Another HF tool box bench idea.

[Sublimaze]

For a while I was going to ****** up one of the 44" HF boxes for the base of a work bench, something with a 2'x8' surface that can hold tools I don't need in my rolling chest and other shop stuff. I was going to take the casters off and keep it stationary, probably set up on something to give it a little extra height. But the other night I had an idea. Has anyone considered using TWO of the 5 drawer carts bolted next to each other as a bench? I crunched some numbers, two of the 5 drawer carts have roughly the same amount of storage area (maybe more, i rounded a lot) in terms of flat surface area to put things on, including the bottom area and not including the top space. The 44" box looks great, but two things concerned me. First, the lack of space under it. I like to be able to put stuff under my work bench. The litter box, my secret stash of Hostess snacks, a few hand boxes, stuff. Second, the 44" box is only 16" deep and if I were to make a 24" work surface that would be a lot of lost space behind it. Bolting two carts together would solve both of those problems, the cart is just under 21" deep. And the big factor here, you can get two carts for a little LESS than the 44" box if you catch a good sale. On top of this, for a little more you could grab one of the 7 drawer end cabs and add that to the mix for some extra space. Or don't connect the carts and leave a space for a spot to put a chair or a trash can.

So I have a few questions. Do you think you would be able to lift the work surface up and access the top area of the carts? I know the pistons probably wouldn't help, and I'll probably need some snap on hinges, AND I'll have to clear off the work bench every time I access it, but that could be a great spot for... well... something.

So what do the master tinkerers think? Does anyone have two of those carts they could put next to each other and take a picture?

 

[steel 35]

Consider one of each then you could roll your cart out and use it or gain access to your ******* stash hidden behind the box. Two of my boxes fit very well within 8'

 

[zer01]

Use one of the drawers of the 44" cabinet to hold your snacks? Use the rest of the area not used by the base cabinet to put in some shelves? Plenty of room with an 8' top to put a spot for a stool and small shelves.