I would love to build this bench.

[dthor68]

I really like this bench from Kreg.

https://www.kregtool.com/store/c42/...4-universal-bench-with-standard-height-legs/#

The price is not bad at $160.00. However, would really like to build one. But, where do you get the material? Home Depot/Lowes does not carry steel angle over 1.5". I could be wrong but it all looks to be 2".

The legs are 12 gauge, little less than 1/8" thick. I am guessing the sides are a c-channel which the box stores do not carry either and they are 16 gauge.

Has anyone here ever built a bench like this?

 

[readhead]

It's all formed sheet metal. It could be built with steel shapes. Everything should be available at a local steel supply.

 

[CJM8515]

steel/metal supply place would have it. I hope you can weld, drilling that angle iron steel is not easy and needs a good, sharp bit and cutting oil as well as time.

 

[yeldogt]

KREG makes quality products ... for $160 not sure its worth making it. If you don't have to move it -- the standard legs are better. I have one bench on wheels -- it wiggles a bit.

 

[LXCam]

I've built many.
Buy the table.

That's solid advice.

 

[GrayFlattop]

That's solid advice.

Without a doubt - the material cost savings won't be that great, but the time savings will be. Unless you are unemployed your time is worth something.

If you wanted to build something bigger, better or smaller - that's another story.

Cutting and drilling take some time, but then painting it nicely takes more.

 

[lilredex]

Don't be intimidated by the above, cruise your scrapyards and watch for pallet racking that isn't all messed up. Looks Ideal for that bench. If you have a moderately equipped shop including a drill press not that big a deal. Suggest you bolt it together rather than welding it.....makes it much easier to move or sell it if you need to later.

That is what I would do if I wanted a bench like that. Mine is similar made from scrap angles and bed rails. Only have a couple of crappy pictures that I can find.

 

[yeldogt]

Without a doubt - the material cost savings won't be that great, but the time savings will be. Unless you are unemployed your time is worth something.

If you wanted to build something bigger, better or smaller - that's another story.

Cutting and drilling take some time, but then painting it nicely takes more.

I was very surprised at the price of steel at the local supplier/fabricator -- it's not cheap.

It's the same with wood -- Rockler was selling off maple bench leg kits a few years back ... like the OP's metal example. By the time I got the wood and hardware I'm getting too close to the $110 sale price. Two tops (seconds) from the local butcher block maker and I had two really nice work benches ...

 

[sberry]

That isn't a terrible price. All painted, ready to finish. If I was building it would have to be from scrap, free and wouldnt be bolted, welded.

 

[socoj2]

I just bought the 20x28 one from Kreg.

Just order it.

If there is something you want size wise or design wise they dont provide build it. Or you have free material.

 

[BearsFan315]

shoot and looks like they sell the individual leg sets, rails, and other parts, you could order the parts and make a custom size based on the parts

Universal Bench Sizes
With 30 possible configurations, there is a Universal Bench option to fit every space, every project, and every need.

Universal Bench Video

 

[PelicanPines]

Buy it... paint it... say you made it yourself... won't be a lie.

 

[NUTTSGT]

What are you plans for the bench top as it doesn't come with one ?

 

[DriftlessOne]

My biggest issue with it would be the lower rail in the front. I like to be able to get my chair partially under the bench so I can sit closer to the table. The Gladiator benches aren’t that way, however are much more expensive.

That being said, if it’s not an issue you have with the bench, the price is good enough that I would just buy it, rather than build it.

 

[Lynden]

If you decide to buy, the Rockler Customizable Stands are just as nice as the Kreg stands. Lots of sizes to choose from. Wait for a sale.

http://www.rockler.com/rockler-customizable-shop-stand

 

[Sawdustmaker]

My only problem with the Kreg bench is that it is only 31" tall. I'm use to working at a height of 36" and so is my back. However, I was at my local lumber supply house and mentioned my objection to the owner who informed me that Kreg was coming out with a new model of the bench with adjustable legs that will extend to 36". Told me to wait. Didn't have a date for the release. Time will tell.
If the height isn't an issue for you, buy it.

 

[Blazinzuk]

Really that's a good first project in metal. Notice a couple things though. The bolts are off set. You need to do this. Makes it more resistant to bending.

This is a very simple table that could be improved on. 3x3x.188 wall angle is still one of the cheaper metals but I bet if your not buying full sticks or having it all cut to size you'll be 120 bucks in steel alone.

 

[tre873]

My only problem with the Kreg bench is that it is only 31" tall. I'm use to working at a height of 36" and so is my back. However, I was at my local lumber supply house and mentioned my objection to the owner who informed me that Kreg was coming out with a new model of the bench with adjustable legs that will extend to 36". Told me to wait. Didn't have a date for the release. Time will tell.
If the height isn't an issue for you, buy it.

