor... or leave!

Okay, your daughter wants that bench! Really? Might she want it better, but not realize it. *I don't know, but might she want something very similar to it. You've shown us, before, that she has a distinct taste for rustic furniture, so she just might want something exactly like that, but I'm suspecting a slight improvement would be more desirable. Soooo.....

I'll go out on a limb with some bold(?) suggestions....
I just got back from a week's vacation (it's 8 PM, now, a little late in the evening), so I need a little more time for explanations and to gather some pics. I have several similar benches that I think would help with your decision.... and with some design element alterations to your linked bench. I think your daughter may like some of these altered design elements, while keeping in mind she likes (and wants to maintain?) the basic plain-Jane look and basic design of the bench.

Personally, I can see the bench in that link has an issue, or two, that are not desirable.... especially for a dining table bench.

I'll post, again, tomorrow.

Sonny

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On Sunday, September 30, 2018 at 9:07:20 PM UTC-4, Sonny wrote:
On Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 11:06:55 AM UTC-5, DerbyDad03 wrote:

Am I nuts to be wondering if ...


No, you're not nuts, but your thinking is in the wrong direction.

Maybe with 2-3 adults it will flex on it's own even if fully glued and
bolted, but what if only one person is sitting on it?


Screw that idea. That ain't reality.

Am I, as usual, overthinking a simple project?


Yes. Don't alter the basic design of the bench in your pic, but improvise, here and there, and make yours better, than what's in that pic. The basic form/design will remain the same, but tweak some elements of the design, for a different purpose than sitting flat on the floor. Don't worry about it sitting flat on the floor.

Your daughter and her friends will be aware of the floor or furniture issue, and they don't care about that. Those issues can't be changed. Only some unknown SOB will walk in to someone's home and complain about someone's furniture or floor. In turn, your daughter should tell them to sit on the GD floor... or leave!

Okay, your daughter wants that bench! Really? Might she want it better, but not realize it. *I don't know, but might she want something very similar to it. You've shown us, before, that she has a distinct taste for rustic furniture, so she just might want something exactly like that, but I'm suspecting a slight improvement would be more desirable. Soooo.....

I'll go out on a limb with some bold(?) suggestions....
I just got back from a week's vacation (it's 8 PM, now, a little late in the evening), so I need a little more time for explanations and to gather some pics. I have several similar benches that I think would help with your decision.... and with some design element alterations to your linked bench. I think your daughter may like some of these altered design elements, while keeping in mind she likes (and wants to maintain?) the basic plain-Jane look and basic design of the bench.

Personally, I can see the bench in that link has an issue, or two, that are not desirable.... especially for a dining table bench.

I'll post, again, tomorrow.

Sonny


Thanks.

It might help to know that the bench is going to be used with this table,
but *not* with these chairs.

https://i.imgur.com/4cXunvr.jpg

The chairs that she just refinished are these:

https://i.imgur.com/0IgzzQW.jpg

Her plan is to paint the bench, probably to match the green chairs (?) but
painted in any case.



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On Sunday, September 30, 2018 at 8:27:57 PM UTC-5, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Sunday, September 30, 2018 at 9:07:20 PM UTC-4, Sonny wrote:
On Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 11:06:55 AM UTC-5, DerbyDad03 wrote:

Am I nuts to be wondering if ...


No, you're not nuts, but your thinking is in the wrong direction.

Maybe with 2-3 adults it will flex on it's own even if fully glued and
bolted, but what if only one person is sitting on it?


Screw that idea. That ain't reality.

Am I, as usual, overthinking a simple project?


Yes. Don't alter the basic design of the bench in your pic, but improvise, here and there, and make yours better, than what's in that pic. The basic form/design will remain the same, but tweak some elements of the design, for a different purpose than sitting flat on the floor. Don't worry about it sitting flat on the floor.

Your daughter and her friends will be aware of the floor or furniture issue, and they don't care about that. Those issues can't be changed. Only some unknown SOB will walk in to someone's home and complain about someone's furniture or floor. In turn, your daughter should tell them to sit on the GD floor... or leave!

