2x4 basics

[bdamico]

That sounds crazy that a lumber yard would not have 2x4s ... I mean, it seems to me that 2x4s are generally the most popular/widely utilized size boards for many projects.

Do you not have any Home Depot/Lowes type stores within your area?

Same problem

 

[tomsmith]

I, uh, don't want to state the obvious here so please don't interpret this as a smart *** answer, but aren't 2x4's actually 1.5 x 3.5?...

Maybe your lumber yard does actually stock "2x4"s?

 

[Jeff]

Okay, so I began building my "ultimate" workbench this week - utilizing my 2x4 Basics Legs+Shelf Links Kit I purchased. My "vision" was to build a 4'x8' workbench - like I've seen in images such as the ones below . . .

I have the frame of the bench put/clamped together (no MDF shelves/top yet), and I am shocked by just how wide 4 feet actually is. I mean, the bench will be set against a wall - and when I stand in front of the frame, I can barely reach past 2.5 feet across. I consider myself a "regular" sized guy - 5'8" with a normal arms-length/stretch . . . so I'm wondering how any "normal" sized person who builds one of these monsters would be able to reach anything that happened to be situated toward the rear of the bench.

Of course, I know I can simply reduce the length of the bench to 3.5' or 3.0' - which I may experiment doing just that (being that 2x6s and 2x4s are generally not terribly expensive (if I need to pick up a couple more)). I do, however, like a nice large workspace to be able to utilize/take advantage of - and I have a "envisioned" plan to expand the bench down the length of my garage wall - with customized (DIY build) a miter saw station in the middle. (note: I have a 12" sliding compound miter saw).

So, I suppose the obvious solution is to simply cut down the length of the boards .... but I thought I would throw my situation out there to see if any of you might have any thoughts, insight, suggestions, etc. (especially from those of you who may have built a similarly sized bench).


THANKS ... Looking forward to any feedback you can share/provide !!!



TOM

This is not the best pic but it shows my shop in its early stages. In the middle is a 2x4 Basics work table. The dimensions are 3'x8', which is suitable for many projects and allows me to walk around my work.

On the end of the work table is where I placed the miter table I built. It also incorporates a mini-shaper and drill press.

Against the wall is my workbench using the Simpson tie kit. The bench as since been joined together and the heights matched. (they were leftover from another project).The wall bench is 2' x 8' x 36 1/4", which is a fairly common size.

I found a pic of the workbench:

 

[CaptainMarvel]

Same problem

Good Gawd, man ... Where do you live ??

As Jeff mentioned previously, you should be able to utilize the lumber sizes you said they have. Personally, I am using 2x6s for the bottom shelf and benchtop - and 2x4s for the middle shelf. Honestly though, for all intents and purposes (and within structural reason), I would think that you could even try to utilize 4x4s if you wanted ..... though I haven't put that theory to the test (as of yet).

This is what I am lovin' about these 2x4 Basics kits ... one is not limited to only one kind of construct. As Jeff clearly demonstrates above - with the ingenuity of his miter saw stand - tapping into one's inner "right-brain" imagination and creativity can produce wonders.

 

[CaptainMarvel]

I, uh, don't want to state the obvious here so please don't interpret this as a smart *** answer, but aren't 2x4's actually 1.5 x 3.5?...

As a literal newbie to the wonderful world of home-hobby/DIY level woodworking/workshop projects, I do not consider your comment to be "smart ***" at all. In fact, as part of my "due diligence" in trying to research/learn as much as I can leading up to my first projects, I remember reading about this kind of measurement/dimension concept - though, in my case, it was regarding 4x4's being closer to 3.5"-3.75" (or something like that).

Kind of makes you wonder why they need to "round up" at all - can make it confusing sometimes
(as evidenced by bdamico's question).

 

[CaptainMarvel]

Against the wall is my workbench using the Simpson tie kit. The bench as since been joined together and the heights matched.

If you get a spare moment, one day, to snap a pic of how the bench(es) are "joined together/height matched," I would love to see that.

