Building a permanent table - Questions about

[Birds]

I am to the point of starting to build the permanent layout and have some questions on materials.  This is my first time building permanent benchwork.

Description:

The layout will be a walk around table 80" deep x 172" long (6'8" x 14'4").

Foam is not available in thick sheets, and what is available is only a few dollars less than good 4x8 sheets of plywood! so I will be using plywood for the decking.

I was thinking of using 1/8 luan covered by homosote for the decking.  Screw the luan to the frame, and then glue the homasote to the luan.

Questions

1.  I was thinking of building the table in a set of four "modules" (each 43" x 80"), bolting the modules together to form one table, and then laying track.  My thought is that if I had to move the layout it would be more portable.  Are there any hidden problems in doing a layout in this fashion?

2.  What dimensions of lumber do people recommend for the framing around the table, and joist supports under the table?

3.   How close would you put the joist supports under the decking if using 1/8 luan and homasote?  10" on center divides nicely providing 8 joist supports under the luan and homasote decking.  Is that overkill on joists?

4.   What would people recommend for legs?  I want to be able to have each leg have a leveling foot.

 

That's all I can think of for now.  Thank you for your help!

Chris 

[ChiefEagles]

Look at my photos on "Stop the Chief" thread.  Deck screwed mine together.  See the leveling on the legs in the photos.  Luan is going to be mighty thin.   

[Buckeye Riveter]

Even though you are not going to use foam,   this posting may help you with the frame work.

I used pink, blue and white.

You can see more of my construction photos at this Shutterfly website.  One of the photos shows the hot knife cutter in a c-clamp.   It worked!

share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8ZYtnLVwx8A

[Birds]

Buckeye and Chief,

Thanks for posting the photos of your benchwork.

What grade of lumber are you all using, and where did you get it? 

To get dry, straight pieces of 1x4 and 1x1 costs quite a bit around here and requires visiting a specialty lumber yard.

This got me looking at some of the premade bench systems such as "Mianne Benchwork", or Sievers.  The initial price seems higher, but if you don't have many wood working tools (like me), haven't built benchwork before, and have to pay a premium for straight wood, the price may end up not being that much more.

Chris