Buying a workbench

[BetterDays]

As I am planning out my small workshop area in the garage and looking at workbenches (designs, purchases, etc), my wife has encouraged me to look at options online that only require quick assembly instead of building from scratch with wood for a few reasons, primarily that we do not own a truck (so either deliver material or rent a truck) and time (can quickly assemble a purchased workbench v. building one)

Searched Marketplace and nothing

When I search Amazon, I am not finding anything with a 36" depth that I want. Same with Green, Orange, and Blue (as well as their filters are horrible for workbenches and dimensions)

I thought about converting a storage rack and adding a top, but most of those are also 24" deep

I did come across some options from from https://www.4dock.com/ (DO NOT MISSPELL THAT ONE), with this being one of them. It's large enough and strong enough for what I want, with the option to add plywood shelf for lower storage in the future, if needed.

If you were to purchase a workbench for your shop that was not task/hobby specific, what would you look for in it? Size and strength? Mobility? Storage Options?

Knowing this will be a decently sized purchase after shipping, I want to make sure I am thinking of "most of the things" before pulling the trigger.

Thanks in advance!

 

[LWB]

What are you doing with the bench? I use tool boxes and put lumber on top. They can go end to end or back to back. Lots of sizes to choose from. Gives you tons of storage.

https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-storage-organization/tool-storage/56-in-x-22-in-roll-cab-series-3-red-58714.html

 

[BetterDays]

Thank you @LWB
My workbench is used for storage of tools (miter saw, scroll saw, etc), tool bags (drills, drivers, etc), and then dedicated totes of like materials / items. It is normally shelves, not drawers, as the drawers were always too small for what I wanted PLUS the grab and go option of bags/totes, but might be worth another look.

 

[The Metric System]

Individual opinions will vary widely, but for my workbench my priorities are in order:

1. Height and reach that match my body and ergonomic preferences
2. Provisions to solidly mount a bench vise, and sturdy/heavy enough that I can get medieval on a workpiece without worrying about the bench moving around or breaking
3. Free space underneath vs built-in storage/shelving/stringers. I don't like benches where I'm bumping my toes or knees, and I do like being able to pull up a tall chair and use the bench as a desk.

IMO features like storage are better if built separately from the bench, even if they occupy the same space underneath it. That way they are easily configurable/removable as needed.

I don't want mobility; I can use carts, sawhorses, or task tables to give me a flat working space elsewhere if needed.

If you build the bench to accommodate a Yukon rolling toolbox or similar underneath it will provide both storage and a deployable work surface as needed.

Given the constraints you describe, I would buy this 30" deep workbench with free delivery: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0848C33NP?tag=atomicindus08-20

If you find you truly need the full 36" of depth you can always put a wider piece of MDF, plywood, or butcher block on top later when you find a deal.

 

[Jeff Ivers]

OP

My personal experience is that one can build a very satisfactory and stout workbench in one morning with 2x4 lumber and plywood that most suppliers will pre-cut to sizes that will fit in a car. There are many threads on here that show workbench designs from simple to exotic. If you are having trouble finding a unit to buy, you might benefit from spending a bit more time reviewing what others have built.

 

[MR2FC]

OP

My personal experience is that one can build a very satisfactory and stout workbench in one morning with 2x4 lumber and plywood that most suppliers will pre-cut to sizes that will fit in a car. There are many threads on here that show workbench designs from simple to exotic. If you are having trouble finding a unit to buy, you might benefit from spending a bit more time reviewing what others have built.

This x2, with the exception that mine took me a whole day! That was for an 8'x2' made from 3x2s and a kitchen worktop and MDF for the top, but included a lower shelf for storage space. It would've been much quicker, but it was the first thing approaching woodworking I'd done in nearly 40yrs when I built it!

 

[quadrcr87]

Checkout Uline. Depending on heavy duty you are looking for there are several options. I setup the steel assembly tables for production at work and they are holding up well working on 200lb parts.