I think that link is for the new design. The description says it adjusts from 31"-39". Personally, I would rather build a bench out of wood. Probably because I don't have a welder... [emoji20]

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

 

[coljar]

My only problem with the Kreg bench is that it is only 31" tall. I'm use to working at a height of 36" and so is my back. However, I was at my local lumber supply house and mentioned my objection to the owner who informed me that Kreg was coming out with a new model of the bench with adjustable legs that will extend to 36". Told me to wait. Didn't have a date for the release. Time will tell.
If the height isn't an issue for you, buy it.

Yeah, same problem with me. My newest bench is 37" and just right for me. This is why I built from scratch. I want me to decide what the height will be.

 

[mike93lx]

does it need to be metal? 1/2" or 3/4" plywood in a similar layout would make for a really sturdy bench as well

 

[BearsFan315]

Standard-Height Leg Set
-Leg levelers and feet allow for 8" (203mm) height adjustment: 31" to 39" (78.7cm to 99.1cm)
-Made from heavy-duty 12-gauge steel

Low-Height Leg Set
-Leg levelers and feet allow for 6" (152mm) height adjustment: 17¼" to 23¼" (43.8cm to 59cm)
-Made from heavy-duty 12-gauge steel

 

[Cougar]

I've built many.
Buy the table.

That's solid advice.

Sounds like he wants to build it because, he wants to build it.

 

[dthor68]

Yeah I just want a DIY project and paint it to match my red tool chest. After looking at steel prices it may not be worth it. My intentions were to add a 20" wide tool chest on lower shelf with several low profile drawers that would house all my nuts, bolts, allen wrenches, drill bits, etc. The top, shelf and tool chest would most likely be MDF. Actually, the price at Home Depot for the legs is $80.00, 44" sides is $45.00, so $125.00, not $160.00. Looks like the Rocklers are the same cost.

This unit adjust from 31"-39" and I think I would buy it before making my own at this point. What I should do is sell my red US General tool box and buy one of the new blue units, this Kreg stuff would match perfectly with that.

 

[Blazinzuk]

Home Depot steel is at least 30% higher than an actual steel supply place.

 

[LXCam]

Well then you should build it! But don't buy your metal at depot or any box store. If you don't have a metal supply place handy go to online metals. They have an excellent selection of materials and shipping is very reasonable. You might also try McMaster Carr too.

Yeah I just want a DIY project and paint it to match my red tool chest. After looking at steel prices it may not be worth it. My intentions were to add a 20" wide tool chest on lower shelf with several low profile drawers that would house all my nuts, bolts, allen wrenches, drill bits, etc. The top, shelf and tool chest would most likely be MDF. Actually, the price at Home Depot for the legs is $80.00, 44" sides is $45.00, so $125.00, not $160.00. Looks like the Rocklers are the same cost.

This unit adjust from 31"-39" and I think I would buy it before making my own at this point. What I should do is sell my red US General tool box and buy one of the new blue units, this Kreg stuff would match perfectly with that.

 

[ratdoggy]

Without a doubt - the material cost savings won't be that great, but the time savings will be. Unless you are unemployed your time is worth something.

If you wanted to build something bigger, better or smaller - that's another story.

Cutting and drilling take some time, but then painting it nicely takes more.

If he's unemployed his time should be spent looking for a new gig.....

 

[KEH]

IME metal fabrication projects of this type are best made from free or nearly free scrap metal. My suggestion to the op is to go to flea markets and look for bed frames which have suitable sized angle iron frames. Another suggestion is to look in thrift stores for bed frames which probably are more expensive, but less than new steel prices. BTW, the bed frames are made from hard steel.

KEH

 

[strength_and_power]

IME metal fabrication projects of this type are best made from free or nearly free scrap metal. My suggestion to the op is to go to flea markets and look for bed frames which have suitable sized angle iron frames. Another suggestion is to look in thrift stores for bed frames which probably are more expensive, but less than new steel prices. BTW, the bed frames are made from hard steel.

KEH

Agreed, no clue why, Chinese bed frames are harder than Calculus.

