Build Work Bench vs Buying one?

[audioworks04]

Build! It is a great way to get back into some creative building and start acquiring some basic power tools. Like everyone else has said you can do alot with some 2x4s and plywood. Start simple and you can add to it overtime and make it custom to you and your needs. I would stay away from mdf, hdf or any other kind of particle boards as they do not stand up well over time.

 

[mineallmine]

Go with a wood one to start. If your fab skills are lacking it will be much more forgiving. I recommend getting the birch countertop from IKEA for the top. Check out the AS IS section. They frequently show up there. The countertop in my garage came from there and it's solid. You can pound away on it and then once its really beat up, flip it over as it's the same on both sides. This will also support a vice better than plywood and WAY better than OSB. I wouldn't use OSB to mount a vice on. Either heavy plywood or better yet 2x6 or 2x8 for the top.

Once you get the taste for fabbing stuff up and gather up more tools (it is a sickness you know...once you start you're hooked) you can build a metal table pretty cheap.

I built this one for under $300. All 1/4 thich steel construction. Weighs in at about 600lbs but will last forever. Check out scrap metal places for metal when you decide to go metal...way cheaper if you can find what you want...that's what I did.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I have a heavy steel desk that has been demoted/promoted to bench use downstairs..
Old buggers can often be had for hauling them away. Nice bonus is the drawer storage, and a place to store a shop vac.

 

[apollo11]

Quick and cheap
adjustable

buy some home depot type shelving and add 3/4" or 1" plywood as the top

or buy 2 of these

and span the two with plywood.

I copied the bottom one idea from here.

 

[hrichard]

Hey Diesel Mercedes......seeing as its near Christmas and all, and its in my way anyway, if you get up to or can arrange transportation from middle/southern Delaware I have a practically new, albeit ten year old Kolbalt bench from Lowes that i put together and never used for anything. It has a metal frame and bottom shelf, 2 metal drawers and an MDF top.......yours for the cost of a 2 hr or so road trip

 

[gdpolk]

Build it. Do a basic one like the 2x4 and plywood one shown. Make it fit your space and needs. The only bench I've ever bought was one of the flimsy metal/particle board ones with pegboard and a light for leather work and only because it was for $20. I don't like it at all, even at $20. In fact I'm getting ready to sell it on Craigslist and build my own.

 

[-Brent-]

Hey Diesel Mercedes......seeing as its near Christmas and all, and its in my way anyway, if you get up to or can arrange transportation from middle/southern Delaware I have a practically new, albeit ten year old Kolbalt bench from Lowes that i put together and never used for anything. It has a metal frame and bottom shelf, 2 metal drawers and an MDF top.......yours for the cost of a 2 hr or so road trip

This is why I love this place!

 

[taumac]

I like screwing my benches into the wall studs...yes it makes sweeping/cleaning under them a bit harder (I usually use compressed air) but the bench becomes infinitely more stable and secure. Can put something in the vice and even using a big pipe wrench or breaker bar and the bench doesn't move.

True, add casters for mobility but lag bolt it to studs when not moving it

 

[taumac]

I am in the build it myself camp. However, one thing that has not been brought up yet is an old office steel desk. It might sit a little lower, but sometimes thats better. Plus they take abuse and have storage already built into them. Easy to add a vice to it as well.

Another option is older kitchen cabinets.(Non particle board) Around me people have them listed on craigslist all the time. Some even say you can have them if you remove them. Or ask a local kitchen contractor if they are removing any soon. I would go with 2 layers of 3/4" ply for a good strong top vs the countertop myself, but countertops are not bad work areas either.

Your options are only limited to your budget and space. For some, the simple ones previously shown are good, for some, the welded steel with tool boxes integrated into them are the way to go. For you, I would recommend one of my options or the simple 2x4 and plywood (with deck screws) one for now, until you get more into repair/fab work, then go from there.

I brought up desk but not steel type. I prefer a low workbench before I knew that a bench should be at wrist height from the ground and me being 5’8 that’s right about 30”. Add a big vise and that’s 38 39”. Options are endless for the OP. 100 people can post 100 ideas of bench’s and all be different. Nobody’s right or wrong it’s just what works for the space and work he does.

