Bora Centipede: The Affordable Workbench Top Setup - Connectors and More! (no router needed)

Printed Parts Assembly

• Attach the Base Screw: Begin by screwing in the plastic screw underneath the small base section. This extra support is here solely to provide more strength.
• Select the Right Peg Size: Choose the pin sizes that match the thickness of your plywood, ensuring the pins sit flush or slightly below the tabletop surface.
• Corners First: Place four single-pin pieces at each corner of the centipede.
• Surrounding Legs: Use the double-pin pieces for the remaining legs around the centipede’s edges.
• Center Position: In the middle, simply use a blank piece that aligns with the thickness to maintain uniformity.

Plywood Preparation

Cut the Sheet: Start with a standard plywood sheet of 4 x 8 feet (1220 x 2440 mm). Cut it in half both ways to create pieces that fit the centipede frame.

Drill the Holes:

• Marking Corners: Screw a small wood screw into the alignment jig’s marking hole so that it protrudes 2-3 mm from the outer side.
• Making Guide Marks: Position the jig at each corner, then gently tap the screw head with a hammer to create a small indent in the wood, marking where you’ll drill.
• Drilling Pilot Holes: Start with a small bit to make a pilot hole that’s visible on both sides.
• Drilling the Main Hole: Use a 25mm flat wood drill bit for the final holes. Begin drilling halfway from one side, then complete from the other to avoid splintering and ensure both surfaces are clean.

Protect the Wood: If you plan to store this setup outdoors or in a shed, consider applying a light coat of varnish to prevent moisture damage and warping.

Printing Tips

• Layer Height: 0.2 mm
• Walls and Layers: Four walls, with five top and bottom layers for added sturdiness.
• Infill: 25% gyroid infill to ensure the printed parts are strong.
• Material: I used PLA, but PETG could be a better option for durability.
• No Support: Just print flat - nothing special.  No support needed

Extra: Painter’s Cones!

Painter’s cones are small, pyramid-shaped plastic stands used to elevate surfaces slightly. They’re commonly used for painting, as they keep surfaces off the workbench, allowing paint to dry without sticking.

For this setup, you can use painter’s cones instead of the flat pegs. Simply place them where you would have used the pegs—they’ll provide the same stable support for the plywood tabletop.