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I need a new workbench -- what to do?

G

gt40mkii

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Apr 13, 2011
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For the past 10 years, I've been using a workbench my fathre and I built back when I was in junior-high. It's a beast -- 4x4 legs with a top mace from 2x8 lumber. You could park a car on top of it. It's also 10 feet long, which really eats up a lot of space that could be better used.

The top is pretty well beaten now, and small parts keep getting stuck between the 2x8 boards. Plus the bottom wasn't designed with storage in mind. Rather than put a new surface on a frame I don't care for, I've decided to look into replacing it outright.

Steevo's recent threads documenting his build using HF toolboxes Helped me decide tp incorporate as much storage as possible into the workbench (I'm a pack-rat and storage is at a premium in my garage.)

So. my plan is thus: 1) Design a workbench based on a solid-core, 32"-side interior door used as the work surface. 2) Re-arrange the rest of my garage around this workbench to improve the layout (if I do my job well enough, I can eliminate a couple of shelving units stuck in the middle of the garage, which use up a TON of space.

So, a few questions:
  1. Wood or steel? I'm equally inept at both and I need the practice. If I do wood, I can install traditional shelving (a good friend makes furniture and would help on the project,) as funds and time allow. Steel would be stronger and last longer, I think, but in that case, I'd likely follow Stevo's lead and build the workbench around an existing cabinet. Again, funds and time will determine exactly when the cabinets go in, and I run the risk of designing for a cabinet that is no longer available once I can afford it.
  2. Planning -- What cheap-free tools are out there that are best suited for not only planning the cabinet, but also the garage itself? I downloaded Google SketchUp, but I haven't gone through the tutorials yet. It looks like it will get the job done, but I'm wondering if there are other options that are easier or better suited to my needs.
 
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ptschram

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I go to my local lumberyard/big box store and buy whatever workbench kit they have handy that trip.

I need a workbench, not a (nother) project.

I need to go buy two or three as I'm trying to make room in the shop to support another dead bay next to the lift.
 
B

bad_idea

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Jun 11, 2011
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Pasquotank, NC
i enjoy a workbench as another project. by spending a little time now designing, planning, and building THE perfect bench you will have a tool for use in the shop for many years.

search the site for ideas. try that google sketchup. or draw up some sketches (more my speed). spend time with real measurements to fit everything into it. i recommend steel as that is what i used and for the reasons you mentioned. but steel gets expensive quick if you factor in the tools you need to build it.

2' deep is plenty for a bench. any deeper and the back just catches clutter and the bench soaks up good floor space. build the bench to match the floor if you are making it stationary. i made the mistake of buiding a 13' long bench with equal length legs, that bench wobbled so bad due to the slope of my garage floor!

if you need to accommodate larger projects on the same bench then put wheels on it. that way you can wheel it away from the wall to put bigger items on it. there are many threads on this board about making a bench mobile/stationary, including this one i posted up not too long ago:http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=121829

anywho, have fun.
 
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Jack Olsen

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I'd make it out of wood, unless your thing is welding.

Google SketchUp is free and great for this sort of thing.
 
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2manytoyz

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Sep 20, 2011
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419
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Central FL
Another option would be to buy a 2x4 Basics workbench kit. Comes with the 4 corner nylon legs and hardware. You supply the lumber. You can make a 1'x1' workbench, or a 10'x10'. I built one 2'x5', another 3'x5'.

Each shelf is rated for a 1000 lbs. The smaller bench I built holds 8 golf cart batteries on the top shelf (solar energy storage). About 600 lbs worth. No flex in the bench, rock solid. Because of the solid construction, it was easily moved from the old house, to the new one, while still assembled.

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The one I built a week ago was skinned with 3/4" plywood, then with 1/4" hardboard. Makes for a very smooth surface, and when it gets torn up, the hardboard is easily replaced. I didn't install the optional middle shelf, allowing taller tools, or even toolboxes, to be placed on the lower shelf.

The kit was $39 on sale at Northern Tool.

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N

NUTTSGT

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Northern Central Ohio
Could you shorten up the current bench to the proper length and cover the top with a sheet of 3/4 plywood ? Add some shelving to the bottom, add some plywood as facing and make some door to cover up the bottom.

That's basically what one of my benches is. I bought some storage boxes that slide on the shelf, that I can take out or just fill up with whatever.
garage1-27-10001.jpg

garage1-27-10003.jpg

garage005.jpg



Like you said, it's a beast, why get rid of it, why not improve upon what you already have ?
 
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G

gt40mkii

Banned
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Apr 13, 2011
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NUTTSGT said:
Like you said, it's a beast, why get rid of it, why not improve upon what you already have ?
Click to expand...

The leg braces keep me from having enough room for drawers or shelving. Plus its too long. To adapt it would mean a lot of re-work, and if I do that, I might as well start from scratch.
 
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