Table construction

[Anonymous]

Hi there

It has come to the stage of buying my boards.

I have 2 options.

I Can either buy a pre built table about 2x6 or i can build my own table by nailing 2, two by fours over 3 sawhorses.

Any pro's and cons. The pre-built table is only au$39 so it is not expensive.

Which would you do?

Many thanks from pavariangoo

P.S - One day i will reveal my real name.[:p]

[soumodeler]

If you are only going to have a 2x6' layout, the pre-built table will be the best deal. If you plan on adding to it later on, build your own table. You will not need three sawhorses for a span of 4', assuming you put the sawhorses 1' in from the ends and the 2x4s are on end. I would build my own just for the fact that I can build it to my specs and what I need.

soumodeler
-----------------
The Southern Serves the South!
http://www.trainweb.org/mgr

[dknelson]

When I built my tables using the David Barrow "domino" system i used drywall screws rather than nails. They hold very well and with a cordless screwdriver are not difficult to screw in. I also used a tool that hardware stores sell I think for making picture frames -- it holds wood at 90 degree angles, so you are not relying on the perfection of your cuts. Very useful.
Dave Nelson

[Adelie]

Drywall screws are to construction what DCC is to operations. They are fast, easy, durable and hold well. A cordless screwdriver or drill with a screwdriver bit makes fast work of them.

I grew to love my mitre saw, too. Probably not worth the expense for a 2' x 6' job, but for larger construction, it saves a lot of nasty words.

[IRONROOSTER]

Personally, I'd build my own, but I would not use sawhorses. I'd build a proper table. That way I could be sure it would hold up. This site has a page http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/001/215lorqk.asp which points to a PDF file for the Kansas City Central which has a diagram of a fairly simple table you can build. It's for a 4x8, but you can adjust dimensions.

NMRA's beginner's section has a narrative on building one - http://www.nmra.org/beginner/bench48.html You could also buy a book on it as well.

The table is the foundation of your layout. It's not a good palce to skimp.

Enjoy
Paul

[TurboOne]

I started with the 4 x 8 on top of two sawhorses.

Now after making my own, not only am I proud, my son and I had a blast putting it together. Worth all the hassle and time for that together time.

Tim

[Anonymous]

Hi

I am going to get the wood hopefully this weekend. I have come up with a track plan but i would like to ask a question. Before i go and layout hundreds on switches for a yard what is the point of a yard. I know that the yards of the mainline that look like about 5 sidings stuck together are for sorting freight but what are the yards that have about 10 tracks that are all in a row but go nowhere for?Are they just for storing freight?

Many thanks

Pavariangoo rhymes with Pavarianp** !!!!!!!!!!

[soumodeler]

Yards can be used for many things. Storing freight, sorting trains, building trains, etc. There is no real difference between them if they are used for one type or another. Model railroaders use yards for making trains, switching, and holding trains for later use (staging). A yard is worthwhile if you have the room, but they dont work too well on a small layout unless all it is is a yard. Hope this helps.

soumodeler
-----------------
The Southern Serves the South!
http://www.trainweb.org/mgr

[Anonymous]

thanks!

[Anonymous]

I went into a new store in my area called Bargain Center. It is owned by Grossmans and it looks to be a clearing house for building materials.

They had 4 foot 1x4's for a $1.00
6 feet for $1.48
The 8 footers were more expensive than 2 -4 footers.

Anyways I was thinking that this was just the place for someone to get building materials for building a railroad.

[grayfox1119]

Whether or not you use a bought table or build your own, use screws to mount the table. Nothing in this world is without change, so by using screws, you can easily make changes. Can you just imagine trying to pry up nails!!!!! I can't imagine why anyone would use nails these days. If you are placing screws near the edges of the boards, it would be a good idea to drill pilot holes first so that the wood doesn't split.
Good luck with your layout,