Good 1x4 joint

[Derrick]

I have started my 1st project as a new workbench. My question is what would be a strong, simple joint to use with this SPF lumber. The workbench is going to be approx. 2'x 8' when finished.

[Derrick]

Sorry. I meant a Strong corner joint.[:I]

[Scottydont]

A rabbet.

[Ken Massingale]

Mortise and Tenon. IMHO, m&t joints are one of the measurements of woodworking skills. Why not learn them early?
ken

[Mainemarc]

Hi Derrick:

Exactly what sort of corner joint are we talking about here? Are we joining the 1x4 stock length-wise to form a leg or some other piece with an L-shaped profile?

Or is this an apron or skirt were the ends of the boards are meeting at a 90 deg angle?

[LCHIEN]

If you're doing face to face then the half lap joint is great and relatively easy to do for a beginner - also strong and attractive even if the lap faces turn out ugly. Makes the joints flush god got Tees, corners. Lots of nibbling with a table saw (and maybe a chisel) but that's all you need (although a dado can make it faster.

If you are doing end edge to face then perhaps M&T (mortise and tenon) are good, but the mortise and the tenon may be tricky (not done with a table saw). Or 1x4 notch in the edge of the vertical and nail/glue the end/edge of the cross horizontal member into the notch.
Don't recall what they call that joint.

Frankly, 1x4 might be rickety for a work bench. These can also be used for 2x4 joints.

[Derrick]

The joint I'm trying to make is the corner supports for the upright legs of the frame. I think a lap joint is what I'm looking for but I am unsure if this would give me the strength for a solid workbench using the 1x4 as the legs. I guess I am just wondering how you guys would build the leg assembly if all you had was 1x4. Thanks.

[LCHIEN]

quote:Originally posted by Derrick

The joint I'm trying to make is the corner supports for the upright legs of the frame. I think a lap joint is what I'm looking for but I am unsure if this would give me the strength for a solid workbench using the 1x4 as the legs. I guess I am just wondering how you guys would build the leg assembly if all you had was 1x4. Thanks.

If you made lap joints with 1x4 you would have a very strong joint
with respect to bending the 90° angle of the Ell.
If you made two inverted "U" ends for the bench then the bench would be very stable and strong in the forwards and backwards direction but some what wobbly in the side to side direction. IN order to fix that going to 2x4 would help and or putting a wider 1x6 horizontal member between the right and left hand ends along the back of the bench.

[Jim-Iowa]

If yor talking about the corner joint on the uprights?
I think I would laminate the 1X4 to make it at least 3 thicknesses.
A single 1X4 is not very strong, and would not make a very stable base.
Do a Search, on workbenches. Ryan F posted pictures of his bench and has more in depth pictures on his personal site.
That shows the laminated legs on his bench very clearly.
Cutting the center piece a width short to create a Bridle joint.

If your talking about the rails to connect the legs, I would use a mortice & tenon.
If You chose Half-Laps By laminating material you could get the full 3/4" depth of support by cutting shorter pieces and laminating to create the lap.

[Woodnut]

Maybe add shearing strength to a half-lap by "pinning" with hardwood dowel segments?