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Bench Work Building Tools For Model Trains |
Here's what you need to build a solid foundation for your layout
by Lionel Strang
Until recently I'd assumed that anyone I considered to be an accomplished model railroader could build benchwork without much problem. However, if I've learned anything over the past few years, it's how diversified model railroading really is. A person can be an expert in one aspect of the hobby without being well versed in many of the other skills needed to finish a quality model railroad.
Friend Brian Searles drove this point home to me when he asked if I would help build benchwork for his layout. He's a regular operator on my Allegheny & Lackawanna Southern, but didn't feel comfortable building benchwork. I couldn't say no, especially with the possibility of getting another operating railroad running near my home.
Brian didn't enjoy building benchwork because he lacked the proper tools. The first thing I told him was without the right tools, building benchwork will take twice as much time and be half the fun.
I'm sure there are many readers in the same boat as Brian, so let's take a look at the important tools for building quality benchwork.
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Circular saw
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No matter what type of benchwork you build eventually you'll have to cut some lumber. One of the most essential tools I've found for building benchwork on the A&LS is a quality crosscut or cutoff saw. My DeWalt 10" compound miter saw has the capacity to accurately cut 10"-wide lumber. It's very easy to cut left and right miter angles with this saw as well as simple straight cuts, and I can quickly set most common miter angles on the easy-to-read scale. My saw weighs 33 pounds, has a built-in carrying handle, and comes with a dust bag.
The next best thing is a circular saw. A moderately priced one will do; what makes the difference is the blade. You can buy cheap ones for under $10, but for a few dollars more you can get a high-quality carbide-tip multipurpose blade that will make a clean cut and last long after the cheaper blade dulls.
Brian already had a circular saw but the blade was so dull it couldn't cut the Sunday roast. Before we did anything we had to replace it.
My favorite blade is the combination or rip blade. A high-quality combination blade with carbide-tip teeth will cost around $25. Look for one with 30 to 40 teeth, since with fewer teeth the cut becomes rougher and splinters wood. Having a plywood blade with 140 teeth is very handy for Masonite hardboard or thin plywood.
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Fastening wood
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Once you've got your wood cut you' re going to need to fasten it: I use screws and yellow carpenter's glue. Remember to use glue only on joints that you won't have to adjust later.
For screws I use high-strength black phosphate drywall screws with the Phillips head. You can buy these with either a coarse or fine thread; I primarily use coarse ones.
I never use nails for benchwork assembly. Hammering causes too much vibration, plus if you make a mistake it's easier to remove screws.
In Brian's defense the one tool he had purchased before starting his new layout was a cordless drill with a 12V battery. There are many drills available - just make sure you buy one with at least a 12V battery. Higher battery voltage equals better torque, which is what's needed to drive screws.
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Levels
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Before you start your benchwork make sure you have at least two levels on hand; I have three different sizes. One is a small portable level that comes in handy on benchwork. I also have two-foot and four-foot ones; the four-foot level works great as a straightedge as well as for ensuring roadbed doesn't have dips or bumps.
Now we've outfitted you with the necessary tools for building benchwork. However, tomorrow I'll make a trip to the local Home Depot and just make sure there aren't any power tools I'm missing. If I've told my wife, Anne, once I've told her a thousand times, ya just can't have too many tools.
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This article is from the September 2001 isssue of Model Railroader magazine.
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The above articles is the property of and is
the copyright of Kalmbach
Publishing Co. |
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