Make or Buy Decision; Cabinets and Benches

[revamped]

Good Day,
I am investigating whether or not to build my benches, cabinets and tool boards with T-slot extrusions or buy the Costco available garage cabinet kits. I have searched through the forums and have not seen anyone using the T-slot system yet.

Does anyone have any experience with the cost comparison?

http://www.tslots.com/

Basic 2x2 extrusions are over $.60 an inch, but the amount of weight and versatility you can use them for is amazing!

Thanks for your help
revamped

 

[rcktsled]

You won't save money using t-slot or 80/20 extrusions. You will save time. I made my garage cabinets from scratch using plywood and MDF but it took 6 months to get them done. Buying cabinets from Costco will be the most expensive option but you will get instant gratification.

 

[ste6168]

Not sure if this will work for you, because I am not exactly sure what your end goal is, but this is by far the cheapest T-Track I have ever found (online or in store).

http://www.orangealuminum.com/t-track-7150.html?from=1168


Edit- Nevermind, sounds like you are looking to use the stuff to actually build the STRUCTURE of your benches and cabinets. I was thinking you were using this for hold downs or to secure stuff to the walls (whilst being easily movable). Doh!

 

[ItsNemo]

You won't save money using t-slot or 80/20 extrusions. You will save time. I made my garage cabinets from scratch using plywood and MDF but it took 6 months to get them done. Buying cabinets from Costco will be the most expensive option but you will get instant gratification.

Agreed.

Building your own is by far the best option if you have the time and ability to do it. Custom fitting everything will make the maximum use of the space you have available and can make for a nicer work environment.

 

[My Old Tools]

Or do both, buy HF toolboxes and set them into Steevo frames.

 

[Trey T]

For look, minimize building. I recommend using 1.75" maple butcher block top w/ 30" or 36" depth from home depot.

By the time you build anything GJ 5-star show worthy, you already spending hundreds or thousand of dollars in tools. Not to mention, it takes a lot of time.

 

[Cyberbear]

Having once been in the custom woodworking business, I believe building your own custom cabinets to be the most satisfying. Buying ready made cabinets gets the job done sooner but some sacrifices are necessary. Building cabinets does not need to be time consuming unless you've never done it before, and re-inventing the wheel takes time.

 

[dittle fart around]

I'm all into the build your own. A work bench is the easy way to start. My first workbench made out 4 x 4's and 2 x 4's with a 1-1/4 plywood top lasted 40 years. Built it when I was 17. The only reason I don't have it anymore is a finally got a welder, had the material and needed a project.

I would go with used kitchen cabinets. The ones I had got modified to a new depth and I added new doors. Left them in the garage of my first house.

Succeeding with any new project is very satisfying. Worth having a beer over.

Plus for every project you do you should buy a new tool to make it easier to accomplish. At least that's what I told my wife 35 years ago.

 

[risc]

If someone made 40" tall lower cabinets I'd be all over buying. Everything premade seems to be ~32" giving up a lot of space and/or leave me with a workbench for midgets.

 

[dittle fart around]

If someone made 40" tall lower cabinets I'd be all over buying. Everything premade seems to be ~32" giving up a lot of space and/or leave me with a workbench for midgets.

A lot of industrial cabinets are set at 42"




These are 14 gauge and very heavy but also last a lifetime and then some.