Work bench help

[Danno30008]

Hey everyone:

I am getting ready to build the work bench with a cut out for my miter saw and will use the sketch Don supplied. (Thanks again Don) I have a couple questions before I start:

1. I paln on using deck screws to hold everything together. Do I have to pre drill all the holes so the wood doesn't split? Or, can I just tap down on the pointed head of the screw to dull it out so to speak? I learned this trick from an old timer when using nails..

2. I will mount the casters on the bottom of a 4/4 and plan on using 1/4 x 2 1/2" lag bolts. To prevent splitting, what size should I drill my pilot holes?

Ok, that is it and once again, thanks for your help in advance. I really appreciate that fact that as a real amature woodworker, I have a place to get suggestions and help.
Take care
Dan in Atlanta :cool:

[Don]

Hey, Dan. Deck screws are fine for this. If your surfaces are OSB you might want to pre-drill your holes with a countersink just so the heads are flush or below. You might find that trying to do it without, the screw might strip out before you get the head flush. If you are using a clear "white wood" from the box stores here in the south you are probably going to have your hands on spruce. Depending on several factors, it could be soft or hard. You may find that screws in the middle of a run will not need predrilling but on the ends you could split.

Whenever I'm doing something like this I have another drill set up specifically with a combination pilot/drill/countersink in place. It simply makes for a tighter assembly, the parts pull together without having to strip itself in the first piece. Try it, you'll see what I mean. It does not take that much more effort and you'll be pleased with the results.

1/4" lag bolts typically are at home with a 3/16" pilot hole, this is at least what I would recommend when going into the end grain like you will be doing.

Tapping down on the head of a nail causes the nail to crush the fibers in front of it instead of "splitting" them apart. Sometimes this works with nails. If I'm in a situation where I can't live with a split then I pre-drill. I've never tried it with screws and I'm sure it would defeat the "self starting" ability of the screw and aggravate splitting. Pre-drilling a pilot would make tapping the head moot.

No problemo on the help, our pleasure. Good luck and take some pictures along the way.

dawjr

[Danno30008]

Don:
Thanks !
The table is comming along just fine. I have some photos but need to get them develpoed as I could not find my digital camera... should have them early next week.
Anyway, I found that it was a good tip and idea to use a countersink on the OSB top and bottom shelf..The 2 x 4's must be soft wood because I found it real easy to burry the screws, had to back off or I almost put it through the OSB..:confused:
All I have left is to finish the other side of the saw shelf support and cut out the top.. Really hasn't been too tough and it feels good to get back into the woodworking again. I forgot how much I missed it.
Anyway, thanks again and I will post pics when the project is done.
Take care
Dan in Atlanta