Do you build rather than buy a workbench?

[Northstar]

Just curious on how others feel about building vs buying a workbench. I have a kitchen base cabinet I'm using now, but it's mostly cabinet and only a couple drawers. I want all drawers since I have plenty of cabinet space in my new garage.

For me, garage time is like therapy. I putz around, move stuff from one place to another, fix a thing or two, and generally just have some quiet time (even if the TV or stereo are on and loud).

I like the idea of buying a workbench and putting it in place. Simple, fast, done.

Buying a workbench kit is also nice since all the pieces are cut and ready to go, but I'm not a directions guy-I have a hard time interpreting them unless I wrote them myself. Still nice, not as simple, takes some time, but looks nice when done.

Lastly, building one. I'm handy, but not a perfectionist. I know what I honestly can do and if I take my time I can stretch it a little. It won't be perfect, but it will be my creation. Plus, usually it costs less or about the same. More garage therapy, and I like the idea having made it myself-warts and all.

Here's my plan-using Superstrut beams for the framework and then simple drawer slides. The top will either be 5/8 ply with tempered hardboard or a countertop remnant if there's a deal on one. My other option was a Seville workbench with drawers and stuff from Sam's Club, but $400 wasn't in my budget.

Are you a build it or a buy it workbench person?

 

[nonhog]

Re: DO you build rather than buy a workbench?

Are you a build it or a buy it workbench person?

Both!
Build my own, fab/welding bench as I have ideas(many from TGJ) that I could not find pre made.
I bought a Costco Maple bench for cleaner work.

 

[Torque1st]

Re: DO you build rather than buy a workbench?

I build to fit the spot and use. I look at prefab workbenches in the store and laugh.

 

[AndysMBgarage]

I certainly understand as I've always made mine in the past.

When my garage was finished the workbench was needed ASAP so I looked into the components required [steel frame and table top]. For the price I could pick up a used metal racking workbench and get straight into using it. It will be modified in the future but until then its fine.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Partly, I think the decision depends on how long you're thinking about using the bench, which has a lot to do with how long you think you're going to be in your workshop.

I'm making one right now -- to replace a bench I made a few years back. It occurred to me that this might be the last work bench I build. So I want it to be an effective tool for the different kinds of work I do in my garage.

 

[purplezr2]

Checkout Girlinagarages homemade bench with home made draws, its pretty nice, maybe you could do something similar with the cabinet you have and make drawers to fit in to them.

 

[ptschram]

If I need a workbench, I need a workbench and not another project. Workbenches are for doing work, they shouldn't be work in and of themselves.

I can't see the wisdom in building your own welder cart, workbench, nor hydraulic press. those are items that I use, not build to exercise my building muscles.

 

[wornoutoldman]

Over the years I've built work benches and shelving in every home I've owned (4) my latest relocation should be my last. I'm currently scouring craigslist for a deal on a real professional (the kind you find in a shop) bench made of steel that can handle a motor or trans teardown and take a real beating. That's not to say a home built one couldn't, I'm just looking for something a little nicer to go with my metal cabs that have been waiting 15 years to get mounted on the walls.

 

[countrytech]

I think it can depend on if we use the shop for our primary work or play... I don't use my shop for income so I can't justify buying a workbench that I won't use every day. Plus all the workbenches that I've seen mass produced absolutely **** and still cost as much or more than the materials to build a much better work bench. I'm better off building one that fits my needs, and having the satisfaction of fabricating it myself. Tool boxes are a different animal entirely due to the drawers, but for a general workbench it's a lot better to build than to buy IMO.

 

[netbrad]

It depends on the tools you have and how soon you need it. If you already have a mitre saw and time then buy some material and go for it. Otherwise the Gorilla rack benches are decent and go together quickly. I bought one still in box off Craigslist for $100 because I didn't have time to build one nor did I have the tools to build one quickly. I would recommend using a thicker piece of wood for the top however.

 

[colo crawler]

I build to fit the spot and use. I look at prefab workbenches in the store and laugh.

x2.

I have never seen anything in the store that is as big and strong as mine for the same price. I have maybe $100 into mine.

-Tom

 

[jshillin]

I bought the 2 in my garage and built the one in my shed. I really wanted a butcher block top in the garage so I picked up 2 6' benches from Sam's Club.

 

[Torque1st]

I'm just looking for something a little nicer to go with my metal cabs that have been waiting 15 years to get mounted on the walls.

Damn, I thought I was bad waiting 5 years. I was out measuring for my French cleats today.

As far as a bench to tear down transmissions etc on I found a heavy steel shelf to use as a top on a 2x4 frame bench. I will turn it upside down, weld up the corners, and drill a few 1/8" drain holes into a 1" pipe stub welded in for a drain. A strategically placed weld bead may keep small parts out of the drain.

 

[HemiRambler]

I built a work bench that has the features I wanted/needed - anything less seems like a waste to me.