Workbenches, Metal Workbench, Packing Stations in Stock - ULINE

Uline stocks a wide variety of heavy duty steel, stainless steel and adjustable height workbenches! Order by 6 pm for same day shipping. Huge catalog! Over 43,000 products in stock. 14 locations across USA, Canada and Mexico for fast delivery of workbench

www.uline.com

 

[rocksnstumps]

Might try to expand your search by "packing table" instead of workbench. Some of them look very similar to Uline workbench above. Or try heavy duty packing table. But might have a bit more luck finding ones 36" wide.

Probably anything related to industrial sales is gonna be 500 clams or more with delivery but apparently the OP doesn't have lots of spare time to go cheap build route.

 

[jfleisher]

I have a couple of these that work well, one as a desk, and the other for gunsmithing.

Husky 52 in. W x 24 in. D 2-Drawer Adjustable Height White Workbench Table with Solid Wood Top HOLT5202BJ2 - The Home Depot

Complete your work better and faster in jobsite without any hesitation with the assistance of this Husky Adjustable Height Work Table with in White.

www.homedepot.com

 

[RMERR]

HD has a decent selection of butcherblock tops. You can rent a truck right there for 30 bucks. Here's one that's 39" wide, you can trim off three inches to get your 36" width if you're committed to that. Half the price if you can live with 25" wide. A quickie base and you're set. In my area I see disassembled packing tables on CL pretty regularly or disassemble yourself for easier transport.

HARDWOOD REFLECTIONS 6 ft. L x 39 in. D Unfinished Birch Solid Wood Butcher Block Island Countertop With Eased Edge BBCT1502574 - The Home Depot

Add this innovative breakthrough in comfort and support to your kitchen by choosing this HARDWOOD REFLECTIONS Unfinished Birch Butcher Block Island Countertop.

www.homedepot.com

 

[BetterDays]

Thank you all!
Some interesting points here and additional discussions with my wife on this project.

This x2, with the exception that mine took me a whole day! That was for an 8'x2' made from 3x2s and a kitchen worktop and MDF for the top, but included a lower shelf for storage space. It would've been much quicker, but it was the first thing approaching woodworking I'd done in nearly 40yrs when I built it!

Beyond the time and material delivery issue is the patience/perfection/WHY THE #$@#$ IS THIS NOT LEVEL aspect

Going in, was hoping to find a workbench that was much closer to a finished product, but not seeing it after looking.
Might just be back to the drawing board to draw up a sketch with dimensions and see what is required for materials, overall footprint, and then specific shelves/storage on the bench itself. Might take a weekend or more to build (as focused time is limited), but if building is the best approach, then so be it... Universe prevails.

 

[Imatk]

I got this kit because I wanted a custom size. Looks like they might not make them anymore?
But maybe you can find something similar, if you want a custom size.

https://www.amazon.com/2x4basics-90164-Custom-Shelving-Storage/dp/B0030T1BRE?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[tool_scrounge]

Ikea sells butcher block tops for a reasonable price, but the last ones I purchased were made in China and warped. So I would be concerned about buying the, again.

In So Cal, the used market has industrial or work benches readily available. I purchased a lightly used USA made quality butcher block top and legs at the swap meet recently for $80.

 

[nadogail]

A previous Boss took a look at the Hallowell (sp?) workbench sitting in the back of the shop that i had been assigned to supervise. His words were "Get That Bench Out Of Here !".

I replied "Yes Sir", that bench was given a new coat of paint, the top turned over and it has followed me to Five shops since I had it loaded onto my Pickup in 1976.

 

[Jgaz]

Here is my version of the Uline bench shown above. Same bench sold at Grainger etc.

This was in my last garage in Michigan. My BIL came across these benches being sold in the parking lot of a closed down job shop.
I wasn’t in love with the particle board type top but it lasted fine for the 10 years I needed it to.

I added a couple of riser blocks to get it to a more comfortable height for me. Added a partial shelf and a salvaged drawer cabinet.
The dimensions were 30 x 60 inches IIRC. I’ll bet you can get almost any width top.

Sold it with the salvaged drawers for $500 to the PITA that bought my house

 

[nadogail]

Used Solid Core doors have been repurposed as workbench tops.