 

[jonesg]

I have some suspension work that needs to be done however it requires a workbench and vice. It will cost less building or buying my own work bench and adding on a vise, than taking to the dealer or the boujee independent.

FYI it's the front control arm bushings.

Me being pretty young 22, and coming from a family where absolutely no one ever has fixed anything, I have to build my dynasty from scratch.

Personally, I've thought of buying from craigslist but everything I've seen is severely over priced.

Yeah you have to add in the cost of tools etc but this seems like a good way to start off right? If you seasoned vets could give me some advice it would help out a lot.

My wood working skills are very limited if not all forgotten, since I never did anything with wood since wood shop in middle school.

Looking forward to this!

You don't need a bench or vice to change control arms.

 

[taumac]

Hey Diesel Mercedes......seeing as its near Christmas and all, and its in my way anyway, if you get up to or can arrange transportation from middle/southern Delaware I have a practically new, albeit ten year old Kolbalt bench from Lowes that i put together and never used for anything. It has a metal frame and bottom shelf, 2 metal drawers and an MDF top.......yours for the cost of a 2 hr or so road trip

That’s awesome!!!

OP a bench and get to meet another GJ member sounds like a deal to me. I drive 6 hours round trip to meet up with the guys down here.

 

[MikeF2316]

That will work fine - but personally, I prefer the 'EAA' style worktable that cvairwerks linked to - because it uses what I would call interlocking 2x4's to really beef up the 4 main posts and help support the top and the shelf

Maybe this pic will explain it better - the cut 2x's on the top are parts to build a second one (you can build two out of (15) 2x4x8. With 3/4" mdf for the top and shelf, your looking about $120 in material for two

I'll agree with these 2 guys. The top is supported by a path through wood, it doesn't rely on the fasteners. And all you need to build it is the ability to cut 2x4s and a top to size. And if you need a custom size, you can make it that way.

 

[yamaha0343]

Built this out of a dozen 2x4s. Maybe $40 in materials, 4ft high, 4ft long, and slapped it together in an afternoon. Super stable with me sitting on it.

 

[scarrylarry]

Here is a great bench for someone with a limited skills set. You need nothing more than a saw, a square and something to drive some 3" and smaller screws.

http://www.eaa1000.av.org/technicl/worktabl/worktabl.htm

Tried your link but it's not a trusted site ! Any ideas because I like the construction of the posted pictures !
scarrylarry

 

[scarrylarry]

Go with a wood one to start. If your fab skills are lacking it will be much more forgiving. I recommend getting the birch countertop from IKEA for the top. Check out the AS IS section. They frequently show up there. The countertop in my garage came from there and it's solid. You can pound away on it and then once its really beat up, flip it over as it's the same on both sides. This will also support a vice better than plywood and WAY better than OSB. I wouldn't use OSB to mount a vice on. Either heavy plywood or better yet 2x6 or 2x8 for the top.

Once you get the taste for fabbing stuff up and gather up more tools (it is a sickness you know...once you start you're hooked) you can build a metal table pretty cheap.

I built this one for under $300. All 1/4 thich steel construction. Weighs in at about 600lbs but will last forever. Check out scrap metal places for metal when you decide to go metal...way cheaper if you can find what you want...that's what I did.

Could you elaborate on what you mean "As Is Section", Is there an As Is Section at Ikea ?
How long were those bench tops ?
Thanks scarrylarry

 

[4 Ever-Fish N]

I went with the Northern Tool workbench kit. I will take a picture of mine tomorrow if you'd like. It made the project easy and the workbench is very sturdy. It happens to be on sale too.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/t...MIxqC6i-Sc2AIVEFcNCh3rgQgDEAQYASABEgIQP_D_BwE

 

[cvairwerks]

Tried your link but it's not a trusted site ! Any ideas because I like the construction of the posted pictures !
scarrylarry

Shoot me a pm with your email address and I'll download the pages and email them to you.

 

[dogdog]

Could you elaborate on what you mean "As Is Section", Is there an As Is Section at Ikea ?
How long were those bench tops ?
Thanks scarrylarry

There is an As-Is section but selections vary from store to store... It is usually the place where they sell the returns, slightly damaged, and discontinued... items.

