2 X 4 Basics

[Arson]

Just finished putting together my 2 x 4 basics bench and shelving unit. I was quite suprised by the quality for the price. I liked being able to costomize the length and depth to fit my space.
I've been wanting to create a workspace in my garage for quite some time. I think this is a nice start.

 

[upndown]

Welcome Arson. Those kits do make a nice bench. I found a box of legs on a HD clearance cart once, I bought an upright kit as well. Took them up to the cabin and built a bench for a neighbors son that helped me a bunch when I had some health issues, he's still lovin it. Nice Craftsman boxes!

 

[Casey69]

yep - great way to make sure everything is set up & square. looks great too!

i checked it out some time ago & found that the 2x4 basic stuff can be a bit spendy though.

 

[Arson]

Thanks! Those Craftsman boxes were a steal. A fellow firefighter was upgrading his tool chest with a snap-on chest and sold me all three for $100. They were in great condition and they fit my space well.

 

[Arson]

I've been moving into my new bench. I've added a few hooks, and two undermount, battery operated, motion activated lights from "Mr. Beams". They only put out 35 lumens each, but I think they will do the job until I get around to running some electrical to that corner of the garage. I'll also be adding a hose reel for my air compressor hose. I haven't used my compressor much in the past, and I hope this new set-up will promote more use and air tool buying from me...

 

[BFBOB]

That bench looks pretty permanent. Make it a bit more so by securing it to that wooden cleat at the top. Doesn't take much, just an L-bracket. Keeps it from crashing over in a mild earthquake (nothing helps in a major quake!). All areas are seismically active; it's just a question of frequency.

 

[upndown]

Looking good Arson, as far as those boxes..You ****!

 

[theoldwizard1]

You can make your own bench without those fancy legs/brackets, probably for less money. The one problem everyone has is screwing/nailing into end grain, which never holds in the long run. Watch the video below as he shows how to easily get around this problem.

Simple sturdy workbench build

 

[archirelic]

You can make your own bench without those fancy legs/brackets, probably for less money. The one problem everyone has is screwing/nailing into end grain, which never holds in the long run. Watch the video below as he shows how to easily get around this problem.

Simple sturdy workbench build

Everytime I've purchased my 2x4 basics legs, I've always snagged them for 49.**. That's pretty cheap and hard to beat in my opinion.


And as an aside, you're not screwing into the end grain when you use the 2x4 basics legs. The legs have pre-drilled holes which angle the screws into the side of the boards...almost identical to a pocket hole set up.

 

[spotco2]

Those are great kits when you want to put a quick bench together and they hold up surprisingly well and are very versatile.

Here's a link to one I put together last year.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=223180

 

[theoldwizard1]

And as an aside, you're not screwing into the end grain when you use the 2x4 basics legs.

I did not mean to imply that you were, but many rookie DIYers fall into the "trap" of screwing into end grain and then don't understand why their projects start to wobble in a few months.

 

[Arson]

I can't drive by a HF without stopping in and using a coupon. I CAN'T AFFORD NOT TO GO IF I HAVE A COUPON!!!!!

Now I have a new magnetic towel roll and glove holder for my new space.

 

[dogtired78]

The L-bracket is a great idea.

I put one of these together a few weeks ago. Took about an hour and it was worth the price to not worry about messing up the length of the legs with a poor cut. It's as solid as a rock and I am really pleased.

 

[over40pirate]

Good job.
A few things I would change.

Cut out most of the apron on the front edge of the shelfs, to be able to fit in taller stuff. Maybe even the side apron also. Looks like with the length, just 3.4 ply would work without an apron.

Use the top bench somewhere else, and just mount some shelves on the wall. Those legs on top of the bench, really limits what you can use the bench for.

 

[pawn657]

I just purchased the work bench kit for my son and I to try and tackle during the Christmas holiday. I admit it I am not the handiest guy with carpentry,electronics more my thing, however the instructions confused me thoroughly on sizes and amount of wood required. The formula shown and the way it reads I guess threw me off.

Anyone out there who can provide a list of what I need,size and type wise, for a 3x5 bench it would help. Would like to see about getting this done as my son goes in the Marines come summer and I would like to have something like this for us to do together. Thanks for any help