Steevo style (HF roller box --> bench) advice and maybe build

[gotham]

I'm considering building a @Steevo style bench for a new workshop. In one possible location I can fit (5) of the 26 inchers or (3) of the 44s. At today's pricing both those options come out to $1800. Interestingly if you divide the price by the length they are both $13.52 per inch. There is more wasted space on the edges of the 26s and more (shallower drawers). Probably slightly more material cost and labor on the (5) x 26s but I don't think that's going to move the needle. TBD on what will get stored. I have a 53" roller box for mechanics tools but lots of other stuff has drifted in there as well. I'm going to try to check them out this weekend in person but what say you on the differences?

26" HF roller - $360
44" HF roller - $600 - corrected this link

 

[alinc100]

What if you did a mix of both? It might open up your storage options. When I needed my new work box that I documented here a combination of the two was what suited my drawer layout needs.

 

[gotham]

What if you did a mix of both? It might open up your storage options. When I needed my new work box that I documented here a combination of the two was what suited my drawer layout needs.

Your setup looks great. How are you liking the shallower drawers of the 26 vs the deeper drawers of the 44? What do you keep in each?

 

[alinc100]

My tools in that box are ~mostly~ carpentry tools chisels, screwdrivers,drill bits,files,hand planes,hand saws, socket sets,pliers,cutters,wire strippers/crimping, hammers, combination squares,rulers,etc. I didn't need deep drawers like for large power tools/ball joint kits/test equipment/bulky plastic cases. The shallower drawers made more sense for my layout/needs. It certainly may not work for everyone. At the time the 56" HF was about the same price IIRC ,but I really did need the thinner,greater number of drawers. I don't think I have a series of pictures of the contents drawer by drawer.

 

[nolimits76]

Love what you did there @alinc100. Top looks great and the stainless trim really helped tie it all together.

In regards to your question @gotham it really will boil down to what drawer configuration you like best. As you can see in @alinc100's pic below, top few drawers are really shallow on the 26 compared to the 44. I have dual 44's and more times than not find myself wanting MORE drawer depth, not less. So I would be more inclined to run with the 44's.

The caveat being if you have an L-shaped bench. I've seen some guys throw a smaller cabinet in at a 45 angle to help lessen the dead space of that 90-degree corner.

Also, might be worthwhile to figure out actual dimensions of the boxes. For instance, the 44 is really 42 w/o the handles. I'm not sure the actual width of the 26 box w/o the handles, but I'm guessing 24.

If the above is true....

3 x 42 = 126
5 x 24 = 120

Another factor to consider. If you may be using coupons, I think you are allowed 1 item per customer per day. I bought my boxes at different times and caught them on sale at a parking lot sale (gen 1 style) so this didn't come into play for me. But I was eyeing the gen 2 boxes and had a coupon and wanted two. I was going to deploy the help of my wife to save a trip/day.

 

[gotham]

I'm going to try to check out the boxes in person tomorrow. If I have time I'll take detailed measurements. It's a bit of a drive for me so I'll need to bring a friend (or 4) if it's a one coupon per customer deal.

 

[Shiftless]

Check the fine print. Most coupons don’t include tool boxes.

 

[gotham]

Thanks for the heads up. I had a 10% off any item a week or so ago. I think it's expired now.

 

[rdoty]

Double check the height - I just added a 26" box to an existing bench that already had two 44"s and discovered that the 26" is an inch taller than the 44"s... Fortunately able to rework this area without too much trouble, but it was an unpleasant surprise.

 

[gotham]

Double check the height - I just added a 26" box to an existing bench that already had two 44"s and discovered that the 26" is an inch taller than the 44"s... Fortunately able to rework this area without too much trouble, but it was an unpleasant surprise.

I noticed that in the specs although they say it's only a half inch. I won't build until I actually have boxes in hand and measure.

 

[nolimits76]

I might add I’ve read a few posts about minor variances between boxes bought at different times/stores. From what I’ve read I believe that mainly has to do with HF using multiple factories. You may notice their boxes have multiple product ID numbers. Different ID’s exist for color but also some signify different factory location. If you do some searches you can get further into those nuances. I think they are minor overall.

In regards to the coupon, not sure what you have but they did have a BF coupon last week for 10% off, including toolboxes. I checked as I was on the fence, lol. But yeah they typically exclude them.

 

[My Old Tools]

I have 5 gen 1 44's. 4 are in 2 Steevo benches. I love them but I would love them more as gen 2's, and i wish the shallow drawers were an inch or two deeper.

 

[gotham]

@My Old Tools Is there a write up somewhere on gen 1 vs gen 2? Can I assume anything I'm going to buy will be gen 2?

I stopped at HF yesterday to take measurements which I can post if anyone is interested. The drawer slides on the 44 (red) seemed beefier than the 26 (blue). 44 is also shorter which I think is good if I want a lower bench top. I'm still figuring out the design.

