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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Carpentry Questions >> Semi Circular Bench Plans https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1203583319 Message started by Bayden_Rank on Feb 21^st, 2008, 8:41am

Title: Semi Circular Bench Plans
Post by Bayden_Rank on Feb 21^st, 2008, 8:41am

I want to make a semi circular bench to fit into a walled part of my garden. It would be almost like the sort of thing you find for going around trees but reversed.

My carpentry skills are limited - as in I can cope with mortice and tenon joints but prefer not to :-/

I am also thinking that it will need to be made in a series of flat sections (hexagonal) rather than a continuous curve.
Any suggestions as to where I might obtain plans? Also what timber would be best for outside use?

Thanks

Title: Re: Semi Circular Bench Plans
Post by Dolallytap on Feb 21^st, 2008, 6:50pm

Hi

What is the radius you what the bench to fit ?

I would say you have the choice of three timbers Teak, Iroko or cedar all have natural oils to keep them in good condition. But you can also consider European oak or pressure treated soft wood.

Regarding construction the back and front rails could be laminated from strips of your choice of timber. And regarding the number of segments that depends on the radius.

Let me have the radius and I will do a quick drawing for you to consider.

Title: Re: Semi Circular Bench Plans
Post by Bayden_Rank on Feb 21^st, 2008, 8:55pm

wrote on Feb 21^st, 2008, 6:50pm:

Many thanks - the area is shown below. It has a 50 inch radius but is not a full 180 degrees.

Please excuse poor drawing - I am a bit rusty.

Title: Re: Semi Circular Bench Plans
Post by Dolallytap on Feb 22^nd, 2008, 1:32pm

This is a very http://www.practicaljoineryandcabinetryguides.co.uk/Guide/Semi%20Circular%20Bench%20Layout.pdf]quick drawing[/url] showing the area split into 3 sections it also shows a cross section of a garden bench. Before I do any more have a good look and take note of the dims. And can you tell me what is at the back of the proposed bench is it a garden wall?

This link is no longer working, please see new link new drawing

Title: Re: Semi Circular Bench Plans
Post by Bayden_Rank on Feb 22^nd, 2008, 1:47pm

That looks fine to me. The seat area is bounded by a brick wall that sits approximately 50 to 60 mm behind the semi circle that the seat would sit upon.

Thanks

Title: Re: Semi Circular Bench Plans
Post by Dolallytap on Feb 22^nd, 2008, 5:33pm

Would you post a photo please ?

Title: Re: Semi Circular Bench Plans
Post by Bayden_Rank on Feb 22^nd, 2008, 6:11pm

OK I will try to sort it over the weekend as I have to clear a load of ~~plastic crap~~ my grandchildrens garden toys I am storing for my daughter.

Title: Re: Semi Circular Bench Plans
Post by Dolallytap on Mar 5^th, 2008, 9:38pm

Just got your photo via PM will look at it after the weekend only I will exhibiting my display cabinets etc over the weekend so at the mow a little pushed for time but I am sure you will understand.

Title: Re: Semi Circular Bench Plans
Post by Dolallytap on Mar 13^th, 2008, 11:39pm

At long last I have produced a New Drawing for your consideration. I have taken the liberty of asking the guys in the decorating section for advice on the metal work finish.

Title: Re: Semi Circular Bench Plans
Post by jasonB on Mar 14^th, 2008, 7:42am

Asuming its fabricated from mild steel then the best finish will be to get it hot dip galvanized. This can be left as is or have it powder coated or treat with a proper primer for galv metal then finish paint with oilbased paint.

Thats a very tight radius for the angle at the front of the seat, may be better to carry the flat of the back along the seat and weld to a 40x3 flat to make the angle.

Jason

Title: Re: Semi Circular Bench Plans
Post by Bayden_Rank on Mar 14^th, 2008, 8:17am

Many thanks for that DL it looks good. I will have a word with herself when she gets back and then a talk to my son regarding the steelwork.

Thanks also to Jason for the advice on finishing the metal elements.

I will let you know what we decide.

Title: Re: Semi Circular Bench Plans
Post by Dolallytap on Mar 14^th, 2008, 9:07am

wrote on Mar 14^th, 2008, 7:42am:

Hi

Yes it is proposed to use Mild steel as stated in the notes

I would presume the fabricators would remove one leg of the angle, form the radius. Cut to shape a piece 3mm plate to suite and weld it in position. But its down to the steel fabricator to make his or her recommendations on the fabrication techniques.

Regarding the finish would Hammerite – Hammered finish give a rustic look say in the dark green?

Title: Re: Semi Circular Bench Plans
Post by Dolallytap on Mar 14^th, 2008, 9:10am

wrote on Mar 14^th, 2008, 8:17am:

Hi

The drawing is to scale on A3 paper if you would like a hard copy them PM me with your address and I will put a couple of copies in the post.

Title: Re: Semi Circular Bench Plans
Post by Twobarrows on Mar 14^th, 2008, 1:48pm

Just a point, it all appears to be hanging on the wall, are you confident that the wall will hold it ?

Title: Re: Semi Circular Bench Plans
Post by Dolallytap on Mar 14^th, 2008, 5:53pm

wrote on Mar 14^th, 2008, 1:48pm:

Just a point, it all appears to be hanging on the wall, are you confident that the wall will hold it ?

Hi

True it dose hang / fit over the header of the wall plus two fixing (M8 coach screws) into the wall as stated in the notes (page 2)

Title: Re: Semi Circular Bench Plans
Post by Dolallytap on Mar 14^th, 2008, 6:51pm

Additional weep hole added page 3

Title: Re: Semi Circular Bench Plans
Post by Bayden_Rank on Mar 14^th, 2008, 8:31pm

wrote on Mar 14^th, 2008, 1:48pm:

Just a point, it all appears to be hanging on the wall, are you confident that the wall will hold it ?

.

The wall seems to be well built 9" with a top of Engineering bricks on edge. The curve I would assume would give a greater strength say than a straight wall of similar construction.

I am open to advice.

One benefit to me is that if the supports are painted say a dark green then the bench will appear to float in space.

Title: Re: Semi Circular Bench Plans
Post by Bayden_Rank on Mar 14^th, 2008, 8:33pm

wrote on Mar 14^th, 2008, 9:10am:

wrote on Mar 14^th, 2008, 8:17am:

Hi

The drawing is to scale on A3 paper if you would like a hard copy them PM me with your address and I will put a couple of copies in the post.

I feel we have put you to enough effort on our behalf already DL - I can get the file copied onto A3 locally - thank you so much for what you have done.

Title: Re: Semi Circular Bench Plans
Post by Dolallytap on Mar 14^th, 2008, 9:03pm

wrote on Mar 14^th, 2008, 8:31pm:

wrote on Mar 14^th, 2008, 1:48pm:

Just a point, it all appears to be hanging on the wall, are you confident that the wall will hold it ?

Hi

I would not have designed it that way if I thought the wall was built like a house built out of straw.

If you think on it the majority of the force is being transferred strait down there is very little force is applied to a pull. And don’t forget as all ready mentioned it is also being fixed with two M8 coach screws.

Regarding colour you could consider a gun metal colour.

I have been trying to think of the colour / effect that are black with green highlights like aged copper (green).

It’s no trouble to put a couple of copies of the drawing in the post.