This station volition entertainment you how to physique a field day tabular array precisely similar the one entertainmentn in the photograph below. I think this field day tabular array would make a wonderful addition to your outdoor summer experience at home. When correctly built and finished you volition be able to enjoy this woodworking project for many years to come. I built mine using everyday woodworking tools that could be bought very cheaply second hand or borrowed from a neighbour. I used plans that I downloaded and were essential when it came time to physique my field day tabular array. Just follow the step by step guide below and it volition teach you everything you need to know about physiqueing a field day tabular array.
You can make this field day tabular array, just keep reading!
measure 1: Materials list and tools used
The materials used were bought at my local hardware store quite cheaply:- 2x4s
- 2x6s
- 2x8s
- 3' x 3/8' galvanised carriage bolts
- 2 1/2', 3' and 4' inch decking screws
- Outdoor wood varnish
- Circular saw
- Sabre saw
- 3m tape measure
- Framing square
- Combination square
- Cordless drill and an assortment of bits
- C-clamps and bar clamps
- Ratchet set
- Paint brushes
- Safety specs
- 120 and 220 grit sandpaper
Terminology used in the guide
measure 2: Cutting the legs to length
Cut the legs to length using a circular saw. Clamp your framing square at 60 degrees to the end of the 2x8 and use this as a fence to run your circular saw against to ensure a perfect 60 degrees. Obviously, you need to do this 8 times.
measure 3: Cutting the tabular array slats
Cut the tabular array slats to length from a 2x8. The top edges of the slats may be rounded off using a router or giving a light run with a smoothing plane.
measure 3: Prepare the end tabular array and centre tabular array supports
This involves cutting a 60 degree angle on the ends of the supports. This cuts down on weight slightly and makes for a more 'knee friendly' tabular array.
measure 4: Creating the field day tabular array top
The tabular array top assembly requires the two
end tabular array supports and the centre tabular array
support. Spacers are used in between the slats, during assembly, to allow a space between the slats for rainwater drainage while maintaining a practical tabular array
surface.
Drill pilot holes, 2 for each slat on both end tabular array supports and the centre support. Countersink the holes so that the screw head finishes flush with the bottom surface of the supports.
Screw the supports to the tabular array slats. You may use a wood glue if desire for extra rigidity.
measure 5: Attaching the legs
Clamp the legs in place and position them on each of the centre slats and on the outer face of the end support faces. The legs volition be attached with some galvanised carriage bolts with washers. It is very important to use galvanised elements as they resist corrosion and ensure that your tabular array volition be held together securely.
Drill some clearance holes for the bolts. It is a good idea to drill clearance holes which are very slightly smaller than the bolt diameter. This volition make for a very rigid leg structure. The bolts volition be tightened from the inside. The counterboring ensures that the end of the bolt does not protrude underneath the tabular array and possibly injure somebody while sitting. Also, ensure that you use a galvanised washer. This volition spread the load applied when tightening the bolt and minimise any puncturing of the wood and prevent any ingress of water into the timber, which volition result in premature rotting of the wood. You can plug the counterbore with some clear silicone after you have finished tightening the bolts.measure 6: Attaching the bench supports to the legs
Mark the position of the bench support and clamp to the legs using a c-clamp. Mark the position of the holes. Using deck screws and a cordless screwdriver attach the bench supports.measure 7: Cut and attach the braces
Using 2x4s cut the braces to length and cut
60 degree angles on both ends. Centre
the brace on the bench support and drill
pilot holes for the decking screws.
measure 8: Cut the bench cleats and attach
Use spacers to space out the bench slats and fix the bench slats together using the bench cleat. Clamp the assembly together usingbar clamps. Drill pilot holes and fix using decking screws. For extra strength you may choose to use two bench cleats.measure 9: Fix the bench to the bench support
Position the benches onto the bench supports and hold them in place using the c-clamps. See the position guides in the diagramDrill pilot holes on the underside of the
bench supports. Attach the benches to the
bench supports using decking screws.
measure 10: Sand and finish
Using a sanding block and some 120 grit paper give the surfaces a sanding. Sand in the direction of the grain to give a smoother finish. If you are in a hurry then may choose not to sand on the surfaces that are not visible. Using a vacuum cleaner suck all the dust off the surfaces. Using 220 grit sandpaper, sand again. This should leave a smooth surface. Again vacuum the surface and rub all surfaces with a tack cloth. Note: A tack cloth is a lint free cloth that has been impregnated with a wax that volition grab all bits of dust from your woodworking project. If you want to stain the wood I would recommend using a pre-conditioner if you have built your field day tabular array from pine. The pre-conditioner helps softwoods similar pine to stain more evenly. Once the field day tabular array has been dusted you may apply a coat of outdoor varnish. Allow to dry for 24 hours.Conclusion:
I hope that you have enjoyed this project. It can be easily done over a weekend and volition last for years to come. If you need some blueprints. I bought a very good set of plans online.
