Bench Building Questions

[dr0]

I'm building a long workbench along one wall of my garage, it will measure 15'.
I am planning on using 4x4 legs and 2x4 for the frame that the top will be attached to.

I will use it for temporary holding various tools, some kind of heavy, like arbor press, mitre saw. And holding things up to the size of a motorcycle engine. When not in use these will be stored underneath the bench on the shelf, or the floor.

How many segments do I need? Would two 7.5' segments (space between legs) be enough, or do I need to go with three 5' segments?

 

[Richard Cranium]

I would go with the 5 footers, much easier to move to clean behind or rearrange.

 

[ishiboo]

Personally, I would use two 2x4s laminated together over a 4x4. Normally that also makes it easier to connect the legs as you essentially can make a giant rabbet at the top by cutting one 3.5" short, and then connecting it to your wood that makes up the face.

7.5' is a long span for a 2x4, and with heavy stuff on it its going to sag. I would go down to 5' or less, and perhaps replace the 2x4s for the front with a 2x6. It's not going to break, just going to sag and have a lot of bounce if you're hammering on it.

Personally, I would probably go with 2x4 and put supports every 4' or so.

 

[dr0]

Personally, I would use two 2x4s laminated together over a 4x4. Normally that also makes it easier to connect the legs as you essentially can make a giant rabbet at the top by cutting one 3.5" short, and then connecting it to your wood that makes up the face.

7.5' is a long span for a 2x4, and with heavy stuff on it its going to sag. I would go down to 5' or less, and perhaps replace the 2x4s for the front with a 2x6. It's not going to break, just going to sag and have a lot of bounce if you're hammering on it.

Personally, I would probably go with 2x4 and put supports every 4' or so.

Thanks this was very helpful.

 

[dr0]

I would go with the 5 footers, much easier to move to clean behind or rearrange.

I hadn't even thought of making separate benches, but it's a good idea. I was thinking more along the line of built in permanently.

I'll have to contemplate that one for a bit longer.

 

[regguy1]

Scroll to post 268 to see my bench idea: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50406&page=14