I want the work I am doing on it to be pleasurable not annoying. So the time I spent designing it much less fabricating it was very well spent IMHO. For instance I mounted a swing out seat off the leg - never need to search for a stool it's always there. I also integrated TIG rod storage into the bench - now the rod is always within arms reach. Stuff like that - figure what makes your work easier and go for it!

 

[jasonreck71]

Always custom build. I built that back of my bench into the garage itself. Seeing as the builder that did my garage must not understand a level, I had to build the legs different lengths so that the top would be level. Had I bought a bench would have drove me nuts not being level.

_________________________________________________________-

Check out my blog

 

[GirlnAgarage]

I'm a builder. I'm too particular with how I want things and I have no patience for shopping for 'the perfect' thing. 1) I won't find it and 2) the quality (as in long lasting with good materials) are expensive. Also there is the pride of 'I built that'. And it's a chance to practice skills.

 

[Steevo]

I prefer to build a workbench, so that it fits where I need it to fit, is made of what I want it made of, and does what I want it to do.

Every pre-fab or hand-me-down bench I have ever had was a compromise that I lived with because the price was right.

 

[Northstar]

I'm digging the explanations from both sides. Spent a big chunk of the day finishing up getting the garage organized and thinking about exactly what I "need" in a bencha nd what else I want to add. The only thing I actually decided on today was to cut it down to 6' instead of 8' long. Horizontal space in my shop becomes a resting spot for something that won't move for a long time. 6' is actually more than I really want, but I want space for longer things if they're on a vice which will be on the right and nothing will go to the right of the bench but open floor. The bench will be about 22" deep, though the top might be 24" for a bullnose on the front and a little overhang on the back.

I did spend a lot of time looking for a bench that I wanted, but nothing fit the bill. That Seville unit at Sam's was closest, but all those shallow drawers would be a waste. I need a bunch of 8" or so deep drawers.

 

[rsanter]

depends on what you need the bench for
there are many good deals I have seen that are cheaper than building one but if there is something specific you need or you need a really heavy duty one then unless you can make a luck score on CL then you build

I always thought that 2 of the HF 41'' toolboxes bolted back to back with a hardwood or steel top would be cool as a workbench

I have a MAC Tech1000 that would actually be a good size for a workbench for general work and with a steel top I bet it would hold a shortblock on it no problem

bob

 

[DekeT]

I re-use old steel slab doors. Cheap, large, and strong.

 

[JimVonBaden]

It really depends on your needs, size requirements, and skills. In some cases a prebuilt one makes sense, and in some a custom one makes sense. Sometimes a hybrid also makes sense. I have done all three.

Jim

 

[NUTTSGT]

I built mine the way I wanted. I could put the shelves where I wanted, the depth and height that was right for me.

 

[mustanginky]

i built one because i was bored and wifey said go for it. it isn't that nice but it works for what i need it to.

 

[Mike in Ohio]

I have nevere bought an actual purpose built workbench. I have on the other hand repurposed other things into workbenches or built my own.

For instance the outfeed table for my table saw is my moms old kitchen table on a mobile base. I use this as work bench more than I should because then I have to clean it off when I want to use the saw. My other benches are porpose built usually out what I have laying around.

I don't have anything like steevos great work bench in my shop, but maybe someday!!!

 

[popper]

To each his own. I think building one gives you the flexability of size that will work for you and the ability to incorporate features you would like or work best for you. A lot of the steel benches you can buy are just not heavy enough for what I do. There is a ton of great ideas on this site.

 

[KaotiK TrendZ]

built my own. plan on building two more smaller ones soon. spent less than store bought and a lot tougher than the store bought ones. best bet. took me a night to have it built. plus its a good learning experience. except my friends and family always want me to build theirs....

 

[machine_punk]

I think it boils down to 'what are you going to use the workbench for' and what are your primary garage hobbies. There are plenty of folks on here who primarily work on cars, when they are in the garage. Then, there are the folks who do a lot of woodworking and DIY. Then there are the folks who do a lot of metalworking and machining.

If you have a hobby where you build things (wood or metalworking), then I'd say go ahead and build your own workbench. If you are primarily working on cars, those skills don't necessarily translate into building your own workbench (though there are many people on this forum who work on cars and have decent building skills).

From your first post, I'd say you would be better off buying a bench. Your hobbies don't seem to include building a lot of things (that doesn't seem to be where you get your enjoyment in the garage).

Me, personally, I couldn't imagine buying a bench. I'd be embarrassed to have a bench in my shop that I didn't build (unless I found something amazing and got a fabulous deal on it--a good story makes up for a lot). In fact, I'm getting to where I cannot even imagine buying a tool box. I do claim to be a sheet metal fabricator and I plan to outfit my metalworking studio with stuff I build. Why wouldn't I build my own drawer unit for storing tools?

If you did want to improve your building skills, I think a workbench is a great place to start. If that's just really not your thing, then you will probably be happier.

 

[rwhite692]

Build, all the way.

