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Key Rules.
The tools needed.A spirit level, Stanley knife, paint scraper, rubber mallet, hacksaw, square , 2x13mm spanner, 12mm half round file and some WD40. (optional cutting jig ) if required. Pre installation.Make sure all services are in place before a workstation is installed. Water supply, Phone extension and electrical supply etc, I use a 4 way 13amp plug extension for computer use. Take time and check out the type of surface you require, there are many on the market to choose from, I use Conti boards, though they only come with squared edges there are many finishes with matching iron on end tapes. Use the technical page layout as a guide, you can copy and paste this into WordPad and print a copy off. Work out the dimensions you require, shelf gap etc, then build the frame or frames as required. If you are going to build a unit for home use I cannot see a problem with weight, if your planning on a workshop duty then checkout the SEMA code on the technical page. When cutting maintain the frame measurements as accurately as possible, not so much to the drawing but that lengths themselves, that they are uniform, height can be adjusted by the feet. Debur all cut lengths of tube inside and out. then select the necessary connectors to loosely assemble the frame. spray a little WD40 on all the joints and with the frame on a matt for protection, tap the frame together a little at a time on each corner so that a uniform unit is made.
Note: you may have to dress rough edges of the connectors so that excessive force is not used on assembly, they are plastic and if dropped may have raised burrs, these need to be dressed with a file, the tolerance fit is very close so the slightest burr cause's interference and excessive force will be needed to assemble the frame. If you experience a tight fit when you start taping in the first connector into place it will need dressed with a file, as you will never get it out if needed. Take time here, get the first connector right and check the others as well. The importance of deburing the tubes also comes into effect, it the tube starts to shave the plastic, it's to tight. I find it easier to dress them all the same before I start assembly. Use WD40 Once the frames are assembled they are light and easy to manage for one person, if you have made two, then put them both in place and level them off as one with the feet, and tighten off the lock nuts, fix them together with the two support sections. Put a bead of clear silicon sealer around the top and shelf sections then lower the work surface and shelf into place, the kickboard idea is a good place to locate electric sockets and hides wires etc. A cheap plastic self adhesive trunking can be bought from B&Q for wiring if needed, a visit to B&Q will be the most stressful part of the project. Once built and in place you will get years of good use from this design, easy to expand at a later date or even use for another purpose. Relocating a workstation.Use the Stanley knife to cut through the silicon that retains the worktop, pass the blade completely through the silicon and carefully cutting along under the worktop, the worktops can be reversed if undamaged. Always use a new blade, a blunt blade is a dangerous blade. Remove all silicon from the underside of the worktops and frame with an effective scraper, I use the plastic type which hold the Stanley blades. If you can manage the frame as is, well and good. If not, use the rubber mallet in the inner corners to disassemble the frame, on an extended workstation the best place to start is the connecting sections, light tapping will do. Hold the connecting section and tap the standard frame until the section loosens. If you want to cut the sections down to shorten the workstation use a hacksaw with a 28 tpi blade. Important:- a connecting section needs 57mm either end for correct connection. Mark off the amount you want to reduce your workstation by with a square, cut the section squarely and clean out any burs with the file. A slight smear of WD40 to lubricate the connectors, and tap together, always tap on the end corners. Position frame with an all round gap of 100mm from walls, level and adjust feet with a 13mm spanner and lock. A small bead of clear silicon along the top sections, and replace to worktops. Important.There are guarantees on all frame components, load bearing parts must not be modified in anyway. Drilling holes in workstations is not recommended, dragging a workstation along the ground may loosen or damage connectors and adjustable feet. wheels are available for a mobility, but are not generally used in these designs. Damage to connectors can happen on disassembly, I cannot emphasise strongly enough about inspecting them, if in doubt, change them. the steel sections are virtually indestructible, and can be reused many times. for further information see the technical page.
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Last modified: Saturday 13th August 2007. |