 

[gsuty17]

Definitely different heights. I chose to use a combination of the two.

 

[nolimits76]

@gotham Gen1’s are no longer sold. They are easily discernible by the fact they are only 18” deep as opposed to 22” deep. That was the primary reason I was eyeballing some Gen2’s a week or two back, extra tool storage with no sacrifice of horizontal space.

Also Gen1 was only available in red, so all the other colors will be Gen2.

I might add I saw a HF video about Gen3’s releasing “soon”. I’m not sure all those differences yet.

 

[MFortie]

I have two 44's and one 26. Not overly thrilled with the 26, so I personally would lean towards the 44's.

 

[nadogail]

As with everything else from merchants who sell at lowest prices, it’s up to the customer to make sure that they are getting the quality they expect.

 

[gotham]

Definitely different heights. I chose to use a combination of the two.

Cool models. My dimensions are a little different from yours but I think with HF we can both be right.

@gotham Gen1’s are no longer sold. They are easily discernible by the fact they are only 18” deep as opposed to 22” deep. That was the primary reason I was eyeballing some Gen2’s a week or two back, extra tool storage with no sacrifice of horizontal space.

Also Gen1 was only available in red, so all the other colors will be Gen2.

I might add I saw a HF video about Gen3’s releasing “soon”. I’m not sure all those differences yet.

These we're both 22" deep. I'm definitely leaning toward the 44 for the stronger looking drawer slides.

I have two 44's and one 26. Not overly thrilled with the 26, so I personally would lean towards the 44's.

What don't you like about the 26?

 

[MFortie]

As you mentioned, the drawer slides. Doesn’t feel as robust. Shallow drawers, and the chassis isn’t consistent with the larger boxes.

It works in the small space I have it. I keep my drill bit indexes, tap sets, grinding wheels, etc. in the 26. It’s OK for that stuff; don’t think I’d be happy using it for my more frequently used tools.

 

[gotham]

I think either would be fine for what I have in mind. I'm leaning toward the 44 because of the better slides, less fab (3 boxes vs 5), and the potential coupon issue.

 

[gsuty17]

Cool models. My dimensions are a little different from yours but I think with HF we can both be right.

These we're both 22" deep. I'm definitely leaning toward the 44 for the stronger looking drawer slides.

What don't you like about the 26?

I believe you are correct. This may be one of those scenarios where there are 3 different skus for the same part, made from 3 different manufacturers. My bench is almost done, I should have it put together by the end of this weekend so I'll report back if anything is amiss.

 

[gotham]

This is what I have so far. Hopefully I can get the top bent in two pieces. I haven't decided if I want to make it a little higher so I can have enough toe space under the boxes or have the top overhang the front a little more which might make using the top drawer harder.

 

[ScottsGT]

Join the Inside Track Club at HF. That 10% was 15% for ITC members. And it said “on anything” and will cover tool chests. I bought my membership just to get the 15% off back in feb when I bought a 24” chest.
Oh, and it’s that time of the year when they start pushing all the sales.

 

[wmihl]

@gotham Harbor Freight has coupons for both those boxes right now until the 20th!!
$329 26" / $549 44"

Harbor Freight Tools Coupons – Save Big on Your Next Project

Browse Harbor Freight Tools coupons and promo codes for big savings on tools for your next project or adventure.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[gotham]

Join the Inside Track Club at HF. That 10% was 15% for ITC members. And it said “on anything” and will cover tool chests. I bought my membership just to get the 15% off back in feb when I bought a 24” chest.
Oh, and it’s that time of the year when they start pushing all the sales.

Thanks. I'll do that when the time comes

@gotham Harbor Freight has coupons for both those boxes right now until the 20th!!
$329 26" / $549 44"

Harbor Freight Tools Coupons – Save Big on Your Next Project

Browse Harbor Freight Tools coupons and promo codes for big savings on tools for your next project or adventure.

www.harborfreight.com

Unfortunately, were leaving for thanksgiving before I can make this happen.

Are they strict on the one per customer coupon limit? Can I find two other people in the store to make a straw purchase for me?

 

[wmihl]

Thanks. I'll do that when the time comes

Unfortunately, were leaving for thanksgiving before I can make this happen.

Are they strict on the one per customer coupon limit? Can I find two other people in the store to make a straw purchase for me?

With the holiday shopping around the corner, I imagine that, yes, they would be strict on one per customer. When time was not an issue I would go on different days, time of day or the weekend with a "Limit 1 per coupon" for small stuff to get two or three items.

 

[ToddG]

Find the manager of the store and see if he can cut you a deal. When I bought my 44" cabinet, he said he would give me a free side cabinet if I bought one. of course I had to join the ITC. He then cut 25% off that too! They have the power to make deals....