I finally started putting my bench together for my newly acquired round column mill. Since I plan on converting this machine to CNC, I am making the top of the bench in the shape of a pan to collect coolant. You will see tomorrow what I mean once I get that far along.
Please spare me the washing machine comments, it is a true bummer that my shop is so small, but it is definitely better than nothing.
Colin

Coming along. I installed the joists and the table top. I cut 3/4 of the way through the 5/8" ply along the two bend lines then screwed the table top down.
I will have to be careful installing the shelf on the bottom. You can see the drain pipe coming out of the floor, I have to clear that, in fact, I had to design the entire bench around that bloody thing.
Wouldn't it be cool if I could get the machine assembled on the bench today :)
colin

OK, stage 1 complete. I added a shelf on the bottom.
Future plans for the table are....
Splash sheild all the way around (have to protect the washing machine..)
Drain hole in the middle going down to a coolant reservoir.
Water-proof liner.
But for now, I just want to get that mill up there!
Colin

Lucky me, a couple of friends came over and helped me heave the parts into place!!
I hadn't expected to get it together today, so I am uber happy. I have to attach the lead nut in the Y, that is why the table is way off to the left.
I have it up on 4X4 blocks right now, I will remove them when I convert to CNC, hopefully in April.

I see plenty of views on this thread, but no comments yet. I am a bit surprised as I figured we all have to build benches sooner or later.
Colin

Looks like your new bench will work just fine. Interesting how you built in the fluid tray. Is the top plywood? If so, are you going to install some sort of liner over the top surface to keep the fluid from leaking?

I will be installing a liner when I do my CNC conversion. The top is plywood, I cut 3/4 of the way through the ply to get it to bend like that.
I am now under power and milling! Very pleased. I will be going into the city tomorrow to get some more tooling and material. Next project looks like it will be a tool holder to keep everything organised.
Colin