Okay, your daughter wants that bench! Really? Might she want it better, but not realize it. *I don't know, but might she want something very similar to it. You've shown us, before, that she has a distinct taste for rustic furniture, so she just might want something exactly like that, but I'm suspecting a slight improvement would be more desirable. Soooo.....

I'll go out on a limb with some bold(?) suggestions....
I just got back from a week's vacation (it's 8 PM, now, a little late in the evening), so I need a little more time for explanations and to gather some pics. I have several similar benches that I think would help with your decision.... and with some design element alterations to your linked bench. I think your daughter may like some of these altered design elements, while keeping in mind she likes (and wants to maintain?) the basic plain-Jane look and basic design of the bench.

Personally, I can see the bench in that link has an issue, or two, that are not desirable.... especially for a dining table bench.

I'll post, again, tomorrow.

Sonny


Thanks.

It might help to know that the bench is going to be used with this table,
but *not* with these chairs.

https://i.imgur.com/4cXunvr.jpg


I had forgotten about that table, but I did have a table in mind. I had vaguely recalled a previous table, I think one she had in a previous apartment (with a roommate?).... and, I think, THAT half-ownership was sold to the roommate? I couldn't recall, for sure, if it was sold or she kept it. All in all, I had a rustic table in mind, to mate with the bench. Your linked bench didn't fit my mind's table scenario. The linked bench is too "picnic table-like. The dining bench, I'm thinking, needs a little softer touch, a little more feminine touch.... and the dainty nicely painted chairs show that softer touch, I had in mind. The linked bench needs a softer touch, to some design elements.

The chairs that she just refinished are these:

https://i.imgur.com/0IgzzQW.jpg

Her plan is to paint the bench, probably to match the green chairs (?) but
painted in any case.


A possible option, along with painting the chairs, is to paint the bench a two tone color. Her table has a painted base, whereas the aged top is clear coated. The bench base could be painted and the seat clear coated.

Rather than stain the bench seat top (for an aged look), it could be faux weathered (faux aging), then clear coated. To faux weather the top, dissolve some steel wool in vinegar, then "paint" that solution onto the seat. It will faux weather the wood, nicely, possibly better matching with the aged dining table's top. About the only other way to, somewhat, "age" a piece is to fume it.

*It may be "too much"(?), to have both the table and bench be two toned, that way. That may be a too conflicting/busy of a decor option. Those girls have better decor sense, than I do, so this two toned decor option may not suit her ideas, may not be suitable for the room's decor. Just thought I'd mention it. I often get mind-wondering ideas, like this, exploring different options. Tweaking some design elements may be agreeable to her, but sometimes I get over zealous with ideas.

Sonny

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Stretching my imagination:

The bench may not have to remain at the dining table, all the time. A nicely painted bench could be placed in another/nearby area of the apartment, as a stand-alone piece of furniture, if there's a wall space area/niche that needs filling.

Sonny


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On Monday, October 1, 2018 at 7:42:52 AM UTC-4, Sonny wrote:
On Sunday, September 30, 2018 at 8:27:57 PM UTC-5, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Sunday, September 30, 2018 at 9:07:20 PM UTC-4, Sonny wrote:
On Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 11:06:55 AM UTC-5, DerbyDad03 wrote:

Am I nuts to be wondering if ...

No, you're not nuts, but your thinking is in the wrong direction.

Maybe with 2-3 adults it will flex on it's own even if fully glued and
bolted, but what if only one person is sitting on it?

Screw that idea. That ain't reality.

Am I, as usual, overthinking a simple project?

Yes. Don't alter the basic design of the bench in your pic, but improvise, here and there, and make yours better, than what's in that pic. The basic form/design will remain the same, but tweak some elements of the design, for a different purpose than sitting flat on the floor. Don't worry about it sitting flat on the floor.

