Building the Impossible Bench

How to build the impossible folding bench.

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A few days ago I posted this video about a bench that folds into a table or in the interim it folds into a sofa table so this one build is actually three pieces of furniture in one.
Today I would like to share the build process I went through to make this bench work.
It’s important to note that is not what I would call a finished product ready to be used or sold. For me this was just a discovery build. I will often build a project quickly without spending a ton of time on the joinery or the construction process, I really just wanted if the to learn from the build and have the opportunity to play with different solution to problems that might arise.
To make this build go quick I purchased some inexpensive laminated panels for the top and some construction grade 2 by 4s for the legs. The panel were less than perfect and had some significant twist to them, which really was a not a bid deal since this is just a discovery build.
I began the build process by cutting the panels to the size then cut a v grove on the end of each panel the grooves will later accept the square barrels I use for the hinges.
With the hinge grooves cut I used my jig saw to cut a box joint on the ends of each side of the panels. The box joint will help give the homemade hinges some strength and keep the bench from having a crazy looking gap when it is in the closed position.
The idea behind the hinges are really quite simple after cutting some pieces of oak out on the table saw I cut them to the appropriate lengths then drilled a 3/16th inch hole in the ends of the pieces. The oak pieces will act as the barrels and some 16 penny nails cut to length with my angle grinder will get used for pins.
After lining up the panels I glued a one of the homemade hinges to the front and one to the back on both side of one of one panel assembly with 2p - 10 and I used activator to speed up the process. I did the same on the next panel assembly with one large hinge in the center of the assembly. The offset hinge positions allow the 2 panel assemblies to lay flat against each other and with a common pivot point they work together to open and close.
Then laying the panel assemblies together added some piano hinges each section.
For the legs I cut the side off of some sections of 2 by 4 and made for triangular shape legs I screwed one set of leg to the front making sure to offset them so they don’t interfere with each other when opening or closing and for the back legs I built a simple captured slide so the rear leg could be pulled out to support the top when in the full open position.
After installing the sliding legs I made a simple sliding lock for each side to lock the top in the open position while it’s open.
I learned a lot from this discovery build and gained some valuable experience. When I build the next version of this crazy folding bench I will have a solid idea on what to change and what works. So to me this project was a great success.
I want to thank FastCap for sponsoring today’s video and mention how much I Love their 2p-10 I have been using it for 9 months now and it is an amazing product that has saved me so much time and headaches. If you would like to try it out check in the description box below this video for links to it and other products I used on this project.
Thank you for watching and till next time Take Care.

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Please watch: "Flawless layout with my Straddle Square | Izzy Swan"
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[zekearchuleta]

Izzy, Just wanted to say thanks, At 60 years old you've given me the desire to get back into woodworking, Your Too cool Brother, Blessings from Apple Valley Ca.

[ScrapwoodCity]

Many innovations on this build! Really cool hinges! Awesome

[ProspectorBill]

Very nice Izzy. I own an advertising agency and enjoy the evolution of ideas and no one does that better than you. Can't wait to see the next generation!

[MakeSomething]

I love these discovery builds! We get to see the thought process. Great vid Izzy!

[RobbsHomemadeLife]

Izzy, if your channel was a stock I would buy it, you always have something unique and creative to show us. Thumbs up!

[djonesey]

Izzy...would so love you to come out with plans for this eventually. I'd so buy them. What a great table for all people, especially those who live in small spaces. Not only does it fold up, but it serves multiple purposes--as ever piece of furniture in a small space often needs to do.

Bravo!

[Aristocob]

So clever, Izzy. I don't think that I've ever watched one of your videos that I didn't think "That's a great idea!" Thanks for sharing. Scott

[davidweaver]

You certainly know how to push the envelope with woodwork mate. How do you come up with these great ideas? Yet another great idea, that if I know how you work, will be developed into a first class product. Great work Izzy. you're an inspiration 😊

[roncooper]

Izzy, I have said it before but I will say it again, you are a genius. Thank you so much for providing such excellent videos. Regards.

[justinbarlage]

This MFer makes everything look so simple and easy. I am thoroughly impressed.

[toolify]

This is crazy awesome, man! Very clever design on those hinges.

[glenmckelvey]

Awesome job . Really cool hinge system.

[datadev]

Izzy, I bet you neighbors get a kick out seeing your inventions as they drive by. Like your bull dog in the driveway. ;)

[andreluispereira]

Congratulations my friend very creative a great greetings here from Brazil

[RABthefirst]

That was pretty cool, Izzy. THanks for the ideas.

[ferretsrk]

I would really love to see a video on a finished product of this build. I love your channel and many of your great ideas. Keep up the good work.

[PHIL_S]

Izzy for small shops this could be an assembly / out feed table that is easily stored when not in use.  Your vids are always informative and force me to make saw dust, (in the future I hope for quality saw dust - lol) but this one MIGHT be the coolest yet.  Thanks for sharing it with us.

[Cactusworkshopchannel]

Very clever!! good job! I like those square hinges! This table reminds me of board games!

[dnngskn]

Very clever Izzy. Can't wait to see what you do with this one.

[themaconeau]

This is what traditionally be called, "Research and Development".
Love it ;)