Looking for some help coming up with ideas for workbench attachments that would make family/kid related projects a little easier, maybe even more fun. These won’t be for my use, I’m just looking to come up with a few ideas that I can build from scratch and give to a young couple that is just starting out. These will be “garage warming” gifts of sorts. So far I’ve come up with two.
A bike repair clamp something like this: Bike Clamp
And a dog grooming arm like this: Arm
I like these two because they are fairly universal and could be used for almost anything. The bike clamp looks like it would be good for holding a weedeater. The grooming arm could be used to suspend most anything, perhaps for spray painting small items. I would probably make the arm from 1” square tube welded to a C-clamp.
I will also be building a bench that will be the base for these attachments. Nothing fancy, just basic 2X wood construction, probably about 30” x45”, with a masonite top. I may attach a piece of angle iron to one end to provide a lip to clamp to. It won’t really be a workbench, but more like project table. It will have a shelf on the bottom for cinder block ballast if any of the attachments (like the bike clamp) require counterweights. I might include a simple wood vise suitable for scout/science projects.
The basic theme here is to keep the table foot print small but include attachments to maximize the versatility.
Any and all input appreciated. I’d particularly like to hear from you guys with young, active families. Bonus points for ideas that get the girls into the garage.
A bike repair clamp something like this: Bike Clamp
And a dog grooming arm like this: Arm
I like these two because they are fairly universal and could be used for almost anything. The bike clamp looks like it would be good for holding a weedeater. The grooming arm could be used to suspend most anything, perhaps for spray painting small items. I would probably make the arm from 1” square tube welded to a C-clamp.
I will also be building a bench that will be the base for these attachments. Nothing fancy, just basic 2X wood construction, probably about 30” x45”, with a masonite top. I may attach a piece of angle iron to one end to provide a lip to clamp to. It won’t really be a workbench, but more like project table. It will have a shelf on the bottom for cinder block ballast if any of the attachments (like the bike clamp) require counterweights. I might include a simple wood vise suitable for scout/science projects.
The basic theme here is to keep the table foot print small but include attachments to maximize the versatility.
Any and all input appreciated. I’d particularly like to hear from you guys with young, active families. Bonus points for ideas that get the girls into the garage.