"L" shaped bench - make it a built-in, or frestanding?

[Atrus]

Hey all -

First post here on GJ; spend more hours lurking (and drooling) than I'd care to admit. Had a dumb question on building a workbench.


I am building a "L" shaped workbench in the corner between the single car bay and the two car bay. The side running towards the garage doors will be 48" - this means that 2' of it will be along a wall, and 2' of it will be sort of an exposed "peninsula" out into the garage. The other side of the "L" will be along the rear wall of the single bay.

My question is - would you build the bench to be a freestanding unit, or would you forego building legs in the back and just secure it to the wall with a ledgerboard? I can see the benefit of it being mobile (although, it'll be a major PITA to move). Doing a built-in would be a little easier.


A couple of pics to give you an idea. It'll be right under that "loft shelf" tucked into the corner. That short wall is 2' deep.


https://sphotos-a.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/229977_10100290403531176_339973547_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1005_10100309325551296_1969285162_n.jpg

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'd rather have it built to the walls unless I have a huge shop to move it around. Mine is attached to the wall and I feel doing it that way makes it a sturdier piece, not saying that you can't make a sturdy rolling work bench.

 

[rieferman]

I have some built in and some freestanding workbenches and like both styles just fine. My built ins have 45 degree cantilever style legs which makes sweeping underneath easy.

I will say that when I'm really pounding on something, I do prefer the freestanding bench as my built in transmits the sound around the walls of the room. Not a big deal, I just notice it and avoid it.

 

[Atrus]

I'd rather have it built to the walls unless I have a huge shop to move it around. Mine is attached to the wall and I feel doing it that way makes it a sturdier piece, not saying that you can't make a sturdy rolling work bench.

That was my thought as well - making it a little more sturdy. I wouldn't intend on moving it, but thought it may be a nice option if I had to for some reason.

I have some built in and some freestanding workbenches and like both styles just fine. My built ins have 45 degree cantilever style legs which makes sweeping underneath easy.

I will say that when I'm really pounding on something, I do prefer the freestanding bench as my built in transmits the sound around the walls of the room. Not a big deal, I just notice it and avoid it.

Never thought of the sound transfer, good point! The 45* legs is a great idea too, although I won't be doing this so I can utilize the space underneath for storage.

 

[WhyMe]

Bolt a ledger to the wall and it will be a lot sturdier than a free standing one. use 2x6 or 8's to make it and you won;t have to worry about heavy stuff. will also be better for a vise.

i just finished building my L shaped for reloading and am very happy how it came out.

 

[SteveCh]

My L-shaped bench is bolted to the wall.