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Building Tips and technical articles. => Building techniques => Topic started by: Dick Pacini on April 27, 2010, 12:42:16 PM

Title: Melamine Top VS Glass Top Bench
Post by: Dick Pacini on April 27, 2010, 12:42:16 PM
I purchased a set of aluminum wing and fuselage jigs but they will need to be mounted on a melamine or similar material bench top.  I have read here where many builders use a glass top right over the plans to build upon.  That isn't possible without gluing the jig parts to the glass, which wouldn't allow adjustment.  It seems that one must make a choice between building over glass protected plans or jig building over the bench top.  Your thoughts will be welcomed.
Title: Re: Melamine Top VS Glass Top Bench
Post by: Wynn Robins on April 27, 2010, 01:42:46 PM
buildign on glass gives you a flat level surface to build OVER plans - if you are using jigs and fixtures, you do not need the glass, so long as whatever you are using to set the jigs up is level - relative to itself........if that makes sense
Title: Re: Melamine Top VS Glass Top Bench
Post by: Randy Powell on April 27, 2010, 04:19:28 PM
Dick,

I took a chunk of Melamine (1") and used a router to cut slots for my jig legs. I level the board with a laser level using shims. Once it's level I adjust the jig legs. Works.
Title: Re: Melamine Top VS Glass Top Bench
Post by: Eric Viglione on April 27, 2010, 09:23:23 PM
If you do end up looking for glass... one tip is to find your local custom glass/window shop.

Most of them seem to have a free scrap pile out back. My current glass top came from that source, and it's a super thick double lamination of hurricane proof glass.

Price tag was still on it for $475.00 !!!  y1 Had one small chip in the corner, and my planes don't seem to care.  LL~

EricV