The one I have is about 25.5"x98" 1" thick and 1.25" thick The other bunch I have is about 1.5" thick should be 98" also... I have to check... but with Ikea, there is the solid wood tops and the hollow core or MDF like ones you just have to check carefully... I got mine for about $30 a piece. = tax. Normal price is about $200

 

[tarbellb]

There is an As-Is section but selections vary from store to store... It is usually the place where they sell the returns, slightly damaged, and discontinued... items.

The one I have is about 25.5"x98" 1" thick and 1.25" thick The other bunch I have is about 1.5" thick should be 98" also... I have to check... but with Ikea, there is the solid wood tops and the hollow core or MDF like ones you just have to check carefully... I got mine for about $30 a piece. = tax. Normal price is about $200

Actually, correct me if im wrong but I think Ikea stopped selling the Solid Wood butcher block tops about 3-4yrs ago?

I built a bunch of killer workshop tables for a client using Ikea solid tops, they had long skinny ones and shorter slightly fatter ones. Excellent deal for a hardwood (export stuff) solid tops.

Same client asked for more a few years later and Ikea had stopped selling those and replaced them with a veneered version. Thicker veneer then normal, maybe ~1/4" but with a MDF core.

I havent looked in a few years so maybe its changed again?

Either way, go find a solid wood door on CL or ReUse store and build a bench around that.

 

[mineallmine]

Could you elaborate on what you mean "As Is Section", Is there an As Is Section at Ikea ?
How long were those bench tops ?
Thanks scarrylarry

Every Ikea I have been to has had an AS IS section. It is usually near the cash out area. It is not in the main showcase area but in the self serve warehouse area. It's where they put display items and returns and damaged or discontinued.

The one bench top is 6ft and the other is 8ft. I found the 8ft section on sale and the 6ft section in the as is section. The day I was there there was only one...but the following week after I already had mine done there was more...figures.

 

[mineallmine]

Actually, correct me if im wrong but I think Ikea stopped selling the Solid Wood butcher block tops about 3-4yrs ago?

I built a bunch of killer workshop tables for a client using Ikea solid tops, they had long skinny ones and shorter slightly fatter ones. Excellent deal for a hardwood (export stuff) solid tops.

Same client asked for more a few years later and Ikea had stopped selling those and replaced them with a veneered version. Thicker veneer then normal, maybe ~1/4" but with a MDF core.

I havent looked in a few years so maybe its changed again?

Either way, go find a solid wood door on CL or ReUse store and build a bench around that.

I actually picked these up in the spring this year. They are listed on their website as well. Here's a link to one. Mine was birch. Don't know if the birch was discontinued or not...

http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/60274964/#/20274961

Mine was in the as is section for 50% off regular price.

Another option is home depot sell bamboo countertop that would work great as well. Not a bad price either IIRC

 

[dogdog]

Actually, correct me if im wrong but I think Ikea stopped selling the Solid Wood butcher block tops about 3-4yrs ago?

I built a bunch of killer workshop tables for a client using Ikea solid tops, they had long skinny ones and shorter slightly fatter ones. Excellent deal for a hardwood (export stuff) solid tops.

Same client asked for more a few years later and Ikea had stopped selling those and replaced them with a veneered version. Thicker veneer then normal, maybe ~1/4" but with a MDF core.

I haven't looked in a few years so maybe its changed again?

Either way, go find a solid wood door on CL or ReUse store and build a bench around that.

I got about 4 of those 1-1/4 solid wood core about 2 years ago it's not butcher block, they were for kitchen countertop or something... large long tables. I have seen them putting two together to make one large meeting tables on display.... Just got another 3 or 4 of the 1-1/2 version... which does have some MDF on the bottom. I haven't cut into it to check if it is MDF core. I don't know their swedish names off hand, but will look in a few minutes.

The 1-1/4 is what mineallmine stated above....

and the other is the KARLBY. Guess that is mostly particle boards.... from their website description..

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70335207/#/90335211


The other option would be using 2x of 3/4 plywood stacked. then a thin laminate for the top I actually like their lifeproof series vinyl planks.

 

[tarbellb]

Cool, I looked up those links. Seems they have brought in some new variations of what I used before?

The HAMMARP line is SOLID OAK @ 1.25" thick, $265 each (26" x 77.25")

Thats $18+ tax / sqft. IIRC I paid way less then that, maybe $10-12 sq/ft.

