Suggestions for assembly table base

[SwingKing]

I've been planning an mobile assembly table with a torsion box top and I need some advise. I had an idea in my head of what I wanted and did some digging around the site. When I found what Gary had done (http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=30759), it was almost exactly what I wanted. Here's a pic of his table as a reference. :


My question is how to build the base for the cabinet. My version's going to have a 36"x48" top, with about a 3" overhang all around. I'm concern about the weight from both the top and loading up the cabinets. How would you support this setup? I know others have used a torsion box base because of its strength, but I really don't want to have to build two torsion boxes for this thing.

Vanguard used a simple frame for his version (I can't tell what Gary did from the pics). Do you think a retangular frame connecting the legs made from 1"x5" oak planks with half-lap joints would be adequate? If not, what would you suggest?

-- Ken

[Pappy]

In this design, it looks like the weight of the top (and what is sitting on it) are transfered directly down the corner posts to the casters. That being the case, the lower cabinets should not affect it. They just need to be ridgid and square on their own.

[SwingKing]

Thanks Pappy for looking it over. I wasn't too worried about the top itself because, as you say, the posts should handle the weight. I was just concerned that the cabinets could have a problem with this 42" span. Especially when I load up the drawers with finishing supplies, tools, and all the other junk I have floating around my shop right now.

We'll, its off to HD for plywood to get this puppy started. I'll post pics once I get it done.

-- Ken

[pelligrini]

If you keep the back of the cabinets as single panel like the one in the link it should handle the shear fairly easily.