Your daughter and her friends will be aware of the floor or furniture issue, and they don't care about that. Those issues can't be changed. Only some unknown SOB will walk in to someone's home and complain about someone's furniture or floor. In turn, your daughter should tell them to sit on the GD floor... or leave!

Okay, your daughter wants that bench! Really? Might she want it better, but not realize it. *I don't know, but might she want something very similar to it. You've shown us, before, that she has a distinct taste for rustic furniture, so she just might want something exactly like that, but I'm suspecting a slight improvement would be more desirable. Soooo.....

I'll go out on a limb with some bold(?) suggestions....
I just got back from a week's vacation (it's 8 PM, now, a little late in the evening), so I need a little more time for explanations and to gather some pics. I have several similar benches that I think would help with your decision.... and with some design element alterations to your linked bench. I think your daughter may like some of these altered design elements, while keeping in mind she likes (and wants to maintain?) the basic plain-Jane look and basic design of the bench.

Personally, I can see the bench in that link has an issue, or two, that are not desirable.... especially for a dining table bench.

I'll post, again, tomorrow.

Sonny


Thanks.

It might help to know that the bench is going to be used with this table,
but *not* with these chairs.

https://i.imgur.com/4cXunvr.jpg


I had forgotten about that table, but I did have a table in mind. I had vaguely recalled a previous table, I think one she had in a previous apartment (with a roommate?).... and, I think, THAT half-ownership was sold to the roommate? I couldn't recall, for sure, if it was sold or she kept it. All in all, I had a rustic table in mind, to mate with the bench. Your linked bench didn't fit my mind's table scenario. The linked bench is too "picnic table-like. The dining bench, I'm thinking, needs a little softer touch, a little more feminine touch.... and the dainty nicely painted chairs show that softer touch, I had in mind. The linked bench needs a softer touch, to some design elements.

The chairs that she just refinished are these:

https://i.imgur.com/0IgzzQW.jpg

Her plan is to paint the bench, probably to match the green chairs (?) but
painted in any case.


A possible option, along with painting the chairs, is to paint the bench a two tone color. Her table has a painted base, whereas the aged top is clear coated. The bench base could be painted and the seat clear coated.

Rather than stain the bench seat top (for an aged look), it could be faux weathered (faux aging), then clear coated. To faux weather the top, dissolve some steel wool in vinegar, then "paint" that solution onto the seat. It will faux weather the wood, nicely, possibly better matching with the aged dining table's top. About the only other way to, somewhat, "age" a piece is to fume it.

*It may be "too much"(?), to have both the table and bench be two toned, that way. That may be a too conflicting/busy of a decor option. Those girls have better decor sense, than I do, so this two toned decor option may not suit her ideas, may not be suitable for the room's decor. Just thought I'd mention it. I often get mind-wondering ideas, like this, exploring different options. Tweaking some design elements may be agreeable to her, but sometimes I get over zealous with ideas.

Sonny


Thanks for all that. I think. ;-)

Yesterday you mentioned some design issues with that bench and that you might
have some "better" ideas. Are those ideas still forthcoming? How do I make
that bench more "feminine"?

BTW...the earlier thread about that table questioned whether or not it was
worth $400. In the end, my daughter bought it from her roommate for $325.
She didn't buy the chairs and that's how we got to where we are now.

Finally, if you get a chance, take a look at my Wendell Castle post from the
other day. When the show airs in your area, you should watch it. The whole
concept of furniture design (and manufacture) ties these 2 threads together
nicely.
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On Monday, October 1, 2018 at 2:00:13 PM UTC-5, DerbyDad03 wrote:


Thanks for all that. I think. ;-)

Yesterday you mentioned some design issues with that bench and that you might
have some "better" ideas. Are those ideas still forthcoming? How do I make
that bench more "feminine"?


Yes. I got delayed, today, taking Mom to a Dr appt., had my truck rotors changed and checked in with an upholstery customer to alter the padding in some chair cushions.

BTW...the earlier thread about that table questioned whether or not it was
worth $400. In the end, my daughter bought it from her roommate for $325.
She didn't buy the chairs and that's how we got to where we are now.