One problem with using bed frames or any reclaimed material is you end up having to make concessions and alterations to your design to accommodate the oddball lengths or you end up with a lot of waste. Not to mention the time and expense of grinding the paint off to get to clean weldable Metal.
The $160 gets you the frame, whatever you choose to use for the top is going to add to that.
Plenty of table bios threads on here that could be used for inspiration. Browse some threads, measure your available area and start sketching. In my experience, being able to make a well drawn out sketch is almost like a dry run at building it so hopefully any mistakes are made at this stage. Good luck and whichever way you go, be sure to post pics


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[LXCam]

IME metal fabrication projects of this type are best made from free or nearly free scrap metal. My suggestion to the op is to go to flea markets and look for bed frames which have suitable sized angle iron frames. Another suggestion is to look in thrift stores for bed frames which probably are more expensive, but less than new steel prices. BTW, the bed frames are made from hard steel.

KEH

Did this guy piss you off at some point. Talk about the hardest shittiest material known to man. YUCK!

 

[KEH]

My assumption is that the beds are designed to be as light as possible so they can be moved as easily as possible by the homeowners. They have to be made from strong hard steel to hold up the weight they are expected to carry. 500 pounds weight on a double bed would be my guess at a minimum.

KEH

 

[LXCam]

My assumption is that the beds are designed to be as light as possible so they can be moved as easily as possible by the homeowners. They have to be made from strong hard steel to hold up the weight they are expected to carry. 500 pounds weight on a double bed would be my guess at a minimum.

KEH

No argument there what so ever. But it so damn crappy to work with and the finish is awful. Not to mention a royal ***** to drill. I don't know what the OP has for metal working tools but I wouldn't put myself thru the misery of working that stuff and I got a complete shop.

Just saying

 

[taumac]

There are thousands of bench’s designs, made from whatever material you choose. You can also make a bench from just about anything repurposed. I like the Kreg table and there’s something to just buying it, assembling and going to work. If the Kreg table works then I think price is good and looks sturdy.

 

[coljar]

Did this guy piss you off at some point. Talk about the hardest shittiest material known to man. YUCK!

Damn, I see I'm not the only one that has cussed that stuff. You could take two beds 100 years apart in age and still have that same ****** steel.

 

[GrayFlattop]

If he's unemployed his time should be spent looking for a new gig.....

LOL - right you are. With the exception of a week in the 80's I've always had a job going back to the 70's, so unemployment is a concept which I am not familiar with...

If the op REALLY wants to build the bench because he wants to build the bench - he should go for it.

 

[aka Larry]

Another suggestion is to look in thrift stores for bed frames which probably are more expensive, but less than new steel prices. BTW, the bed frames are made from hard steel.

That sh*t is harder than a woodpecker's lips!

 

[jonshonda]

I build all mine from scratch as being 6'2" they are all too short.

Build it out of wood, and slap a Krag sticker on it!

 

[dogdog]

I really like this bench from Kreg.

https://www.kregtool.com/store/c42/...4-universal-bench-with-standard-height-legs/#

The price is not bad at $160.00. However, would really like to build one. But, where do you get the material? Home Depot/Lowes does not carry steel angle over 1.5". I could be wrong but it all looks to be 2".

The legs are 12 gauge, little less than 1/8" thick. I am guessing the sides are a c-channel which the box stores do not carry either and they are 16 gauge.

Has anyone here ever built a bench like this?

I just build mine... its simple to do with a basic welder, drill press, paint and some time... It's not that hard to do... it will hold at least 500LBs, 2 of us sit on it without bending so I call it fine/good.

The steel is from steel yards, look it up for your local area... call ahead and see if they would sell you 1 or 2 pieces 1 pieces is 24' long so, I got 2 pieces of 2x2x24' 12 or 10 gauge stuff and 1x3x24' for about $160 then price (not sure about now tariff, the steel is from Canada).... + $10 cutting fee... so I can fit it in my jetta . That is enough to make 2 tables for me. then the primer , paint, casters, bolts and what nots cost another $50-ish.... so all in all it's about the price as the Kerg... but you build it... table top wise sure you can find what fits you. I still have some left over for a 3rd table but smaller. ( you can always add more support idea is about the same) My requirement is that it must be disassemble and moveable in pieces.... so just go find out what your length , width and height require of your table and go at it....


Or Just buy it... and assemble it , then call it you make it like what the other guy mentioned , it is still technically a true statement some what if you squint your eyes a little....

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=348904

 

[rick carpenter]

Yeah I just want a DIY project and paint it to match my red tool chest....

Hey DThor, I see that Rockler sells the legs separately. You might consider that route. But whatever you do, think carefully beforehand about how much overhang you want for the top. I had a little table stand welded up for me that I put the top on. I now wish I had just a 1/2" more overhang all around but it's too late since it fits snugly in a 2' gap between my wall mount benches.

 

[Radix2]

I see grizzly has some of these on sale now -

 

[cashishift]

Is unistrut a possibility?