 

[Desertskyy]

I have this work bench from Gladiator with the 2 roll tool boxes underneath and the power strip along the back

I have zero complaints. The quick access power strip is handy

Mine is 73" long, 40" high" 21" wide-usable space. The power strips probably takes up about 3" (24" total depth)

I like the height and the usable space to work on things

Good Luck.

 

[Fixr]

Used Solid Core doors have been repurposed as workbench tops.

That's what I have. 36" solid core door on cast iron legs, and the door is fastened to the wall. Doesn't move.

 

[Jazz1]

Old office desks are sturdy and cheap as well as a good base for workbench…the drawers are bonus.
My own 12’ work bench was built with leftover scraps from building garage…two layers 1/2 plywood for a top and later topper with 1/8” steel plate..drawers sourced from cable companys office equipment being tossed as redundant…
as others mentioned..adjust the height to suit you best..

 

[mikedodge]

Keep a constant eye on Facebook or wherever else. I got this one for $100. The top is like home made butcher block. There was a second lighter one that was probably his first version of it, I didn't have the space for both or really the need either.

 

[Houdini5150]

For myself I do not have a lot of space in the garage, I have a 5 drawer cool cart that I 'work' on top of if need to but I dont have a wood top on it and depending on what I am working on I will toss a towel over it however I usually use a portable workbench that I use to cut my boards etc etc with.

 

[ez-duzit]

The workbench in the background is my most used. 48" x 96", with a replaceable tempered hardboard top. Has 2 rollaway cabinets on one side, and a huge, single shelf on the other side, with milk crates slid under that. Simple framework with heavy duty sheet goods top. Flat and level. Also serves as an offcut table.

 

[LWB]

Nice setup^^

 

[RivennHewn]

I have a couple of these that work well, one as a desk, and the other for gunsmithing.

Husky 52 in. W x 24 in. D 2-Drawer Adjustable Height White Workbench Table with Solid Wood Top HOLT5202BJ2 - The Home Depot

Complete your work better and faster in jobsite without any hesitation with the assistance of this Husky Adjustable Height Work Table with in White.

www.homedepot.com

I just a pair of these to use as desk in my new job trailer.

The adjustable height top sold me on them.

 

[fishwatcher]

As I am planning out my small workshop area in the garage and looking at workbenches (designs, purchases, etc), my wife has encouraged me to look at options online that only require quick assembly instead of building from scratch with wood for a few reasons, primarily that we do not own a truck (so either deliver material or rent a truck) and time (can quickly assemble a purchased workbench v. building one)

Searched Marketplace and nothing

When I search Amazon, I am not finding anything with a 36" depth that I want. Same with Green, Orange, and Blue (as well as their filters are horrible for workbenches and dimensions)

I thought about converting a storage rack and adding a top, but most of those are also 24" deep

I did come across some options from from https://www.4dock.com/ (DO NOT MISSPELL THAT ONE), with this being one of them. It's large enough and strong enough for what I want, with the option to add plywood shelf for lower storage in the future, if needed.

If you were to purchase a workbench for your shop that was not task/hobby specific, what would you look for in it? Size and strength? Mobility? Storage Options?

Knowing this will be a decently sized purchase after shipping, I want to make sure I am thinking of "most of the things" before pulling the trigger.

Thanks in advance!

Have you looked at this thread? Probably. There are lots of great workbenches shown.

 

[DGersic]

Thank you all!
Some interesting points here and additional discussions with my wife on this project.

Beyond the time and material delivery issue is the patience/perfection/WHY THE #$@#$ IS THIS NOT LEVEL aspect

Going in, was hoping to find a workbench that was much closer to a finished product, but not seeing it after looking.
Might just be back to the drawing board to draw up a sketch with dimensions and see what is required for materials, overall footprint, and then specific shelves/storage on the bench itself. Might take a weekend or more to build (as focused time is limited), but if building is the best approach, then so be it... Universe prevails.

It’ll never be level out of the box, or off the saw. If you’re building it in place, you’ll need to design and build level in to it as you go. If you’re buying it, you’ll either have to find something with leveling capability, like adjustable feet, or modify it during assembly so that you can level the finished product.

