Because I have a large number of 2x4s available, the bench work will be all 2x4 construction. I will only be using four legs on each “module”, one in each corner. As with my current layout, I will be using coarse thread drywall screws.
My objective is to keep the benchwork as open and accessible as possible for ease in getting under the layout for Tortoise installation and for connecting feeders to the bus wires. On my current layout, I solved the diagonal sway problem by adding horizontal members along the bottom of the bench work, but that made access under the layout a bit difficult.
Tomorrow, I plan to build a 4’ x 8’ table, standing 36" high. I plan to install diagonal 2x4 bracing, so that is why I ask the question on positioning. This will be a test table to determine how best to eliminate sway. I can use that test table to store my existing structures as I build the new layout.
That would be my approach. Gussets where the leg joins the frame will work nicely, then an x brace between the legs. I rather doubt a 36" leg made of 2x2 or stouter will do much bending.
In reality, if you are truly building a “module” (which implies portability) it will be of fairly light construction and if you bump the layout it will knock over cars, etc.
Another tack is to butt one end up against a wall and drive one or two screws from the frame into the wall. That pretty much eliminates any sway.
I know I was. But I was also referring to avoiding working with warped or twisted 2xs.
I was assuming you were going to purchase lumber for the project.
I was basing my comments on my observation is that its hard to find lumber that isn’t warped or twisted, and trying to build benchwork from unstraight 2x4s is tough because it’s too thick to bend into shape.
The 2xs you have on hand may be just fine.
1x boards are easier to bend back straight as you screw it or nail it into another board as you work along the length. A steady bead of yellow glue keeps it that way.
I’ve built benchwork, work benches, and artwork using big box lumber and odd pieces; and I won’t touch anything 2x if it’s not perfectly straight. 1x is just so much friendlier to work with, IMO.
2x4 legs and 2x4 bracing? Are you running live steam on the layout? That’s waaaaaaaay over built. You can use 2x2 for the legs and 1x2 for the sway bracing or even metal conduit with the ends hammered flat. Some people make legs from an L of two 1x2 or 1x4 or a 1x2 and 1x4.
You can use heavy wood if you want (the “its your layout” rule applies) but there is no real structural need for it and from what I’ve seen 2x4’s aren’t as dimensionally stable as some of the higher quality finish wood or plywood.
Dave, I was guardedly using the term “module” so others didn’t think that I was building a simple 4x8 layout. No portability involved here. What I am actually contemplating is rebuilding my current layout a section at a time. The individual sections will be screwed to one another and that will help immensely to eliminate sway. In my current layout, I have horizontal bottom 2x4’s which really eliminate the possibility of sway but those bottom members make it harder to crawl under the layout without knee and shin pads.
Sometimes, it seems like it, running live steam, that is.
Yep, it is way overbuilt, but that’s me. If it weren’t for the landscaping, I could get up on the layout and walk across it. It just might hold an elephant. In any event, I I have a surplus of 2x4’s, so it makes economic sense to stick with them.
You are refering to a “pinned” connection. Often in lumber the holes for bolts or screws will loosen or enlarge. I don’t count on those to manage sway. The plywood corner braces are easy to make and will stiffen the whole connection.
The question still remains, what is adequate bracing or gussets for a 2x4 or 2x3.
You can have 3’ braces or even gussets and there is no argument that they aren’t stronger. You can build it out of angle iron, welded to steel and avoid cross braces all together, but what is “good enough” without compromising stability.
On my Free-mo modules of approximately 2’ x 6’, I use 2x2 legs and 1x2 diagonal bracing. There is no diagonal bracing the “long” way. It’s a little more complicated, but that’s the main part.
The lighter you build for a module, the lighter it is to carry.
I suspect for a 4x8 module/layout, 3x3 legs would be just right. If the layout is “thick” enough and framed around the edge 6" high, the legs could be bolted into the corners and that would be enough.
Of course, a 2x4 would work nicely too.
As far as diagonal bracing, I think I’d wait awhile and MAYBE add it later. Might not need it.
I built the test table, a 4’ x 8’ x 3’ structure built out of 2x4s.
Then, I added diagonal braces made out of 2x4s to the two 8’ sides.
I used 2 1/2" coarse thread drywall screws on the framing and 2 1/2" 8d finishing nails on the diagonal braces.
I cut the braces on 45 degree angles from 21" lengths of 2x4s so the resulting pieces measure 21" on the long side and 14" on the short side. When attached, the braces connect 16" down the legs and 20" across the horizontal members.
There is absolutely no sway.
Tomorrow, I will attach diagonal braces to the 4’ sides where there still is considerable sway.
That should help, Rich. However, while I’m sure that I’ll come off sounding like the Grinch, the 2’o/c spacing of the crossmembers certainly wouldn’t support the weight of something like Bertram’s. [:P]
That’s waaaaaaaay over built. You can use 2x2 for the legs and 1x2 for the sway bracing or even metal conduit with the ends hammered flat. Some people make legs from an L of two 1x2 or 1x4 or a 1x2 and 1x4.