Drawers under a new built bench

[vader1701]

Hello experts one and all,
I finally get to build a bench in my new shop that is bigger that my old shop was, yes I will post pics soon. Right now it's a moving in thing first and then figuring out my layout etc. I get the opportunity to build a 112 inch bench but I do not want the standard stack a bunch of **** under it that you can never get to. I am not an expert on making drawer systems either, are there any suggestions on what drawer systems that I could incorporate into my new bench ?

I could build around something also, looking for ideas, I like a lot of drawers.

 

[Stuart in MN]

A popular method around here is to use a couple tool chests from Harbor Freight. Search for discussions about a "Steevo" workbench. I think this is the original thread:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=126086

 

[vader1701]

Thank you for the thread link, this is an awesome idea.

 

[ez-duzit]

I've had rollaway cabinets under my benches for decades.

 

[rsanter]

The easiest this is to either incorporate a tool box or toolboxes into the bench, mount the toolboxes and put a top on then making them the bench or make a bench free standing where the toolboxes and be rolled under it and taken out when needed

Bob

 

[mv213]

I did a “Steevo Light” and just used the HF side cabinet for my drawers. I only store precision tools and gun cleaning stuff in them. Pics in my profile.

 

[james123]

That's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks

 

[cspcrx]

I opted to do both. Add a tool chest and use heavy duty drawer sliders to add some pull out drawers so I can easily get to things.

 

[tarmy]

Make them from metal or wood...

 

[ddawg16]

You guys just gave me a great idea.

I have the HF 42" box. Love it. I tossed the locker on one side which is also great.

I'm about ready to buy an upper box.....I don't like the HF ver....I like the Husky or Craftsman with the real tall upper lid. I was holding off buying the full size until I made a couple more measurements to make sure it would fit on top....

But I have found I like using the top of the box to set **** while I'm working. If I put a full upper box on it...I loose that space.

Now I'm thinking of going with maybe the 26" wide tool chest.....but, go to Ikea and get one of their butcher block counter tops and put that on the top of my box so it sticks out the side about 12" and out the back about another 6". Then put the tool check on top of it. It would be kind of a 'Island'.

The way my box is set, it's already kind of an island. I have access to the back side.

Hmmmmmmmmmm

 

[Magnum440d100]

You guys just gave me a great idea.

I have the HF 42" box. Love it. I tossed the locker on one side which is also great.

I'm about ready to buy an upper box.....I don't like the HF ver....I like the Husky or Craftsman with the real tall upper lid. I was holding off buying the full size until I made a couple more measurements to make sure it would fit on top....

But I have found I like using the top of the box to set **** while I'm working. If I put a full upper box on it...I loose that space.

Now I'm thinking of going with maybe the 26" wide tool chest.....but, go to Ikea and get one of their butcher block counter tops and put that on the top of my box so it sticks out the side about 12" and out the back about another 6". Then put the tool check on top of it. It would be kind of a 'Island'.

The way my box is set, it's already kind of an island. I have access to the back side.

Hmmmmmmmmmm

That’s just about exactly what I did. Harbor freight lower with a Craftsman upper.

My reasoning though was my cordless tools. The Craftsman has a built in power strip I plugged my battery chargers into, and with the taller upper lid, I can stand my cordless tools upright for maximum storage.


Has been working great for me for the past almost year already, though I am once again, out of room

 

[vader1701]

I think I'm going the Steevo way, I like the 44 inch chests for this purpose. It works out with my measurements and bench size. I will have a sitting cavity so I don't knock my knees.

It fits, the only thing that I need to find out is the height of the cabinet without the wheels. And build the bench accordingly.

 

[ddawg16]

That’s just about exactly what I did. Harbor freight lower with a Craftsman upper.

My reasoning though was my cordless tools. The Craftsman has a built in power strip I plugged my battery chargers into, and with the taller upper lid, I can stand my cordless tools upright for maximum storage.


Has been working great for me for the past almost year already, though I am once again, out of room

I'll have to send you a pic of my setup.....because I'm not against the wall, having a shelf that sticks out the side and back would work.

I'm leaning towards the same upper....for much the same reasons....

And I'm running out of room as well

 

[rust in the eye]

Drawers are great for most mechanics tools or smaller items.
I keep the gang box for my construction tools, which would otherwise occupy lots of shelf space, under my workbench.

 

[My Old Tools]

You guys just gave me a great idea.

I have the HF 42" box. Love it. I tossed the locker on one side which is also great.

I'm about ready to buy an upper box.....I don't like the HF ver....I like the Husky or Craftsman with the real tall upper lid. I was holding off buying the full size until I made a couple more measurements to make sure it would fit on top....

But I have found I like using the top of the box to set **** while I'm working. If I put a full upper box on it...I loose that space.

Now I'm thinking of going with maybe the 26" wide tool chest.....but, go to Ikea and get one of their butcher block counter tops and put that on the top of my box so it sticks out the side about 12" and out the back about another 6". Then put the tool check on top of it. It would be kind of a 'Island'.

The way my box is set, it's already kind of an island. I have access to the back side.

Hmmmmmmmmmm

I don't see the European beech countertop listed that I used. I may have missed it. Be careful on which ikea you select as not all are solid wood. Most are veneered.