Question about assembling Mianne Benchwork corner brackets

Fred;

I recently built a 14' x 16' layout with Mianne benchwork. I do not believe you can use the plastic clips if you are screwing the plywood from the top. The slots on the clips will not hold the screws, they are too big and only meant for the screw to pass through to the plywood. I attached the clips to the legs flush with the top of the leg before the plywood was in place and then used a very low rolling chair to scoot underneath and insert the included screws. Hope this helps.

Fred,

 Or maybe leave off attachment clips and screw the plywood into top of legs.

That's exactly what I did after attempting to use the clips.

Barry,

I did the same, and added clips on the I-beams in strategic places in the center of the plywood to either correct some minor warp and to prevent it in the future. Worked like a charm. Also, before adding the plywood i ran my bus lines as well.

Ed

I used the attached hardware from Mianne with no problems. Yeah, it's a bit "trickier" when attaching them underneath but it's doable.

I installed the Mianne clips and screws from under the table to the legs and top, as per the included Mianne instructions. I used a DeWalt drill (a newer 12 volt one that is quite small) with a long bit to install the screws in the brackets holding the top. That combination made it all workable, not sure I could have done it with a short bit in the drill? Get a 12" long bit if you can find one.

Right after I got my bench work completed, I ordered some more Mianne items for some additions. At that time I asked about more angle brackets and screws for the top and they added them to my order. I added a few of the brackets to the existing table, fastened to the cross bracing in locations that the plywood top was not completely touching the bench work pieces. Probably added another 6-8 brackets to the bracing.

I'm another one who did it from underneath. rtr12 nailed the way I did it and the electric drill and long bit are what made it work easily. Terry

Thank you everyone for all the advice. I will have to make the call as how to do it. Using the DeWalt drill with a long bit sounds better than using my battery powered screw driver. As owner, and builder of this railroad I will have to decide based on all your great ideas. Can't wait to see trains running again. Just from starting this terrific benchwork system I know their is a light at the end of the tunnel. 

                                                            Fred

I think you would be fine with the battery powered screw driver as well, if it can take a long bit. It's the long bit that is the biggest help. I also have one of those battery screwdrivers (B&D), but since I got the little DeWalt 12 volt drill I haven't used it.

The long bit is key.  I used the Black & Decker screwdriver with no problem. 

Barry can you explain this a little more. I am at the point of attaching plywood.

Also going to do most of my wiring before I put the plywood. 

Thanks

Well I'm not a good carpenter. I'm learning I need to purchase a multiple of screw driver bits. Have to say that I surprised myself that I have succeeded this far in assemblying bench work..... of course I cheated and bought Mianne bench work. Looks like I'll be finished by next Wednesday. For me it was a substantial investment, but worth it. Had to wait for a while, but finally got the delivery last week. Tim Foley also has been helpful when I call with questions.

I have probably spent more on bits than drills over the years. It adds up, but they will come in very handy for layout work and many other things around the house as well.

The Mianne bench work is great, I am completely sold on it. I'll be adding on to mine sometime in the near future and maybe doing a little reconfiguring. That is one more great feature, you can easily change it around if you want a different setup.

IMO, the costs are out weighed by time savings and mess created. I am not sure how much you would really save if you did it yourself and used good, quality lumber. Ease of reconfiguring or adding on is another consideration.