Need your file cabinet bookmarks

LennyTheLizard · Jun 23, 2014

Lenny's Workbench Build

Trying to think up a cheap / functional / nice looking work bench.

I have a lot of stuff book marked, but can't seem to find "my idea" although I know someone has come up with it already.

I want to build a nearly "shop-wide" work bench across the back of my 40' wide shop. I'm going to recycle as many materials as possible. Scored a few auctions off GovDeals. 7 - 4 drawer file cabinets, several heavy steel doors, and a couple upright cabinets.

I want to build a somewhat Steev-O inspired bench with a couple Harbor freight 44" tool boxes, but incorporate these file drawers into. Any good ideas on how to cut-down the cabinets I have, or just create my own new frame structure and re-use the drawers / slides?

SLYDIT · Jun 24, 2014

i'd just reinforce the draws with aluminum sheet to stiffen and brace them. most draws only have the flat bar stays to hang the folder on.

jkpq45 · Jun 24, 2014

Subscribed as I'm considering something similar.

PelicanPines · Jun 24, 2014

I love to recycle "stuff" into my shop as well. My problem is my garage is small and it is now overcrowded. In my design I neglected to think vertical and kept too much at bench level. Just something to think about...

I also love the idea of repurposing the file cab drawers into your own framework.

Wish I had 40 feet to play with. That's enough feet for a healthy line dance.

LennyTheLizard · Jul 7, 2014

Picked up all my "junk" that I bought last week.
Heavy metal doors were not at all what I expected, but I still my use them. They were AL clad foam filled doors. Heavy indeed but not sure if they are structurally sound.

Looks like it would be pretty difficult to cut down the cabinets to support the bench, so looks like I may just build a steel frame and maybe use plywood vertical pieces to screw the file drawer hinges to.

I think I've settled on making the bench 24' wide and not go all the way across the shop.
If I put my bottom rail right on the floor, I can probably get 3 drawers high under the bench.

I mocked up the look and will take some pictures later.

Radix2 · Jul 7, 2014

I use a bunch of old good quality file cabinets for storage... No need to reinforce that I can see. Even boxes of pipe fittings or bolts seem no heavier than a solid fill of paper.

LennyTheLizard · Mar 25, 2015

CL SCORE!

Alright, I'm on track to build my bench now. Going to be a little more expensive than originally planned, but it will be sweet.

1. CL SCORE: 2 pieces of Bowling Alley Lane (Maple) 42"x16' each ($400)
2. Gov Deals Auction: 9 - 2 drawer file cabinets ($35)
3. HF: Purchased 2 44" tool boxes ($349 ea - Insider club ad).

Going to build a steel frame from 2"x2"x1/8" Square tubing and 2"x2"x1/8" Angle.
Total bench will be 32' long.

Current plan is to have 2 16' frame sections divided up into roughly 4' sections.
3 open areas for "workstations"
2 sections for the HF44" boxes
3 sections that will each hold 3 - 2 drawer file cabinets.

Just need to draw up my layout and purchase steel by end of week.

LennyTheLizard · Mar 27, 2015

Managed to rip my Bowling Lane down to ~30" wide (my final bench width).

Put together this sketch of the bench (Excel crude sketch - each box = 2")

Hopefully will buy all the steel tomorrow and make some good progress over weekend.

LennyTheLizard · Apr 7, 2015

Bowling Lane Bench Build

Finally built my workbench over the last week.

I would say it's 95% done.
1. Need to shim up one end to level the **** joint
2. Make a trim piece for front edge.
3. Add at least 1 (probably 3) double hitch extenders for vises, grinders, etc.
4. Anchor file cabinets better
5. Possibly build shelf above file cabinets (or make custom file drawers).

Pstychologist · Apr 7, 2015

Nice!

I have a 14' piece of bowling lane I made into a roll around bench. I love it in my farm shop. I'll have to grab a picture sometime. Sometimes when I'm working on my combine, I roll it up next to it and use it like a platform. Gets me up in the air an extra 3'.

jesse72 · Apr 8, 2015

Very awesome! That's a huge bench and I think adding the dual receiver hitch mounts is a great idea. I like the use of the file cabinets too, and of course the HF 44" cabinets!

Need your file cabinet bookmarks

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