Author Topic: Portable Shooting Bench (Read 583 times)

quickdtoo · « **on:** November 08, 2004, 11:12:04 AM »

I've been wanting to build a portable shooting bench for a long time, but never found a design that I liked that didn't require welding. I finally found one that is simple, inexpensive, easy to build and from the description, fairly sturdy. I'm going to use 2 sheets of 3/4" plywood, laminated together as I already have it. I also want to rout a small channel in the top perimeter around the front, back and right side to prevent small objects from rolling off. Comments and suggestions are welcome.

http://www.aeroaces.com/bench1.htm

Nic_58 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 08, 2004, 01:08:35 PM »

A few years back, I built a portable bench similar to that. I used 2 pieces of 3/4" plywood laminated together and the top is cut out very similar to the one pictured. The only difference I can see is mine has a Y-shaped frameword underneath the table and 3 folding legs which are all made from 1" square tubing and required metal working and welding to construct it. It makes for about a sturdy a setup as you could expect for a portable bench. I have done a lot of shooting off of mine and am really pleased with it. I think you would be pleased with the one pictured also!

quickdtoo · « **Reply #2 on:** November 08, 2004, 01:13:05 PM »

I've had a few "thoughts" since I started this thread, thinking maybe I'll countersink bolts through the top to bolt the flanges on instead of using screws, this should make it a bit sturdier. Then lay some thin laminate or vaneer on the top.

donedidit · « **Reply #3 on:** November 08, 2004, 01:30:03 PM »

Don't know if you have one available but I use my Black and Decker Workmate. I cut a piece of plywood to the size I wanted and screwed a 2x4 rib on the bottom and down the middle of the plywood. Open the jaws of the Workmate, lay the plywood down with the rib on the bottom and between the jaws so the plywood lies flat on top of the Workmate. Crank the handles so the "jaws" of the Workmate tighten against the rib and presto a rock solid shooting platform that folds down and takes only sections to set up. You can even use it to cut wood too! :-D

quickdtoo · « **Reply #4 on:** November 08, 2004, 01:50:09 PM »

Donedidit, the problem with 4 legged benches is they are hard to level and having a shooting bench that doesn't rock is essential. The 3 legged design is self leveling. I have a 4 legged bench and it is a pain to get solid when in the field.