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Materials:
Cedar
1 x 6, at least 42-feet total based upon the size of our bench
2 x 6, 12 @ 17 1/4-inches
1 x 4, 12 @ 18-inches
2 inch galvanized decking screws
24 sets 3/8-inch galvanized carriage bolts 4 inches long, with nuts and washers
1/4-inch spacers (scrap wood)
Tools:
Miter Saw
Drill
Screw driving bits
Drill bit, 1/2-inch Counter sink bit
clamps
socket wrench
hammer
straight edge
pencil
Directions:
Note: Start by determining the size bench needed to encircle your tree. You can begin to do this by figuring out the minimum space needed within the hexagon. You should allow for potential tree growth but try to keep the bench close enough to the tree trunk so that the tree can be used as a seat back. Our tree is quite young, so we ended up working with the smallest dimensions that we would recommend. These dimensions are based on a specific site. Adjust these figures to suit your particular needs.
1. Set miter saw at 30-degrees. Cut 1" x 6" to create a trapezoid that has a shorter parallel side measuring 18-inches.
2. Lay this piece on your work surface. Put two other 1" x 6"s parallel to it at its longer side.
3. Use 1/4-inch spacers to create consistent gaps between the 1" x 6"s.
4. Using straight edge and a pencil extend the lines of the trapezoid outward across the surface of the two uncut 1" x 6"s.
5. Cut these two 1"x 6"s along the pencil drawn lines (these should also be 30-degree cuts). You now have one set of seat pieces for your six sided bench.
6. Cut five more sets of seat pieces.
7. Cut two 2" x 6"s to 17 1/4-inches. These are the legs.
8. Cut two 1" x 4"s to 18- inches. These are the leg braces.
9. Put one leg brace on your work surface. Put one leg at each end of the brace, parallel to each other, perpendicular to the brace and flush to the brace edge of the brace at one end.
10. Put the other brace on top of the legs, directly over the first brace. Clamp to edge of work surface.
11. Drill four 1/2" holes, total, through braces and legs (two through each leg).
12. Put carriage bolts through holes and hammer them into place. Secure with washers and nuts.
13. Repeat steps 7 though 12 five times to make complete set of leg assemblies.
14. Lay two sets of seat pieces face down on work surface. Set the 30-degree cut ends of each set together to form a "V".
15. Use 1/4-inch spacers to properly align pieces. There should also be 1/4-inch spaces between the 30-degree cut ends.
16. Put a leg assembly in place where the two sets meet. Secure in place by screwing at a 45-degree angle through the leg braces into the seating pieces.
17. Secure another leg assembly at either end of the seating pieces. Carefully turn over onto legs.
18. Counter sink holes in seat pieces and screw to leg braces.
19. Repeat steps 14 through 18 to create another matching "V" shaped portion of the bench.
20. Move these portions into position at opposite sides of the tree.
21. Put the remaining seat pieces in place to form the hexagon. Counter sink holes and screw these pieces to the leg braces.
22. It may be necessary to do some landscaping (digging and scraping) around the roots of the tree to get the bench to sit properly on all six sets of legs.
Special Thanks:
The Robert Bosch Tool Corporation
www.boschtools.com