Replies

1. 
   mudman | Oct 10, 2004 10:25am | #1

   sounds like a judgement call. Did you follow the instructions for the cemeant corectly? apply to both sides, allow to dry, then stick them togather. If you think that the rest is adhered, then screw it (I mean put screws in it). I would have done both from the get go. The screws act as clamps to improve the bond.

   Mike

   please excuse my spelling.
2. 
   bravo659 | Oct 10, 2004 07:27pm | #2

   It is nice to make your own table but sometimes it may not work as you desire it. Sometimes, it would be cheaper and better results if you purchase a table. My methodology is that if its cheaper to make then I will make it. But if it is cheaper to purchase a table then I will purchase it. I make my own things, and it was costing me a little more to make a router table. In Sears I saw a special on router tables three years ago, and it was cheaper to purchase then to make it. Wood was costing me 75.00 to make the table, add the glue cost and labor to the 75.00 and number of hours to make the table. When I purchased the table at 99.00 plus tax and a ride home. I saw a difference of 50.00 less than making the table. So I purchased the table and still have it. I would wait for the price of wood to go down, if it does, to make a bigger table.

1. 
   TXJon | Oct 10, 2004 07:45pm | #3

   $15 for MDF

   $25 laminate

   $7 contact cement

   $7 acrylic insert material

   $0 edge banding (left over scraps)

   $0 legs & stand (found lumber)

   $25 misc hardware

   My time, well, I wasn't going to be making any money with that time, anyway!

1. 
   bravo659 | Oct 10, 2004 07:49pm | #4

   The prices that you posted is just about right. I would go with the less expensive, like purchasing the table. It comes with everything you need.

1. 
   BarryR | Oct 10, 2004 08:04pm | #5

   Sometimes it's not about saving money.  After all, it probably costs more to make your own quality furniture than it would to buy it ready made if you figure the value of your labor.  It's good experience to make your own shop furniture.  I think using screws to hold the two layers together is a perfectly good option.  I'd use a bunch, not just around the cutout.  Drive them in from the bottom & you'll forget they're there.

1. 
   bravo659 | Oct 10, 2004 08:12pm | #6

   Sure, i agree with you. But there are people that looks for the cost effective materials. I would build my own table without a sweat. But in my area wood are extremely expensive. When comparing to other companies in Utah, Texas, and Connecticut, they have good prices for wood. For that if there is a table that costs less and will do the job I will go for it. Otherwise, I will build my own, and spend the money.

2. 
   BarryR | Oct 10, 2004 08:41pm | #7

   Anyone doing woodworking for a living has to do what's most cost effective.  Spending time building shop furniture instead of building stuff for sale is probably wasting money.  A hobby woodworker's time is just as valuable, but learning & practicing is time well spent.  Everyone's got to do what's best for them, so I certainly understand why some might choose to buy shop furniture.  Sounds like we're in perfect agreement.

3. 
   bravo659 | Oct 10, 2004 08:48pm | #8

   This is the type of conversation that I really like. Because we are both woodworkers believing that you are. There is nothing best than building your own work shop from scratch. As you build you learn more and more, and maintain your practice in hand. You are correct. I take lots of pride building my own. No matter how much I need to spend. After it is finished I look at it and say "good job". I am a stickler for details and tight joints. If the joint is not tight, then I have a problem. We are in perfect agreement as I will agree.