I would like to make a workbench for my shed with drop down sides. Is there a special hinge that would also work as a shelf support for the drop down sides?
Hi @lexneville8,
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.
When you say you want to build a workbench with drop down sides, did you have a specific design in mind? Could you perhaps sketch the basic design you were thinking of to help illustrate what you are trying to achieve?
The simple folding workbench shown in https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/home-improvement/furniture-upcycling/how-to-make-a-folding-workbench used tee hinges, however you will note that it also used dowels to support the worktop. You could certainly implement a design like this for your drop-down sides.
Unfortunately, I am not aware of a hinge that will both operate as a hinge and a support. The closest piece of hardware that I am aware of that might fit your needs is a https://www.bunnings.com.au/carinya-315-x-145mm-white-folding-spring-loaded-bracket_p3970376 , which can fold down and be extended when in use.
Allow me to tag some helpful members to see if they have any ideas - @DIY4Knuckleheds, @Noyade, @Dave-1.
Let me know what you think. We can certainly assist further as your plans progress.
Jacob
I have an old BBQ trolley - off with BBQ and on with an old bench top. this will be my portable shed workbench. I want to have the option to make it larger when required by having drop down sides. The spring loaded brackets look ideal. Species say 50KG. does that mean two will hold up to 100KG?
These brackets are rated to support 50kg when two brackets are used at no more than 415mm apart. You can see the parameters for the testing shown here -
Adding additional brackets will help with the weight bearing capacity as it will distribute the load across more supports, but it will not simply add another 50kg to the amount it can safely support.
If you were looking to support upwards of 50kg, then folding brackets are likely not the best way to go. You'd want to be adding additional support from something more rigid such as the dowels in the example I have mentioned above.
Let me know what you think.
Good Afternoon @lexneville8
How solid is your ex BBQ frame? Sometimes when the BBQ itself is removed they can get very wobbly. You could have a vertical fold midway underneath the extended bench you are thinking of to give strength to the bench but still allow it to be folded into a smaller footprint.
So the horizontal section is attached with the hinges (I was thinking door style hinges but @JacobZs first suggestion would work. Then say at the rear of the bbq edge have a vertical piece of plywood with the hinges attached to the leg (if its solid enough) so when you go to use the extension you open it out so its a diagonal foot type deal.
BTW, with the timber bench top + side extensions and whatever supports you go with it may max out the frame/wheels.
Dave
G'day lexneville8, those brackets that JacobZ suggested are ok but l have found that there is a little "play" in them. If you jump on Amazon and have a look there are some heavy models available that are designed for applications like one the one you are after. Just type in Drop Down Hinges and away you go. 👍