Finally, if you get a chance, take a look at my Wendell Castle post from the
other day. When the show airs in your area, you should watch it. The whole
concept of furniture design (and manufacture) ties these 2 threads together
nicely.


I read your posting, earlier and checked out the links. Pretty neat stuff. Thanks.

I just got in, so I'll gather my notes and post pics, etal., later this evening.

Sonny

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As to the benches in your link:
Seems all are made with 1" stock. Some are constructed with live edge boards. All the corners/edges seem to be sanded down, to knock off the sharp edges. Some may be beveled. Knock down those edges on whatever bench you make.
I suppose the tops are doweled in place, as the "skirts" seem to be. If you use metal fasteners, I'd suggest you fine some reproduction square nails.... or horse shoe nails.

The top could be held in place with "L" brackets, under neath. This would facilitate removing the top, if need be, for refinishing or replacing, if it became damaged.... unlikely in her scenario and use.

I'm not crazy about the skirt-like sides, side supports. It's good that they are recessed, from the top's edge. Those sides make it look too bulky. I would think a single trestle board, running down the top's center line, would be structural sufficient and lend to a less bulky appearance. The trestle board could be mortised through the legs and keyed, rather than glue/dowel/screw attached.

On some benches, there's a board near the ground/floor, in a trestle position. A board as that is going to be bumped by ones feet all the time. That bumping would be more aggravating, than the uneven floor issue. Folks are always tucking their feet under a seat. It's not needed for structure, either... or it shouldn't be needed for structural support/stability. It might look impressive, but the feet hitting it will deter from any visual amenity.

The legs look plain and the "V" cut out doesn't look good, as they are. Need to bevel all those edges. The table's legs have beveled edges or similar cuts in design.

Pics: I made lots of simple benches with salvaged 2X12 construction stock. These benches are not what your daughter would like. I experimented with lots of designs, all beveled edges, so just to show you a few.... first 4 pics, scroll right.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/438361...posted-public/


The trestle bracing with keyed attachment is my favorite. Not sure if your daughter may prefer a trestle type bench. Here, I shaped/contoured the trestle board, rather than it being a straight cut or plain rectangle profiled board.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/438361...posted-public/
The legs of this bench fit inside the table's legs. The legs are too close together. If you sit on the very end, the other end tilts up, teeters up.. I thought the bench would be heavy enough not to do that. The bench is 8' long, to mate with a 9' table.

Hope this helps.
Sonny
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On Monday, October 1, 2018 at 8:21:07 PM UTC-4, Sonny wrote:
As to the benches in your link:
Seems all are made with 1" stock. Some are constructed with live edge boards. All the corners/edges seem to be sanded down, to knock off the sharp edges. Some may be beveled. Knock down those edges on whatever bench you make.
I suppose the tops are doweled in place, as the "skirts" seem to be. If you use metal fasteners, I'd suggest you fine some reproduction square nails... or horse shoe nails.


My guess is screws and plugs.


The top could be held in place with "L" brackets, under neath. This would facilitate removing the top, if need be, for refinishing or replacing, if it became damaged.... unlikely in her scenario and use.

I'm not crazy about the skirt-like sides, side supports. It's good that they are recessed, from the top's edge. Those sides make it look too bulky. I would think a single trestle board, running down the top's center line, would be structural sufficient and lend to a less bulky appearance. The trestle board could be mortised through the legs and keyed, rather than glue/dowel/screw attached.

On some benches, there's a board near the ground/floor, in a trestle position. A board as that is going to be bumped by ones feet all the time. That bumping would be more aggravating, than the uneven floor issue. Folks are always tucking their feet under a seat. It's not needed for structure, either... or it shouldn't be needed for structural support/stability. It might look impressive, but the feet hitting it will deter from any visual amenity.


The legs look plain and the "V" cut out doesn't look good, as they are. Need to bevel all those edges. The table's legs have beveled edges or similar cuts in design.

