Ok, I think we're all up to speed (even the "lost" ones, but I digress....) and so pics of yesterday's and today's progress:
Concrete blocks used as columns - anyone "lost" yet? - filled with concrete (and yes 1/2" rebar), solid as a rock and not at all "wobbly"! That was yesterday's work - no pics because of the downpour we had just as I was getting done.
Today, I added 4" solid blocks because most shooting benches are sized for 5'8" midgets (no offense to the 5'8" types out there), I'm 6'4", it sucks trying to shoot accurately while bent over in some torture device - but I digress again.
I had put the 4" concrete blocks on yesterday as a cap just to keep the rain off the freshly poured concrete in the concrete blocks cavities. One of them stuck and one of them sorta stuck, but I broke them all loose. Cleaned the tops, then used a concrete/construction adhesive to lay the 4" blocks on top.
Pics might help:
The concrete blocks on top that are sideways are just there to add weight and keep the 4" solid blocks in place while the adhesive cures. Since its in the high '40s' here, I plan to let this sit until tomorrow, then use my forks to final-lift my tabletop into place, then use the adhesive to tie them into place.
In the first pic, you can see the level I used to check the blocks: The blocks have exactly the same levelness as the pad itself. Which is close to what someone recommended above about having a slight incline to let the water drain off. It rained a crapload last night - there is no standing water on my pad! Thanks to whoever recommended that! [insert beer icon here!]
Now, several people have mentioned "sealing" the concrete, both the pad and the tabletop. As stated earlier, I've never heard of sealing concrete except for my just emplaced stamped concrete.
No one has responded with any "why" I should seal a simple concrete pad. I *might* probably could see it for the tabletop. So, for those that recommended sealing this concrete, speak up!
As always: Thanks!