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Work bench legs?

B

Balog

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Apr 4, 2013
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Everett, WA
I'm in the process of setting up a work space in the garage, and one of my biggest challenges right now is making up a good work bench. I have a great surface for one (heavy duty ~1" thick slab of some kind of commercial plastic that's wear and heat resistant) that is just sitting on some saw horses right now. I want some really good heavy duty legs for it, as I plan to clamp a bench wise to one end. However, I'm not sure how to manufacture (or where and what to buy) them, and how to attach them. I'd love any thoughts on what to look for in a work bench, and advice on making one.
 
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Journaler

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Apr 25, 2012
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There are a couple "show me your workbench" threads that are really good.
Me personally, I'd use 4x4... or 2 2x4's as legs.
 
S

SRX

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I recently picked these up off of craigslist. I believe they are a type of conveyor/roller belt adjustable leg. Thick and heavy.
 

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R

retrobuilder

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Alpharetta GA
Several options,

Ready made base legs made of steel from Mcmaster carr, Lee Valley tools. Bolt from top or bottom. Depends on table size as well???You can probably find base legs on Amazon.

Another source is base kits from Kreg or Rosseau at a woodworking supplier.

I'd bolt a length of 2x2 aluminum or steel angle to long sides or about center. 1" plastic sheet 6 foot long is not all that stable from sagging.
 
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B

Balog

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Everett, WA
Thanks, those are some great threads! I have a bunch of pressure treated 4"x4" posts from an old swing set that the previous owners left in our backyard and I tore down. I'll look into using those.
 
T

tylernt

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Jan 24, 2013
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Idaho, US
The compressive strength of a 2x4 is measured in tons. There's no reason to go to 4x4 unless you're putting cars on your workbench... or unless you really want to. ;)
 
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KEH

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Noboy ever complains about having a workbench that's too sturdy. I would use the 4 x 4s since you have them free. Bolt 2 x 4s to them using 5/16 hard steel bolts and frame top supports. Since treated lumber is corrosive, I would grease the bolts. Halfway between the top and the floor, or about, suiting your needs, run more 2 x 4s inside the legs to support a shelf, probably using 3/4 plywood. How are you going to attach the top? If it can be drilled and screwed into you could cut short pieces of angle iron with holes drilled and run wood scews into it. Give thought to attaching a vise if you want one and allow for that in your construction.

KEH
 
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OJ Bartley

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Toronto, ON
I have been wondering if anyone made "feet" for 2x4's ... almost like a hockey stick end, that would keep the wood protected from the floor if it gets wet, but I haven't found anything. Something like this, to fit the 2x4 into:

7850.jpg
 
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tylernt

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OJ Bartley said:
I have been wondering if anyone made "feet" for 2x4's ...
Click to expand...
True, concrete is permeable and often contains moisture. You could dip the bottom ends of your feet in latex or oil-based paint and allow to dry before installing... maybe a couple times to saturate the end grain.
 
M

melliott28

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Jul 26, 2010
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Plano, TX
I've always preferred steel workbench bases/legs. If you want to just buy some, Global Industrial offers some nice options, that are a reasonable cost. If you want to make them, you can use precut lengths of 1 inch black pipe with some joints and floor flanges, although once you factor in the cost of the fittings it isn't cheap. For something custom and heavy duty (also costly) you can make a workbench base out of Unistrut/Superstrut.
 
D

dshop

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Feb 17, 2012
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113
to protect the leg bottoms on the concrete, you might just tack a piece of roof shingle to the bottom of the leg. works good
 
D

darkk

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Willimantic, Ct.
SRX said:
I recently picked these up off of craigslist. I believe they are a type of conveyor/roller belt adjustable leg. Thick and heavy.
Click to expand...

hahahaha.....you get those in R.I.? I thought about it but they were farther than I wanted to drive. I'm just going to cut down some of my extra pallet rack uprights...

Those cast iron legs are awesome. Usually they want an arm and a leg for them...
 
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S

Shobra

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Mar 2, 2009
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38
darkk said:
hahahaha.....you get those in R.I.? I thought about it but they were farther than I wanted to drive. I'm just going to cut down some of my extra pallet rack uprights...

Those cast iron legs are awesome. Usually they want an arm and a leg for them...
Click to expand...


That's what I've been thinking of doing for quit some time.

Anyone built a bench out of pallet rack, so that it can be reconfigured for the shelving later?


By the way those cast legs are great, send me a pair of them would you please.
 
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