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Post Info TOPIC: Need more bench space in your van?
Jim Featherby


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Need more bench space in your van?
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You can never have enough bench space.  We have a 21 foot van and are very happy with it, but even in a big van more bench space would be nice.

I saw a product for sale to give you more space by utilising the sink area.  This product looked good but for what it was,I thought it was a bit costly.

My wife liked the idea so I went and made one.  All you need is a piece of plywood (5 ply for strength).  Take a few measurements, including where to cut around the tap, or taps.

Once the measurements are done (remember, measure twice, cut once), you will need a jigsaw and an electric sander to finish it off nicely.

Once it is finished, don't varnish it, rub it with vegetable oil. Let it soak in and rub it with more vegie oil as often as you like.

And that's all it takes.  You now have a removable bench top that sits nicely over the sink. And a happy wife.  Happy wife, happy life.  Being removable you can also use it as a tray to carry the drinks or the cheese and bikkies outside. 

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Craig1


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Nice job and photos, Jim

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Cheers Craig
oldbloke


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Good job. I made one for our round sink and used linseed oil.

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DMaxer


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I looked everywhere trying to find a sink cover without luck. I went down to the big green shed and they had this roll out metal one that sits over the sink. When finished it just rolls up into a cylinder shape for easy storage. Light yet really strong. Doesnt look as good as your one though.

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Mike Harding


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I bought a round wooden chopping board from BigW for this purpose, $15.



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"I beseech you in the bowels of Christ think it possible you may be mistaken"

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Possum3


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Also; I have noticed recently (facebook) a series of round aluminium rods, held together by woven fabric, (similar to a cane mat popular inthe late 60's). This aluminium "mat" rolls up and unrolls to a rigid cover/draining board to cover sink area - the beauty of this idea is that the taps can still be used, ie to wash veggies, etc. see www.kitchenwarehouse.com.au/Avanti-Over-Sink-Roll-up-Draining-Rack-Trivet-52x33cm%20-%20Smart%20-%20High%20Margin%20-%20AU&utm_term=4576304848212964&utm_content=High%20Margin
Being a tight arse; I'm just looking for a cheaper version.

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DMaxer


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Thats the one I bought at the green shed Possum. They are really good and as you said, you still have access to sink and taps.

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Buzz Lightbulb


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Our Jayco van, like many others, came with a sturdy plastic one. If you turn it over it has little partitions for serving snacks such as, cheese, crackers and gherkins. 



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Mike Harding


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Try this for the link to that rack:

Over sink rack

And this is the Bunnings one:

Over sink rack 2

And this is my sink cover:

Sink cover 3

-- Edited by Mike Harding on Monday 4th of October 2021 11:55:52 AM



-- Edited by Mike Harding on Monday 4th of October 2021 11:58:15 AM

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"I beseech you in the bowels of Christ think it possible you may be mistaken"

Oliver Cromwell, 3rd August 1650 - in a letter to the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland
Possum3


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As DMaxer advised one at Bunnins www.bunnings.com.au/avanti-over-sink-roll-up-draining-rack-trivet-52x33cm_p0223908

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