One thing I just can't stand is a work bench that moves -at all- when I am working on it, particularly when you have something in the vise and you are cutting or wrenching or beating on it.

I have not seen many ready-made benches that can be purchased, that would meet this criteria.

My current bench, I built using some insanely heavy bowling lane material.

The top by itself weighs 275 pounds. The legs / frame are a simple design, welded 2" square mild steel tubing.

It is also at a height customized to suit my comfortable standing working height, which is another big reason I highly recommend building your own.

I don't have too many good pics of the finished bench by itself, but you can see it in these pics... I have since added shelving on the lower level where the horizontal bracing is.

 

[MD11]

I had a thread elsewhere on this, but I just recently replaced an old beat up work bench with this one that I built with Mahogany and clear Cedar...

The last pic shows it with the vise installed..

 

[ibedayank]

built mine cost bolts and screws to put it togather made from leftover wood from other prodjects

 

[ajchien]

I built mine the way I wanted. I could put the shelves where I wanted, the depth and height that was right for me.

Yup. It might actually cost more to build it yourself. But you know, customizing it to your space and workflow is what it's all about.

 

[Jawn]

I keep waffling back and forth from build it myself, to snag something from craigslist, to buy something new. I'm limited on space right now, but may not be here for long so I don't want to build to fit the space. I like the look of the modular Craftsman benches with backwalls, but they'd be awful durn tight in my garage right now. I'm leaning towards a used Craigslist find right now.

 

[wintermute]

I built my own, but I still use my B&D Workmate for the majority of my actual work (cutting, fitting, assembling etc)

 

[akdiesel]

I build things to fit my needs and to test my abilities of my thoughts.
This is a build it site and we are proud to show off and help others.

 

[bazzateer]

I'll be building my own to maximise the space I have available once the garage is built (should be about 10' long plus an 'L' shaped bit about 3' long). Plan on 4x4 legs with 2x4 rails with a thick kitchen counter-top and lots of shelves/cupboards.

 

[Toymeister]

What a timely topic. I'm overseas in a position which has given me quite a bit of time to think about my 'perfect shop'. Irronicly it started with me liberating a Yost 33c vise as shown in RWhite's post about seven posts up which I found new in the scrap pile.
(your tax dollars at work)

I have decided to go with the Basics 2 X 4 bench http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030T1BRE/?tag=atomicindus08-20 because it gets me started with enough room for customization. The plan calls for a 3/4" top but you can top that with something else to toughen it further. I plan on using 3/4 X 2" hardwood flooring. If you don't need a steel top this might be a reasonable approach for you as well.

 

[bauschracing]

I have a commercial heavy duty work table that came from a military motorpool.It measures 36X60. It has done me well for 20+ years. I built a portable welding/work table last year out of scrap metal. It has 2inch square tubing frame and a 1/8 thick top. It is also 36X60.
I built my daughter a wedging table that she uses in her pottery studio. It is 32X60 and is also built out of 2 inch square with a 1/8 inch top. She uses it for wedging clay, and a place for using her pugmill. She could not find a table like this anywhere, so I built it for her.
Mike

 

[jmauld]

Do any of you have experience with these guys?
http://www.steeltechfab.biz/id47.html

 

[GirlnAgarage]

I think it boils down to 'what are you going to use the workbench for' and what are your primary garage hobbies. There are plenty of folks on here who primarily work on cars, when they are in the garage. Then, there are the folks who do a lot of woodworking and DIY. Then there are the folks who do a lot of metalworking and machining.

If you have a hobby where you build things (wood or metalworking), then I'd say go ahead and build your own workbench. If you are primarily working on cars, those skills don't necessarily translate into building your own workbench (though there are many people on this forum who work on cars and have decent building skills).

From your first post, I'd say you would be better off buying a bench. Your hobbies don't seem to include building a lot of things (that doesn't seem to be where you get your enjoyment in the garage).

Me, personally, I couldn't imagine buying a bench. I'd be embarrassed to have a bench in my shop that I didn't build (unless I found something amazing and got a fabulous deal on it--a good story makes up for a lot). In fact, I'm getting to where I cannot even imagine buying a tool box. I do claim to be a sheet metal fabricator and I plan to outfit my metalworking studio with stuff I build. Why wouldn't I build my own drawer unit for storing tools?

If you did want to improve your building skills, I think a workbench is a great place to start. If that's just really not your thing, then you will probably be happier.

That's a good explanation right there

 

[ptschram]

I do claim to be a sheet metal fabricator and I plan to outfit my metalworking studio with stuff I build. Why wouldn't I build my own drawer unit for storing tools?

Because your time could be better spent making things to sell.

I spent a LONG long time working as a carpenter in the rental business.

I have spent a coupla years with part of my job being a fabricator.

I no longer need to feed my ego and make myself feel better that I know how to build things. I'm now in the mode of either building things to make money or building things for my truck that I started this business as a means to build a truck (somehow, I built a pretty good business but the truck isn't finished yet-all the while NOT wanting it to turn into a real business)