Lots of options open up at the $10+ sq/ft for worktop materials. For example, my local metal supplier will sell me 3/8" HRS steel plate for $11.65 sq/ft. Or these guys just down the road from me who build amazing butcher block tops all day - https://www.perfectplank.com/index.html - get some 1.75" Solid Rock Maple for $14.35 sq/ft.

Good to know about the solid wood tops back at Ikea, good easy resource for those.

 

[mineallmine]

Cool, I looked up those links. Seems they have brought in some new variations of what I used before?

The HAMMARP line is SOLID OAK @ 1.25" thick, $265 each (26" x 77.25")

Thats $18+ tax / sqft. IIRC I paid way less then that, maybe $10-12 sq/ft.

Lots of options open up at the $10+ sq/ft for worktop materials. For example, my local metal supplier will sell me 3/8" HRS steel plate for $11.65 sq/ft. Or these guys just down the road from me who build amazing butcher block tops all day - https://www.perfectplank.com/index.html - get some 1.75" Solid Rock Maple for $14.35 sq/ft.

Good to know about the solid wood tops back at Ikea, good easy resource for those.

Yeah at full price it's a bit much...that's why I mentioned the as is area. Any scratches at all and they wind up there...often for half price...don't mind a couple scratches for a worktop...you can't even notice them on mine once the finish was put on.

 

[visiting guest]

buy four packages of this
https://www.homedepot.com/p/LDR-Ind...Iron-Floor-Flange-2-Pack-310-F-34-2/302640654

buy two of this to make legs
and have plumber cut and thread them to equal pieces that are same length
https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-2-in-x-120-in-Black-Steel-10-ft-Sch-40-Pipe-314-12X120/100553686

and get two solid core doors off craiglist
or buy a 3/4 inch thick piece of mdf
or what ever materiel you like or can afford at home depot
and have home depot rip in half on panel saw.

then use box of torx head deck screws
to put it together ?
then after job disassemble and store til next time


just a suggestion

 

[scarrylarry]

Shoot me a pm with your email address and I'll download the pages and email them to you.

Done
scarrylarry

 

[scarrylarry]

When you guys talk about solid core doors do you buy them without the hole in them for the hardware ? Can you get metal doors with wood interior without holes for the hardware ?
Thanks
scarrylarry

 

[kctyphoon]

Why do you need a workbench for control arm bushings? Yes, it might be helpful, but guys do it in the driveway all the time. Just use the ground..

Don't know what kinda car we're talking about, but what you might spend on all this MIGHT be close to new control arms with the bushings already installed..

 

[tarbellb]

Why do you need a workbench for control arm bushings? Yes, it might be helpful, but guys do it in the driveway all the time. Just use the ground..

Don't know what kinda car we're talking about, but what you might spend on all this MIGHT be close to new control arms with the bushings already installed..

True, but a good worktop in the garage is a must IMO.

I always tend to do better work when I am able to sit down and work on a part comfortably. But that is only after going through the evolution of working in the street gutter, then in my own driveway, then on to a door topped workbench, and so on to finally a 48" x 96" 1000lbs steel table that will hold a full size truck no problem.

Solidcore door is any door that uses solid wood (of any kind) as the inside of the door. Hollow doors are usually easy to spot or feel by weight, they have cardboard honeycomb inside or nothing at all.

 

[woodrail]

I've put two of the 72" Seville Ultra HD benches in my lab recently. About $210 each. 1 3/4" hardwood tops and heavy steel frames. Probably couldn't build them for the price.

 

[dogdog]

You can’t beat the price but you are limited to their size and fit, material wise other than the top. A 25’ 1/16 2x2 and 1x3 would have cost about the same you can get two table out of it... but the top is expensive.

 

[77Mini]

skip the drywall screws and use deck screws. the shanks of deck screws have a larger diameter and aren't as susceptible to popping the head off from simply tightening them with a driver. Drywall screws shouldn't be used for anything other than drywall.

I agree with this. Drywall screws aren't good for building things.

 

[kctyphoon]

Here's a better question.. do you already own the tools you need to do all of this, or will this be another purchase you need to make? Honestly a workbench is nice to have, a must for a pro, but depending on you ur situation, you still might be better off devoting the time and effort into the car first..

