Portable Workbench

The purpose of this project was to build something in which we could apply the skills which we learned throughout our high school years in our engineering courses. Our project had to utilize one of the skills which we learned in IED, CIM, or EDD. We decided to create a portable workbench which related to what we learned in engineering design and development; since we create a 3D MasterCAM design of our portable workbench. We also used the skills we learned in wood work throughout the years to follow through with our ideas and create a unique and handy workbench that can be used anywhere in the classroom.

Step 1: Brainstorming

The first steps that went into making our project were planning out the days ahead. One thing we had to do was make a rubric on which we would be graded on, this helped us stay focus every class period to accomplish our goal as well on making sure that we did a good job. If you know what is important and what you will be judged on, then there is no reason to not complete the necessary requirements for a proper workbench. As well as doing this we also laid out a basic idea of the procedures for getting the project done as well as all the materials that we would need. Lastly our last item in preparation for actually getting started on the project was to make a sketch and MasterCam of our portable workbench with finished dimensions to know what it will look like and know how much of our materials we will need.

Step 2: Gathering Supplies

This was a pretty simple project with only a few different types of supplies. The supply list was comprised of a set of four wheels. It is crucial that the wheels have breaks on them so that when they are placed on the workbench you can lock them into position and it won't move at all. This is important because if not it would make it very hard to get any work done and most importantly it would be extremely unsafe to work on a moving workbench. We also had to buy one long piece of plywood at 8 feet long and cut it down to our desired size. This plywood is what would later be utilized as the counter top. And lastly we needed several 2x4's to construct the body of the workbench.

Step 3: Creating the Workbench: Cutting and Sanding

For this project there were several things that we had to cut. To build the body of the workbench we had to cut the 2x4's into 6 pieces that were each 2'6" long, 2 pieces that were 3' long, and 4 pieces that were 4'6" long. As well as doing that we had to make sure we properly sanded each piece down since the point of this project is that it can be but to every day use. After cutting down all of our wood for the base we cut the large piece of plywood that we had contained into a rectangle, which was about 4'6" long and 3' wide. There was some excess pieces of plywood that went off the base of the workbench, but we sanded down the excess material as well as the counter top itself.

Step 4: Creating the Workbench: Assembly

To assemble the base of the workbench we decided to use screws to put it all together. We used the four of the shorter pieces(2'6") as the legs, with the longer pieces that were (4'6") connecting them horizontally and two pieces that were 2'6" connecting them vertically at the bottom of the base. At the top of the base we decided to add more space so we could have a larger counter top, to do this we placed the horizontal pieces which were 4'6" to the outside of the legs and connected the legs together vertically using the final two 3' pieces of wood. When everything was screwed together we had our base. The final step was assembling all the pieces together, the easiest part of the project. We simply added the counter top to the top of the base, making sure it lined up well and then screwed it on. We also attached a wheel to the bottom of each leg by screwing them on there as well.

Step 5: Conclusion: Portable Workbench

In the end we had our completed portable workbench. We tested it out to make sure it was stable and that the wheels locked well into place, as well as making sure that it was well sanded. Me and my partner Chaz would like to give a shout out to our teacher Mr. Bartels and say that it was an honor to get to have you as a teacher and we wouldn't have been able to accomplish what we've done in this class without you to guide us. We'll miss you coach!