Author Topic: Marking Out Table  (Read 11392 times)

Offline Artie

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Marking Out Table
« on: April 23, 2010, 06:27:58 AM »
Hi guys, on another forum I was discussing a marking out table and the ridiculous costs associated with a cast iron unit. Someone mentioned that granite bench top might be ok. I was sceptical at first cause a mate just had one fitted and it cost a small fortune.

But I got to thinking..... (and didnt THAT hurt), what about the holes they cut in them for sinks and cooktops? Where are those bits?

So I took myself off to akitchen cabinet maker and asked the question... why we throw them away... after dropping off some beer I am the happy owner of a slab of (manufactured) granite 19mm thick 500mm by 750mm. Im making a timber table for it with a cover tomorrow after I trim it down with a masonry blade on the angle grinder. More pics to follow when I have some progress. I have some nice Oregan just right for this project.....

 

South Wales, wait...NEW South Wales... Batemans Bay.

Offline jim

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Re: Marking Out Table
« Reply #1 on: April 23, 2010, 07:17:26 AM »
i use a granite "kitchen work top saver"

got mine for about £14. its a good size and very flat!
if i'd thought it through, i'd have never tried it

Offline Stilldrillin

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Re: Marking Out Table
« Reply #2 on: April 23, 2010, 08:09:55 AM »
I bought a box of 6off granite tiles, for the wall surrounding my new gas fire.

The spare one is now a 12" square surface plate.......  :thumbup:

David D
David.

Still drilling holes... Sometimes, in the right place!

Still modifying bits of metal... Occasionally, making an improvement!

Offline Artie

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Re: Marking Out Table
« Reply #3 on: April 23, 2010, 08:29:35 AM »
Gday Jim n Dave, this is something I have missed for years. I once worked for a firm that had a large cast iron marking out table. This thing was reverred and had a timber cover and treated like a deity, its amazing the amount of use it got.

I have made do with hap hazaard work spaces since that time, quite excited about this.

Cheers

Rob
South Wales, wait...NEW South Wales... Batemans Bay.

Offline Artie

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Re: Marking Out Table
« Reply #4 on: April 24, 2010, 05:07:57 AM »
Well with a masonry wheel on the angle grinder and a piece of angle iron as a guide this cut really easily. Once square I got the timber out and started on the frame. This was a heap of Oregan thats been in stock for many years and finally found a project worthy. You ID notice the dovetail joints I hope... :) :D







Also made a cover for it as its surely gonna be a good place to put stuff..... the whole project took all day on and off, waiting for stuff to go off etc... Im really happy with the reusult as I have a damned fine marking out table but also a tool bench. Lockable castors on one end and normal wheels on the other. All works well...



South Wales, wait...NEW South Wales... Batemans Bay.

Offline Darren

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Re: Marking Out Table
« Reply #5 on: April 24, 2010, 06:02:28 AM »
Very nice, I sure need some workspace for one of those, I have a large piece of granite worktop  :lol:

Yup, noticed the dovetails, very nicely done all round. 
You will find it a distinct help… if you know and look as if you know what you are doing. (IRS training manual)

Offline Stilldrillin

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Re: Marking Out Table
« Reply #6 on: April 24, 2010, 06:04:21 AM »
Now.......

That`s...... VERY NICE!  :thumbup:

Well done Artie!  :clap: :clap:

David D
David.

Still drilling holes... Sometimes, in the right place!

Still modifying bits of metal... Occasionally, making an improvement!

Offline Davo J

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Re: Marking Out Table
« Reply #7 on: April 24, 2010, 06:36:53 AM »
Turned out great, looks like a bought one.
I have small cast iron one and couple of granite tiles that I use. One's a 12 x 12 and the other is a 24 x 24. I like your idea with the table/bench, consider it copied when I get the time.
People in the US and UK don't realize how much a granite surface plate costs us Aussie's. There allot cheaper over there.
This is what we have to pay
https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Products?stockCode=Q810
And this is the US price
http://grizzly.com/products/24-x-24-x-3-Granite-Surface-Plate-No-Ledge/G9656
Dave

Rob.Wilson

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Re: Marking Out Table
« Reply #8 on: April 24, 2010, 03:59:37 PM »
Hi Rob  :thumbup:

Very nice , i like the idea of having the surface plate on wheels ,so it can be moved around the shop , :clap: :clap: :clap:


Cheers Rob

Offline Brass_Machine

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Re: Marking Out Table
« Reply #9 on: April 24, 2010, 07:14:54 PM »
I see another project in my future this year. Very nice job Artie!

Eric
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We're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad.