Best Deal on a medium duty work bench

[chruler]

I am setting up a new guitar repair shop at my place and need a decent work bench to do repairs on.

It doesn't need to be heavy duty, but does need a sturdy set of legs so it doesn't wobble back and forth during several of the repair operations I perform.

I have looked at a lot of Harbor Freight type benches and they're pretty wobbly.

Any suggestions?

30" wide x 60 or 72

 

[ez-duzit]

Hollow core door on top of two rollaway base cabinets, with or without wheels.

 

[jimgood]

Not that you wanted folding but there were several that were discussed on this thread:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5496095#post5496095

This one is supposed to be pretty stable:

http://www.knaack.com/en/view/Products/Jobsite Storage Equipment/Jobsite Storage/Rolling/R-72

Edit: LOL...I realized after I posted that Knaack is really pricey. Sorry.

 

[jimgood]

Are you wanting a bench that will be free standing or will it be against a wall? If against a wall, the wobbly benches are actually fine if you put a couple of screws through the rear supports into a stud or fire block.

 

[WWShop]

Build your own and get the exact size and strength that you need.

 

[BillK]

You might want to look at some of the woodworking supply houses. I would think those types of benches might be better for what you are doing. Try Rockler for starters.

 

[bdbecker]

You can't beat the simplicity and cost of this DIY bench. Add some levelers and you should be set. Plenty strong for guitar repair...

http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/workshop/bench/below20xl.html

http://www.rockler.com/heavy-duty-lifting-leveler

 

[TonkaJoe]

http://newageproducts.com/workbenches/

Check these guys out, I have 2 of the 6' butcher block top version.. one in my shop with a vise and 2x2 steel plate mounted on top for heavier work. And another in my basement shop aside from my actual workbench for cleaning my guns etc. I also have one of the cabinetry sets to match. No complaints here!

 

[RivennHewn]

Shop Fox work bench. Just add your own top

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/271912574454?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true

 

[theoldwizard1]

Hollow core door on top of two rollaway base cabinets, with or without wheels.

Good suggestion with a SOLID wood door ! Or make your own top by taking a bunch of 2x4, clamping them together and then sanding them smooth and level. Unclamp and then cut every other one into about 4" long spacer blocks. Glue and screw.

Attach Masonite or possibly lauan with flat head screws so that it can be replaced.

You need to add some level feet or just 2x4 PT to raise the height of your bench to a comfortable height and shim it for level.

Fill the bottom drawers with very heavy material. Use bags or small boxes of gravel if you don't have anything else. Weight = good solid feel !

 

[MushCreek]

I build my own, interestingly from a design by a guitar builder! The legs consist of two pieces of 1/2" plywood, about 8" wide at the top, tapering down to 4" at the bottom. Glue and screw a 2X2 in the corner to join the two pieces of plywood together. Make a top framework of 2X4's, and a middle framework as well. Glue and screw everything together, and use a solid core door for a top. I've bought a number of expensive commercial benches, and none were as stable or strong. Make it whatever size you want, and finish it pretty, or leave it rough and ready.

 

[chruler]

Thanks everyone! Great suggestions. I have been pre-occupied with taxes and a new girlfriend these past couple of weeks so progress has slowed way down.

I like the idea of using a door for a top. Hollow or solid. No going to do any real heavy work on it. Mostly guitar repairs.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Build your own and get the exact size and strength that you need.

That's what I would recommend also. One of the biggest issues with workbenches is the height. What works for one person, may not work for another. . . . standing at a 30" work bench all day would kill my back.

 

[DC73]

Build a simple base out of 2x4s, then pick up a laminate counter top at one of the big box stores.

DC

 

[crerus75]

Check out this site.

The owner is a professional luthier and built a rigid bench with a plywood top instead of maple or anything too "nice." His rationale is that he can beat it up or modify it without losing much sleep over it. I'm no luthier but I used to have a plywood-topped workbench, and it was really nice to be able to screw fixtures, clamps, stops, etc. to it when needed. Just something to consider.

 

[ez-duzit]

Tempered Masonite makes a most excellent work surface for woodworking. And is cheaply replaced when it has been used up.

 

[ishiboo]

You can't beat the simplicity and cost of this DIY bench. Add some levelers and you should be set. Plenty strong for guitar repair...

http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/workshop/bench/below20xl.html

http://www.rockler.com/heavy-duty-lifting-leveler

I do mine like this. The only difference is for the legs, I use two screwed into each other each making a 90 degree angle. Makes things much stronger. Also, use anything but OSB for the top.

I have a 4x8 in the barn I made the same way with 2x6's, it works AWESOME but very easy to fill up with stuff.

 

[Ad13]

If using a door as a benchtop, definately go for a solid core.

 

[A**holes Garage]

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/ultra-heavy-duty-workbench/prod1490086.ip?navAction=

 

[chruler]

Build a simple base out of 2x4s, then pick up a laminate counter top at one of the big box stores.

DC

Great idea! I like a hard laminate top. Cleans up easily. Is usually pretty flat, and I can cover it with pads or other surfaces as needed depending on the job.

 

[chruler]

For some unknown reason, none of the links posted on this thread will open.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Build a simple base out of 2x4s, then pick up a laminate counter top at one of the big box stores.

DC

That's probably one of the better ideas considering what the OP is using the workbench for.

 

[DC73]

Great idea! I like a hard laminate top. Cleans up easily. Is usually pretty flat, and I can cover it with pads or other surfaces as needed depending on the job.

That's probably one of the better ideas considering what the OP is using the workbench for.

One possible drawback to the in-stock counter tops at the big box stores is that they mostly come with an integrated back splash which makes the overall working depth only 24".

If you need more depth, they can order counter tops without the back splash in any depth you need and with various edge profiles. Another option is to make a top out of plywood and laminate it yourself. Lowe's used to stock sheets of laminate but I don't think Home Depot does.

DC

 

[Empty Pockets]

I bought a 30" by 60" piece of maple butcher block for the out feed table for my table saw. It rests on a set of 2x4 legs. It doubles as a work bench.

My theory was build more than you need, and it has never let me down

 

[Empty Pockets]

One possible drawback to the in-stock counter tops at the big box stores is that they mostly come with an integrated back splash which makes the overall working depth only 24".

If you need more depth, they can order counter tops without the back splash in any depth you need and with various edge profiles. Another option is to make a top out of plywood and laminate it yourself. Lowe's used to stock sheets of laminate but I don't think Home Depot does.

DC

Lumber yards can special order laminate for you, as well. It can be attached to the wooden base with an aerosol can or 2 of 3M contact cement