Pics: I made lots of simple benches with salvaged 2X12 construction stock. These benches are not what your daughter would like. I experimented with lots of designs, all beveled edges, so just to show you a few.... first 4 pics, scroll right.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/438361...posted-public/


The trestle bracing with keyed attachment is my favorite. Not sure if your daughter may prefer a trestle type bench. Here, I shaped/contoured the trestle board, rather than it being a straight cut or plain rectangle profiled board.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/438361...posted-public/
The legs of this bench fit inside the table's legs. The legs are too close together. If you sit on the very end, the other end tilts up, teeters up. I thought the bench would be heavy enough not to do that. The bench is 8' long, to mate with a 9' table.


I'll send her the pic of the trestle and see what she says. Thanks!
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On Monday, October 1, 2018 at 8:21:07 PM UTC-4, Sonny wrote:
As to the benches in your link:
Seems all are made with 1" stock. Some are constructed with live edge boards. All the corners/edges seem to be sanded down, to knock off the sharp edges. Some may be beveled. Knock down those edges on whatever bench you make.
I suppose the tops are doweled in place, as the "skirts" seem to be. If you use metal fasteners, I'd suggest you fine some reproduction square nails... or horse shoe nails.

The top could be held in place with "L" brackets, under neath. This would facilitate removing the top, if need be, for refinishing or replacing, if it became damaged.... unlikely in her scenario and use.

I'm not crazy about the skirt-like sides, side supports. It's good that they are recessed, from the top's edge. Those sides make it look too bulky. I would think a single trestle board, running down the top's center line, would be structural sufficient and lend to a less bulky appearance. The trestle board could be mortised through the legs and keyed, rather than glue/dowel/screw attached.

On some benches, there's a board near the ground/floor, in a trestle position. A board as that is going to be bumped by ones feet all the time. That bumping would be more aggravating, than the uneven floor issue. Folks are always tucking their feet under a seat. It's not needed for structure, either... or it shouldn't be needed for structural support/stability. It might look impressive, but the feet hitting it will deter from any visual amenity.

The legs look plain and the "V" cut out doesn't look good, as they are. Need to bevel all those edges. The table's legs have beveled edges or similar cuts in design.

Pics: I made lots of simple benches with salvaged 2X12 construction stock. These benches are not what your daughter would like. I experimented with lots of designs, all beveled edges, so just to show you a few.... first 4 pics, scroll right.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/438361...posted-public/


The trestle bracing with keyed attachment is my favorite. Not sure if your daughter may prefer a trestle type bench. Here, I shaped/contoured the trestle board, rather than it being a straight cut or plain rectangle profiled board.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/438361...posted-public/
The legs of this bench fit inside the table's legs. The legs are too close together. If you sit on the very end, the other end tilts up, teeters up. I thought the bench would be heavy enough not to do that. The bench is 8' long, to mate with a 9' table.

Hope this helps.
Sonny


I showed her your Trestle Bench: Her response: "Too formal"

She also changed her mind about the original bench that she saw at
the flea market. She thinks it's "more of an outside bench". So this
one is a no-go:

https://i.imgur.com/5n5kB3K.jpg

She has now settled on this one. She likes the angles:

https://i.imgur.com/nr5hS2S.jpg?1

Now I just have to figure out what those angles are.


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Default How To Build A "Flexible" Bench

On Thursday, October 4, 2018 at 8:41:58 PM UTC-5, DerbyDad03 wrote:

She has now settled on this one. She likes the angles:

https://i.imgur.com/nr5hS2S.jpg?1

Now I just have to figure out what those angles are.


A dining seat is usually about 18"- 19" high. Have her measure the height of the chair seats.... might want to have your bench that height. On a cushioned seat, the crown (peak of the cushion's arc) of the seat is typically 19".

The bottom outside span of the legs... have them recessed about 1/2" from the outside edges of the seat. You don't want the legs to extend beyond the seat perimeter.