My built in bench sits over my air compressor, which dictates the height. The top is level because I built it level.

My other bench is on top of a Craftsman workbench / drawers. I modified it with retractable casters so that I can move it around the garage, and with hockey puck feet so that I can level it wherever it is.

My basement bench is built from 4x4 corner posts, a ladder frame of 2x4, and a plywood top and plywood undershelf for storage. Also level at the top, because I built it level where it sits.

Your floor is likely not level, or perfectly flat, so you have to adjust the bench top.

I have a truck, but it’s not always with me. I’ve moved quite a lot of stuff in my Camry as needed.

Do you really need 36” depth? That’s pretty deep to work with. Maybe lay this out with tape or mock up with cardboard to see what you’ll end up with if you build it.

 

[jives]

My countertops are solid core doors, placed on lateral file cabinets. About 12', but they mostly just hold tools. Work is done on a metal workbench or on an old formica laminated computer table. The wood door tops are cut, stained, oily, and kinda gross. Metal only or formica for me.

 

[ez-duzit]

Formica is dreadful to work on. Workpieces slide around too easily. Masonite cushions workpieces so they don't mar or scratch; it's cheap to buy or replace; you can nail into it for bending forms. For glue-ups I simply cover with poly sheeting.

 

[Torque&Recoil]

You can spend as much, or as little as you want. Most solutions will be workable, depending upon your needs. My _opinion_ is ... never "buy" a workbench. You will spend more than it is worth, and get some thing that is too small. The first respondant, LWB, has the right idea. Put some cabinets underneath, plywood, or 2x or maple butcher block, or bowling alley, or whatever, on top. Size the cabinet drawers to your needs. HFT has surprisingly good cabinets. I have one, and (I hate to admit it) it is the best toolbox I own. Best of luck with whatever method you choose.

 

[BetterDays]

After some good discussions with my wife, I am just going to order materials from HD, have them deliver it, and take a day off of work to build the initial basic workbench.

Something like this and then add another half shelf later or two later for the totes mentioned above.

 

[Firebrick43]

After some good discussions with my wife, I am just going to order materials from HD, have them deliver it, and take a day off of work to build the initial basic workbench.

Something like this and then add another half shelf later or two later for the totes mentioned above.

You mentioned in your first post 36" deep work bench and now showing a 48" wide one.

very few people find that work benches that deep are worth it.. Many can not comfortably work past 24" and add a few inches to the back for things to set your at 28-30" max.

Any deeper than that its going to be only for a special purpose but even for a woodworking assembly table or to cut sheet goods 36" works well. and saw horses that you can put 2x4 stretchers on like the bora and stronghorse work better for a small shop for those task. I personally hate workbenches over 24" and some are 22 but others like a space at the back for **** to pile up on.

Also plywood tops get dirty fast. I would suggest a layer of tempered hardboard screwed to the top. It wipes up and as it gets damaged its cheap to throw away and attach a new piece.

 

[Aaron_W]

Watch Craigslist, Facebook Market Place, garage sales, free on the curb etc. I picked up a nice work table and a solid bench / desk cheap from the local Craigslist. I prefer to build my own but I got these because they were nice and I couldn't have bought the lumber to build them at the asking price.

No truck seems like it is going to be an issue no matter what route you go unless you get it delivered.

 

[MarineScott]

I bought metal legs for work benches, built the top using 2x4s and 3/4 plywood. I topped it with 3/8 in. steel plate a friend was going to scrap. You can beat on this all day and not hurt it.

 

[ez-duzit]

After some good discussions with my wife, I am just going to order materials from HD, have them deliver it, and take a day off of work to build the initial basic workbench.

Something like this and then add another half shelf later or two later for the totes mentioned above.

You lose a great deal of storage with that inefficient design. If you simply move that shelf up 1/2-way, you can store milk crates or totes under it. Also there is nothing in the design to prevent wracking.

