I finally built my shooting table from the Black and decker workmate WM 375.
It is debateable as to how interesting a wooden table can be, but I thought I'd share with you the object of this thread.
My first shooting table, my gas grille
For my new table, I used the WorkMate to make the table top from 1/2 inch BC exterior plywood. I was going to use 3/4, but it would have been too heavy. I put a dado in a 1x2 and put and gued and screwed the edge of the 1/2 plywood in the dado on 3 1/2 sides, along with a strengthening brace on the bottom to make it much more ridged. I cut the corners so no one would get hurt on them. I've got to put a handle on sometime.
There is a center clamping piece is screwed and glued to the bottom of the plywood that is held by the WorkMate's top "vise" jaws. They lift a little when clamped hard, so I put 2 alumninum box members as cross-pieces that were screwed against the bottom, pulling the table jaws flat so there would be no table-top "wobble" or movement. I used old lawnmower handle "wingnuts" to make it easy to take down for transport.
I painted the whole deal with 2 coats of urethane spar varnish and let it dry overnight.
Next day, I fitted some 3/8 firm foam sheet, with a terrible picture on it that was on sale, on the top, and it was done. I have to glue the foam down and fold it over the edge and staple it down for a soft edge for my stomach.
It is just at the right level for shooting in a regular chair, so I think it will be easy if I take it somewhere. I made it a bit oversize to keep a few extra containers of pellets away from my elbows, ans the sandbag, and maybe room for a set of binoculars, or to mount a mast for a spotting scope., or for a coke. If it presents a problem, I'll just cut it back a bit if or make a different one if I need to.
This is my shooting trap made from steel-clad wood, which is very quiet. I have a dealie that slips on that lets 8 1/2 x 11 targets hang in front.
