So much for that benchwork idea

[richhotrain]

Randy, I am not sure that I am visualizing your construction method correctly, but what about using angle irons for the 2' horizontals?

Rich

[Don Z]

Randy,

First, I want to make sure I understand what you're trying to solve. Are you talking about your upper deck only when you say you want no brackets above or below the deck?
What type of walls are you working with? Open studs? Sheetrock? How deep do you want to build the upper deck if that's what we're trying to solve?

I have an idea for you but I'll hold it until I make sure I'm on the same page as you...
Don Z.

[Anonymous]

Put a 1" stand off on either side of the bracket for the backdrop, that way you dont need to make cuts.  

[rrinker]

Made a mockup of what I was planning to mount the benchwork, vertical pieces that would be lagged to the studs, horizontal pieces of 3/4" birch plywood attached to the verticals with right angle brackets.

 While my horizontal piece is a full 4' long and the longest on the layout will be 2', there seems to be too much deflection. I don;t have any way to attach a vertical right now, so I actually tested it by placing the vertical ont he floor and standing on it. Still, when applying force no more than 2 feet up, there was what I would consider too much defelection. It seems to be in the brackets. Perhaps I need to find something thicker.

This is what I used:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/USP-1-7-16-in-18-Gauge-Wood-to-Wood-G90-Galvanized-Framing-Angle/3692070

 

With just one, there was deflection and twisting. Putting on the second one stopped the twisting.

Seems like maybe if I drive some screws in from the back it would help.

Or maybe I just need to use a different sort of bracket.

I do NOT want any sort of bracket that sits above or below the horizontal piece like a shelf - I do not want to half to cut and fit the backdrop every 16" to clear the brackets. And while an occasional leg might be acceptable on the lower level, this won;t work for the upper deck. The top cap, I see no problem, there won;t be much weight in there, just the light strips to light the upper deck.

On the plus side - I pushed pretty hard at the full 4 foot end of the horizontal piece and the screrws did not pull out, nor did I hear any ominous cracking of the wood. so short of an elephant standing on it, it should be plenty strong enough, I just have to get the deflection under control.

                                --Randy