 

[BetterDays]

You mentioned in your first post 36" deep work bench and now showing a 48" wide one.

very few people find that work benches that deep are worth it.. Many can not comfortably work past 24" and add a few inches to the back for things to set your at 28-30" max.

Any deeper than that its going to be only for a special purpose but even for a woodworking assembly table or to cut sheet goods 36" works well. and saw horses that you can put 2x4 stretchers on like the bora and stronghorse work better for a small shop for those task. I personally hate workbenches over 24" and some are 22 but others like a space at the back for **** to pile up on.

Also plywood tops get dirty fast. I would suggest a layer of tempered hardboard screwed to the top. It wipes up and as it gets damaged its cheap to throw away and attach a new piece.

I was referencing more of the design, as I need additional shelves for storage of totes.
My workbenches now are both 24" deep and not just not deep enough. My old benches (reused old desks from work) were 34-36" deep and they were great. Some stretch, but this workbench will not be against a wall, so it might just mean more steps on the Garmin.

Not sure if this build will be 36" or 48" yet. I plan to tape it out today and see while I build the Home Depot Delivery List.

The extra depth at 48" would help for more storage and make it two sided, where items against the wall currently in that same area would then have a home in the workbench.

You lose a great deal of storage with that inefficient design. If you simply move that shelf up 1/2-way, you can store milk crates or totes under it. Also there is nothing in the design to prevent wracking.

My goal is nothing on the floor, which is why I want the lower shelf.
If I want to move it, I move it. This is part of daily garage in Ohio, so the less on the floor to move is better.
I am planning to add an additional post towards the middle to store the totes I mentioned above, as they will store tools / boxes of "like items", etc.
I thought about the wracking aspect and may add a diagonal brace on each side or brace them to use for other storage (clamps, small pegboard for hanging items)

The goal is to get it built first and then tweak after. If I try to work out all of the tweaks first, it will be December and my brain will be scattered from all of the potential things to think about

 

[DGersic]

I thought about the wracking aspect and may add a diagonal brace on each side or brace them to use for other storage (clamps, small pegboard for hanging items)

Put solid sides (or pegboard) to stop racking front to back. Put a solid plywood down the middle to stop racking side to side.

Being two sided makes the extra depth manageable and useful. 36” or 48” against the wall only works if you have arms like Wilt Chamberlain.

 

[BetterDays]

Watch Craigslist, Facebook Market Place, garage sales, free on the curb etc. I picked up a nice work table and a solid bench / desk cheap from the local Craigslist. I prefer to build my own but I got these because they were nice and I couldn't have bought the lumber to build them at the asking price.

No truck seems like it is going to be an issue no matter what route you go unless you get it delivered.

As luck would have it, this hit Marketplace late last night at a price that was acceptable.
For the small investment, it is a great start to what I wanted and 36" W, 96"L, and 40"H
Add the bottom shelf, add plywood top (I have some 1/4" plywood already) and ready to go.

 

[alinc100]

As luck would have it, this hit Marketplace late last night at a price that was acceptable.
For the small investment, it is a great start to what I wanted and 36" W, 96"L, and 40"H
Add the bottom shelf, add plywood top (I have some 1/4" plywood already) and ready to go.

I would look at adding some stiffeners to keep it from racking, especially if I would be rolling it around often. Even more critical if adding heavy loads to the top.

 

[BetterDays]

I would look at adding some stiffeners to keep it from racking, especially if I would be rolling it around often. Even more critical if adding heavy loads to the top.

Agree. mentioned in posts 34-36.
This is more of a workbench to for the mitre saw, scroll saw, band saw, etc.. not something for crazy heavy work.

And it will primarily be in one spot, but wanted the ability to move since it is not against a wall. Helps to move from my 10 x 8 (ish) area to the main part of the garage should I want or need more room.

 

[BombShelter]

I'm heading over to Menards to put together a-la-carte steel shelving for an entertainment center with albums and a bunch of big old 70's receivers (very heavy). If it looks to drab I can paint it or add wood trim to the front to spruce it up. They have lot's of options for width and height and accessories like doors and drawers.

https://www.menards.com/main/search.html?search=steel+component+shelving