If this is something you've never done before, as you kinda made it seem like you don't have a lot of experience using tools, things can get very frustrating as you're learning. You might be better off concentrating on the car first.. the workbench can be done any time.. do you have a garage at home, or a shed, or a basement said workbench would find a home in? I only ask cause like a stated before, it might be easier just to do this on the ground in the driveway.. you can rent a ball joint press kit from most auto places for free, but you'll still need some basic tools of your own..

Also - if it's an older car, buying new control arms with the bushings already installed might be a viable option..

 

[Fender1325]

Build it, beat the **** out of it, fix it, repeat. 2x4's and 3/4 plywood with deck screws and you'll be able to do pretty much anything.

 

[scarrylarry]

Disagree. The only thing metal benches are good for is heavy mechanical/machining/metal work. Wood is far better for general household use.


I am firmly in the build your own versus buy one camp. 2x4's, plywood, and some wood screws and you're good to go. I think the strongest argument for building though lies in the fact that you can build it to take advantage of the space you have. If you have 53 inches long and 19 inches deep, you build it that size rather than buying a 48x18 bench and wasting space.

This is what I built for my garage...just dimensional lumber, plywood, screws, wood filler, paint, and spar urethane.

I like your workbench !
scarrylarry

 

[Ruahrc]

As some have stated already one advantage of building a workbench is that you can size it exactly to your space and not have wasted area.

Of course the disadvantage is that (especially if it's the first bench you make) you'll be so proud of it when you're done that you will be afraid to do any work on it

Honestly I built my own work bench and was really surprised how easy it actually was once you actually get down to it. Literally just plywood and 2x4s there is no need to get too fancy for a basic workbench. I think that is what scares a lot of people they see a lot of creative designs and nice workmanship and think it's a lot more complicated than it really is. didn't have a lot of woodworking experience either but 95% of the work is just measuring/cutting accurately and screwing things together. IMHO There really isn't too much "woodworking" skill involved so that shouldn't be a big concern. If you are competent/confident enough to be doing control arm repair on your vehicle you definitely should be able to build a 2x4 and plywood bench.

 

[ChaseDE]

This is all you need right here to get you started.

Yes. Some 2x4's, a sheet of plywood, screws, done. For tools all you need are a circular saw and a drill.

Jigsaw and chop saw are optional but nice to have.

This one is 2' x 8', I later added some casters.

 

[Gmonkee]

I have built and left behind at least five workbenches. Most cost near nothing using recycled pallets. All but one is still in service in some place I lived or worked right now.

Just build it. A handsaw and measuring tape are the high tech items. Fastening it is as simple as screws. Or nails. I use both.

Most times I didn't bother much measuring either. They ended up as big or ad small as available materials allowed. It's a rough use table, not rocket surgery.

 

[BuffettFan]

View media item 79422
My vote is to build your own from wood.
1st, it gives you some time in your garage to develop your skillset.
2nd, you can customize it to fit your needs and your space.

Wood over metal, unless you plan to beat on it almost daily or plan to weld on it. Even then, you can add a metal top with an air gap to the wooden frame if you would like, or at that point replace it with a metal bench, or just build a welding table.

I built this bench from 2x4's heading to the dumpster, 1 pc of 3/4" birch plywood and 2 pcs of 1x2 poplar. Total cost, minus the deck screws and stain is about $50.
I built it so I could slide my jointer under one side to free up floor space. It is very sturdy and can be lagged into the wall if needed. So far I haven't found the need.
The rolling tool cabinet on the other side houses my hand held power tools and miter saw and doubles as my miter saw stand. It will eventually get stained to match the bench, but it freaking cold outside and I don't like to stain when the propane heater is running.
And deck screws- not drywall screws! Drywall screws are very brittle and as was mentioned in an earlier post, prone to breaking.
Good Luck and I applaud your decision to "Do It Yourself!"

 

[BuffettFan]

View media item 79423
Here's a pic of the rough framing. The bench is 2'X8' and none of the 2x4's are 8' long.
Pocket screws and glued to make the 8' pcs.
I love my Kreg pocket screw jig, I highly recommend anyone that doesn't have one to pick one up.
They are fantastic!