 

[Jeff]

As a literal newbie to the wonderful world of home-hobby/DIY level woodworking/workshop projects, I do not consider your comment to be "smart ***" at all. In fact, as part of my "due diligence" in trying to research/learn as much as I can leading up to my first projects, I remember reading about this kind of measurement/dimension concept - though, in my case, it was regarding 4x4's being closer to 3.5"-3.75" (or something like that).

Kind of makes you wonder why they need to "round up" at all - can make it confusing sometimes (as evidenced by bdamico's question).

Lumber's nominal dimensions are given in terms of green (not dried), rough (unfinished) dimensions. The finished size is smaller, as a result of drying (which shrinks the wood), and planing to smooth the wood. However, the difference between "nominal" and "finished" lumber size can vary. So various standards have specified the difference between nominal size, and finished size, of lumber.

 

[bdamico]

hehehe

 

[Jeff]

If you get a spare moment, one day, to snap a pic of how the bench(es) are "joined together/height matched," I would love to see that.

Take a close look at the red bench pic. You can see where I added wood to the left bench to match the height. Then I just attached the two benches together to make a solid eight footer.

 

[CaptainMarvel]

Take a close look at the red bench pic. You can see where I added wood to the left bench to match the height. Then I just attached the two benches together to make a solid eight footer.

ahhhhhh ... that's what you meant



I thought, perhaps, you meant you "height matched" and "joined" the simpson-tie bench to another
2x4 basics bench (along your wall there). I got it now.

 

[Jeff]

ahhhhhh ... that's what you meant
I thought, perhaps, you meant you "height matched" and "joined" the simpson-tie bench to another
2x4 basics bench (along your wall there). I got it now.

You were thinking correctly. The bench along the wall started as two 4 foot benches using the Simpson ties. For simplicity I just matched the height on the shorter bench, added a full size top and bolted it together.

 

[46Nash]

I built the picnic bench. Been sitting out at my lake property for 5 years and looks like new.

 

[CaptainMarvel]

Has anyone tried to put casters on the bottom of their 2x4 Basics bench or assembly table?

If so, might you be able to put up a photo or two to show how you did it?



THANKS !!!

 

[sxk122]

may have to copy your miter saw table at some point......

 

[Cone Eater]

Just finished building mine yesterday! I took several liberties with the design so it actually accommodates, you know, your legs when you sit at the bench. It also allows for under-bench storage of the stool.

 

[daveroy]

Has anyone built a bench/work table with this stuff, and used casters?

 

[CaptainMarvel]

Has anyone built a bench/work table with this stuff, and used casters?

Hey ... whataya tryin' to steal my thunder from my post/question (#53) above ??


HAHAHA - Just Kidding .... I was actually just about to "bump" my question again when I saw you asked the same question - so, two-birds/one-stone.


Been thinking about this question for the last few days. My (nearly completed) 2x4 Basics based bench is 8' x 3.5' with 3/4" MDF shelves/top - so, as you can imagine, it's pretty heavy. The 2x4 Basics legs seem pretty sturdy, but I just wonder each leg's bottom "shelf" will support attaching casters to it. Perhaps adding an additional piece of wood on each leg - between each shelf - as a kind of brace might lend to additional support .... I dunno.


I do hope to see some responses/thoughts/insight from others here.



TOM

 

[aronsonstack]

Sorry about the late reply, I forgot about this thread.

Everything was done with 2x4's and 3/4" plywood. We used my Kreg Jig to make the frame for the saw.

Here's the pics I have of the project. The table size is 2' x 4' x 34-1/2".

Jeff! I've been searching and searching and searching on the web to see if anyone who works with pocket holes would buy the 2x4 basics set. You see, I'm a beginner and I have the kreg jig set. I've been on the fence, wondering if I'll be wasting money or defeating the purpose of owning the kreg jig system if I buy this 2x4 basics set. Kreg also has a plan you can follow for a basic 2 feet by 4 feet bench. But I want a bigger bench and was wondering if it's safe to build a bigger bench with pocket holes. That's why I've been drawn to the 2x4 basics. So it's kind of reassuring to see that there are people out there who own a kreg jig and still elect to buy the 2x4 basics. May I ask why you didn't go ahead and build the workbench with kreg jig all the way? Is it because the 2x4 basics will provide for a stronger bench?

