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portable shooting bench

No configuration is more naturally stable than a tripod. However, three legs of less than infinite stiffness will be less stiff than four such legs. If the legs themselves are relatively stiff (heavy pipe legs of 1.25" or larger diameter are not going to flex measurably) the main focus shifts to how the legs are attached to the top. The attachment flanges may flex, the pipe/flange joint may flex, and if the top is made of wood there will be some flexing. If the flanges and joints are heavy and stiff, then how the flanges are screwed or bolted to the top becomes critical. My next build will approach the bolts through the top just like bedding an action into a wood stock - with steel pillars and epoxy - and backing plates.
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did you actually read how this is built ?
2" pipe legs
6" plates 3/16" THICK with FOUR bolts ON EACH.
3/4 MAPLE PLYWOOD, DOUBLED AND GLUED AND SCREWED.
No configuration is more naturally stable than a tripod. However, three legs of less than infinite stiffness will be less stiff than four such legs. If the legs themselves are relatively stiff (heavy pipe legs of 1.25" or larger diameter are not going to flex measurably) the main focus shifts to how the legs are attached to the top. The attachment flanges may flex, the pipe/flange joint may flex, and if the top is made of wood there will be some flexing. If the flanges and joints are heavy and stiff, then how the flanges are screwed or bolted to the top becomes critical. My next build will approach the bolts through the top just like bedding an action into a wood stock - with steel pillars and epoxy - and backing plates.
-
 
LOWES
2" PIPE, THEY CUT AND THREAD.
so a 10 ' pipe cut in three and threaded.
the legs were cut to length after it was built .
each leg is marked for location.
while i carried up to the line, when we shut down,
i drove up and loaded in the car.

Where were you able to source the larger diameter pipe for the legs?
 
did you actually read how this is built ?
2" pipe legs
6" plates 3/16" THICK with FOUR bolts ON EACH.
3/4 MAPLE PLYWOOD, DOUBLED AND GLUED AND SCREWED.
Yes, I read it. Why do you ask? My bench (see photos I posted many months ago) also has a 3/4 PLYWOOD, DOUBLED AND GLUED AND SCREWED (no, not maple, but it's not for looks) with even thicker 1/4" plates with FOUR bolts ON EACH. My legs are only 1-1/4" pipes, but those don't flex! The slight (but not zero) flex is from the bolts through the wood. My bench is plenty solid for my purposes, but there is enough flex that it would not be acceptable for shooting a BR match.
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Just read this entire thread. Here is what I gleaned from it:
1. dkhunter is sure enough an engineer!
2. mr45man can still get it up in the back of a truck at age 70!
3. My bench is better than your bench! Nah-nah, nah-nah-nah-nah-nah!
:D:D:D
 
Mine isn't going to win any beauty contests, but I got it put together. Two pieces of 3'x3' 3/4" plywood, screwed together (9 screws total) and three 31" 1 1/4" threaded pipe. Used threaded mounting flanges angled at 10°.
 
This thread has been dormant for a very long while, however, I still wanted to update what I settled on finally for my table. Here's my version 3.0 bench legs -- the ones that I actually like because there is no discernible shimmy to this table. I can't take credit for the design as it was suggested by a welder friend. I can take credit for the welds as it was one of my first stick welding projects.

IMG_5110-2.JPG
 
This thread has been dormant for a very long while, however, I still wanted to update what I settled on finally for my table. Here's my version 3.0 bench legs -- the ones that I actually like because there is no discernible shimmy to this table. I can't take credit for the design as it was suggested by a welder friend. I can take credit for the welds as it was one of my first stick welding projects.

View attachment 1142825
I can figure the stability with the cross bracing, but only sitting on a rock solid surface. What do you do on dirt or turf to keep the legs from sinking?
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The feet and adjustable legs were version 4.0 :). Version 5.0 is a rear leg with fine elevation adjustment using an all thread rod that was half right hand threaded and half left hand threaded.
 
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