Need opinion on a workbench

gnxtc2 · May 28, 2011

I thought about the extra work it would entail to build a bench out of wood. So, I decided to build my workbench out of pallet racks.

Should I cut the upright on the far right even with the bench top or make an additional shelf above the bench? The workbench is on the right (orange cross beams).

I'm leaning towards cut the upright flush so the workbench is all open. If I put a shelf above, then I'll need to install a light over the work area. The workbench is 38" deep x 96" long.

I'm probably going to raise the bottom shelf so my feet can fit under.

Thanks

Billy T.
[email protected]

domain · May 28, 2011

Hmm thats a tuffy. I like that set up by the way.... I would cut the very right uprights after you KNOW thats the height thats best for you and only as long as you dont have tons and tons of stuff to go on shelves... my .02 :thumbup:

sawatch · May 28, 2011

If you cut the uprights off and then change your mind/design down the road, they're gone. Give it time if you can 'cause a garage is for a lifetime.

mmhouse · May 28, 2011

I would cut the front uprights off because I wouldn't want to be bumping into them when I'm working. The back ones may come in handy for attaching pegboard, storage bins or other things to.

larry_g · May 28, 2011

Me I would go with the shelf. Lights a problem? No, your going to want power at the bench anyway so hanging a light under the shelf should be little extra work. In the furture you will find a good deal on a workbench so returning the racking to its origional purpose will be doable. If you do feel the need to cut the rack consider only cutting the front post and the diagonal brace. Save the piece and weld it back on if you change your mind.

lg
no neat sig line

PCO6 · May 29, 2011

Billy - My situation isn't quite like your's but my main work bench is based on pallet racking. Mine does not extend above the work surface and I like it that way. I built mine out of pallet rack scraps. I simply have 2 bench height end peices and 2 horizantal peices. I laid 2"x10"'s on the horzantal peices then put a 10' length of 1/8" sheet metal on top. I left the bottom of mine open and put 3 roller cabinets (less wheels) under it. The bench frame is incredibly strong. I highly recommend pallet racks as a great foundation for a bench.

biscuit141 · May 29, 2011

PCO6 said:
Billy - My situation isn't quite like your's but my main work bench is based on pallet racking. Mine does not extend above the work surface and I like it that way. I built mine out of pallet rack scraps. I simply have 2 bench height end peices and 2 horizantal peices. I laid 2"x10"'s on the horzantal peices then put a 10' length of 1/8" sheet metal on top. I left the bottom of mine open and put 3 roller cabinets (less wheels) under it. The bench frame is incredibly strong. I highly recommend pallet racks as a great foundation for a bench.

PC06, where did you find that fastener bin rack you have mounted on the wall? So far, most of the ones I have found are too chintzy. I am always looking for a good one of these racks.

steel 35 · May 29, 2011

I have two of these as well with a bench between them, I would not cut the height off anything its only a mater of where you put the cross overs don't put them where your head will hit! yes the lighting is a issue, but not that big a Deal . the depth is what I have cut down on one and wish I had done them both I like them about 24" deep, I am 6'5 and its hard for me to reach the outlets in the back. If you still have access to the parts I would get one more upright and several more crosses while you can. 1 picture coming, camera is across town. (Storage)
Yes the electrical panel is in there opens fine and those are potatoes. I have lots of counter tops and this is the cleanest one of all...

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PCO6 · May 30, 2011

biscuit141 said:
PC06, where did you find that fastener bin rack you have mounted on the wall? So far, most of the ones I have found are too chintzy. I am always looking for a good one of these racks.

bisquit - I bought the rack and bins from WURTH Fasteners about 25 years ago. The rack has small angle iron feet and is meant to be either bolted to a wall or sit on its feet and lean against a wall. I flipped it upside down, bolted it to the wall and used the feet as brackets for a wood shelf and put some large bins on top of the rack.

I also built a similar wall mounted bin rack. It works just as well and can be custom made to fit many different spaces. It's made of 1"x3" pine with aluminum angle screwed to the top surface. The aluminum is what is used for drop ceilings and can be bought very in expensively at Home Depot, Lowe's, etc. The back top of the bins clip on to the aluminum and the bottom edge rests on the wood. The system is strong and the bins do not sag. Works great. :thumbup:

Stew

Morrisman · May 30, 2011

Cut 'em off if you think they are in the way. It is only pallet racking and hardly a high dollar piece of steel you are cutting.

If you leave the top shelf on to hang lights from, then you will need to hang a light, because of the shadows it causes from your main lights. :lol:

Need opinion on a workbench

gnxtc2

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domain

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sawatch

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mmhouse

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larry_g

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PCO6

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biscuit141

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steel 35

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PCO6

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Morrisman

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