BTW, not just Jeff, but anyone with knowledge.. please chime in on pros and cons of using Kreg jig versus 2x4 basics.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Automatic Slim]

interesting, thx for the link and comments............


jeff, sweet *** shop, but where is the beer fridge?

 

[CaptainMarvel]

BTW, not just Jeff, but anyone with knowledge.. please chime in on pros and cons of using Kreg jig versus 2x4 basics.

Thanks in advance!

For all intents and purposes, the 2x4 Basics legs use pocket hole joinery - as you screw the wood screws diagonally into the 2x4s (or, in my case, 2x6s). Of course, the 2x4 Basics legs also have corner "shelves" on/for which the wood beams to rest - not to mention the added brace strength of the hard resin material of the legs themselves.

Personally, I LOVE my 2x4 Basics based bench .... and I am planning on picking up another set (or two ... or more) to construct additional benches and such - including a hybrid table saw/router bench (or maybe table saw/miter saw bench).


You can order the 2x4 Basics Leg Kit for $50 at Amazon . . . . .http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005SQ365M/?tag=atomicindus08-20


The legs + shelf system kit is $20 additional . . . . .
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030T1BRE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[CaptainMarvel]

BTW, not just Jeff, but anyone with knowledge.. please chime in on pros and cons of using Kreg jig versus 2x4 basics.

Thanks in advance!

Here is something you might be interested in . . .

Kreg Workbench, Sketchup Video 1, Basic Model -->

 

[aronsonstack]

CaptainMarvel, thank you. I think I'll get myself a 2x4 basics set!

 

[CaptainMarvel]

CaptainMarvel, thank you. I think I'll get myself a 2x4 basics set!

Honestly, I think you will be very satisfied with a 2x4 Basics based workbench.
It's not only easy to build ... but (in my opinion) it's aesthetically pleasing as well.

 

[aronsonstack]

What type of 2x4 do I need to look for? There are a variety with different names at Home Depot. Is it okay to just buy the cheapest?

 

[CaptainMarvel]

What type of 2x4 do I need to look for? There are a variety with different names at Home Depot. Is it okay to just buy the cheapest?

Yes, you can use whatever type of wood you want - though, in my opinion,
the stronger/sturdier, the better. For mine, I chose Douglas

 

[jrfiero]

Chop saw table, no need for pocket screws

"BTW, not just Jeff, but anyone with knowledge.. please chime in on pros and cons of using Kreg jig versus 2x4 basics."

He didn't NEED to build the miter saw stand with pocket screws, he just chose to. You could screw up through those flat 2x4s easily and it would be just as strong.

The beauty of the pocket holes is you don't see any fasteners when its all together, but you'd have to be looking up from underneath to see screws up through the flat 2x4s.

 

[CaptainMarvel]

I may have asked this previously, but I thought I would revisit the question . . .

Has anyone tried to install casters onto a 2x4 Basics based bench/stand
- so as to make it mobile?

 

[Daniel Dudley]

Some great examples here. I'm thinking it's not what you use, it's how you use it that counts.

 

[FarmerPete]

If it works, using casters will reduce the weight capacity of the bench.

 

[K-Guy]

Rockler has workbench casters that leave your bench on the floor for banging stuff around. Then lift it off the floor for moving.
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=30842&site=ROCKLER

 

[CaptainMarvel]

Rockler has workbench casters that leave your bench on the floor for banging stuff around. Then lift it off the floor for moving.
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=30842&site=ROCKLER

Now THAT is an interesting idea, I only wonder how much my 3.5' x 8' 3 tier 2x4 Basics bench weighs ... let alone with stuff on/in it.

Hmmmmm . . . .