Make a template with cardboard, if need be. Large ones are usually available at appliance/furniture stores (dumpsters or nearby). I've saved the boxes my TVs came in.... these are thicker than typical cardboard boxes and they don't bend/disfigure, as easily as typical cardboard.

Sonny
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On Friday, October 5, 2018 at 12:13:32 AM UTC-4, Sonny wrote:
On Thursday, October 4, 2018 at 8:41:58 PM UTC-5, DerbyDad03 wrote:

She has now settled on this one. She likes the angles:

https://i.imgur.com/nr5hS2S.jpg?1

Now I just have to figure out what those angles are.


A dining seat is usually about 18"- 19" high. Have her measure the height of the chair seats.... might want to have your bench that height. On a cushioned seat, the crown (peak of the cushion's arc) of the seat is typically 19".


I have that measurement already. 17"


The bottom outside span of the legs... have them recessed about 1/2" from the outside edges of the seat. You don't want the legs to extend beyond the seat perimeter.


Good idea.

Make a template with cardboard, if need be. Large ones are usually available at appliance/furniture stores (dumpsters or nearby). I've saved the boxes my TVs came in.... these are thicker than typical cardboard boxes and they don't bend/disfigure, as easily as typical cardboard.


Cardboard...hmmm...now where am I going to get cardboard. Oh yeah,
maybe I'll use some of this:

https://i.imgur.com/SR3mqkJ.jpg

Some of those pieces fold out large enough for me to use while working
under the car. They keep the driveway clean and are easy to slide on.
Others pieces are maybe 2' x 2' for protecting stuff in my trailer.
I've got 2 pieces that are perfect sized to protect the sides of my Odyssey
when I need to haul stuff. Another piece covers the entire floor. Some are splattered with paint or stain from various stripping/finishing projects.

I've got more pieces in the trailer just in case. In fact, I just used
some of those last night to slide some heavy filing cabinets in and out.

Hi. My name is DerbyDad and I'm a cardboard-aholic.

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On Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 11:06:55 AM UTC-5, DerbyDad03 wrote:
My daughter saw these benches at a flea market and she wants me to build
one for her:

https://i.imgur.com/5n5kB3K.jpg


Realizing a decision has been made for another design of bench, the linked bench design has potential. However, if it not totally too late, another altering option for the above bench is to reduce the width of the side boards/supports/"skirts". Those boards seem too wide for a dining scenario. For a 5' long bench, a 1" stock seat board is plenty sturdy for supporting folks. That wide of side boards is not necessary.

Also, altering the "V" cut on the legs, to a half circle cut, maybe, to maintain a curved cut feature of the side boards.... a concave profile, i.e., taking a cue from Leon's concave designs on some of his projects. A concave cut on the more narrow side boards would lessen the picnic table look (outside bench look) and may not be so formal a look as the trestle bench design.

Sonny
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On Monday, October 8, 2018 at 8:42:42 PM UTC-4, Sonny wrote:
On Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 11:06:55 AM UTC-5, DerbyDad03 wrote:
My daughter saw these benches at a flea market and she wants me to build
one for her:

https://i.imgur.com/5n5kB3K.jpg


Realizing a decision has been made for another design of bench, the linked bench design has potential. However, if it not totally too late, another altering option for the above bench is to reduce the width of the side boards/supports/"skirts". Those boards seem too wide for a dining scenario. For a 5' long bench, a 1" stock seat board is plenty sturdy for supporting folks. That wide of side boards is not necessary.

Also, altering the "V" cut on the legs, to a half circle cut, maybe, to maintain a curved cut feature of the side boards.... a concave profile, i.e., taking a cue from Leon's concave designs on some of his projects. A concave cut on the more narrow side boards would lessen the picnic table look (outside bench look) and may not be so formal a look as the trestle bench design.

Sonny


Thanks for the additional comments. We're going with the angled leg option. Prototyping to
begin as soon as I finish some outside work. We're having a new stoop and walkway put in
and I have to do a little more prep work before the contractor shows up later this week.
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