Octagonal Party Bench

Scrap wood used as packaging material given new life as an octagonal bench.

Sturdy, solid and easy to assemble. Easy to separate and transport if required (4 seats, 1 cross brace and 1 top)

Step 1: Obtain Wood

I was lucky enough to get packaging material that was used for a huge compressor that was about to be scrapped.

Various lengths of 140mm x 45mm were used.

Step 2: Compile 3D Drawings

3d drawings of bench were compiled. (Each component and bill of quantity is added on the attached PDF)

The initial plan included backrests, but this was not constructed as seen on the assembly drawing and final photos.

An updated drawing with scale of 1:10 for each component has been uploaded.

Step 3: Cut All Parts to Size

Only hand tools and hand power tools were used to cut all components to size: miter saw, chisel, hammer, g-clamps and workbench.

Step 4: Marking and Assembly

Photo 1: The top of the table was placed top down and the supports where marked on the underside.

The supports were assembled using a 2 mm mild steel flat plate (to form the star shaped support with 4 grooves for table uprights). 5 mm wood screws were used to fasten each of the supports to the flat plate.

Photo 2: The assemble support was placed back onto the marked section (photo 1) and then screwed to each of the table top parts. 5 mm holes were drilled through the supports and 60 mm wood screws were used to fasten the supports to each table top part.

The four uprights where placed into the 4 cut grooves of the support and screwed in place using a 90 degree bracket bent open to 135 degrees.

Step 5: Seat Assembly

The four seats were assembled the same way as the table top. The seat and floor base where drilled through with 5 mm holes and 60 mm wood screws were used to fasten the upright supports together.

Step 6: Final Assembly, Sanding and Painting

The center braces where assembled and a 2 mm mild steel flat plate screwed below (photo 3) to support the table top uprights.

Table was completely sanded with a belt sander and then manually by hand.

Final painting using and outdoor varnish.

Step 7: Enjoyment :-)