folding worki bench

[rob in nh]

Hi guys, I was wondering if anyone has build a workbench that folds down when not needed. If you have any idea's that would be helpful. thanks

 

[Is0ld0ut]

Saw one at the depot. http://m.homedepot.com/p/Signature-Development-72-in-Fold-Out-Wood-Workbench-WKBNCH72X22/203083493

 

[Ign]

I have an 8x10' jig constructed of 3" square tube for building fence panels that I **** up overhead with a hand winch when not needed. Does that count LOL?

 

[FearTheH]

I tried to get my friend to let me build his work bench for him, he had space constraints depth wise so I told him I could double up his tops on one section of the bench with piano hinge and have folding compact legs on it so he could fold it out when he needed a bigger bench and fold it up when he didn't. He didn't go for that and regrets doing it his way already.
I'd say if you're considering it, you obviously have a concern that you'll need it so you may as well do it...worst case scenario is that you never use it, but it's always therected in the event that you do end up needing the extra space

 

[FearTheH]

I can send you a drawing if you like, just pm me your email.

 

[nine4gmc]

I found a folding wood top desk from a school auction and put a metal gate where the wood top was for a sturdy welding, assembly and painting table.

 

[James-W]

Re: Folding Work Bench

What are you planning on doing on the work bench? Not trying to pry into your business, but it makes a difference if you want to build a birdhouse or rebuild a car engine. If you are just doing small projects that don't weigh very much you can put hinges on the back of the bench and let let it swing down on the wall when not in use. When you want to use it you lift up the bench and put 2 posts from the front edge of the bench to the bottom of the wall.

 

[Whiskeymike]

I really like the harbor freight welding table for a mobile work area. I've drilled holes in the top for clamp mounting points. Price is hard to beat. Wished the legs folded, but not bad when in use.

I have work mates as well, but I go for the welding table in most cases before the workmates. Fwiw, I rarely use it for welding.

 

[rob in nh]

sorry i should have been clearer, i would like it to be attached to the wall and be able to fold i down and be out of the way when it's not needed.

 

[Kaizen]

I remember april Wilkerson on youtube did one. should give you some ideas. don't let your woman see you watching her

 

[happy2rv]

Definitely not enough information for anyone to offer much useful perspective. Based on what's been provided so far, the best answer I can think of is Google "fold down workbench" or "fold down workbench plans." You will get lots of results from miniature prefab tables to massive steel work benches.

Here are some of the factors to consider:

• Intended use (how heavy duty does it need to be)
  • What support is needed when it's down?
    • How heavy do the hinges at the rear need to be?
    • What type of support on the front?
      • Legs undeneath?
        • Should they permanently attach, perhaps folding legs like a fold up table?
        • Should they be massive piers that are set in place?
      • Can you support it from the sides and avoid front legs altogether? Something like a 2X that it comes down and rests on.
        • Is it in a cove that works for supports on the side walls?
        • Would this give it enough support or is the cove long enough that it can't reasonably support the entire length?
      • Cables, chains or some type of folding bracket from the back wall?
  • Will said supports be in the way based on the intended use?
  • What type of top makes sense?
    • Smooth lightweight for delicate work
    • Thicker and heavier for more substantial work
• Available space
  • How much space is available when it's folded down
  • How much space is available when it's folded up (how far can it stick out and not be "in the way")
  • What obstructions, if any are there to work around
• Ease of deployment
  • Will it be long enough and heavy enough that one person can't lower it by hand? Does it need to be lowered by some sort of powered mechanism like a manual or powered wench?
  • What are the consequences if the person lowering it drops it?
    • Is it safe for the person operating it?
    • Is noise a factor?
    • Is potential damage to the bench and it's surroundings a factor?
• Cost
  • Is this a show piece or a work piece?
  • Are you on a limited budget
  • Which is more important: safety, aesthetics, functionality, or cost? Not to say you can't have everything, but each element affects the other and you must decide the proper balance.

 

[bczygan]

Our own Jack Olson's 12 Gauge Garage has 2.

http://12-gaugegarage.com/blog-11/files/c378d817d4ce66122debdff34d8f7e8b-1.html

Bill

 

[bczygan]

Definitely not enough information for anyone to offer much useful perspective. Based on what's been provided so far, the best answer I can think of is Google "fold down workbench" or "fold down workbench plans." You will get lots of results from miniature prefab tables to massive steel work benches.

Here are some of the factors to consider:

• Intended use (how heavy duty does it need to be)
  • What support is needed when it's down?
    • How heavy do the hinges at the rear need to be?
    • What type of support on the front?
      • Legs undeneath?
        • Should they permanently attach, perhaps folding legs like a fold up table?
        • Should they be massive piers that are set in place?
      • Can you support it from the sides and avoid front legs altogether? Something like a 2X that it comes down and rests on.
        • Is it in a cove that works for supports on the side walls?
        • Would this give it enough support or is the cove long enough that it can't reasonably support the entire length?
      • Cables, chains or some type of folding bracket from the back wall?
  • Will said supports be in the way based on the intended use?
  • What type of top makes sense?
    • Smooth lightweight for delicate work
    • Thicker and heavier for more substantial work
• Available space
  • How much space is available when it's folded down
  • How much space is available when it's folded up (how far can it stick out and not be "in the way")
  • What obstructions, if any are there to work around
• Ease of deployment
  • Will it be long enough and heavy enough that one person can't lower it by hand? Does it need to be lowered by some sort of powered mechanism like a manual or powered wench?
  • What are the consequences if the person lowering it drops it?
    • Is it safe for the person operating it?
    • Is noise a factor?
    • Is potential damage to the bench and it's surroundings a factor?
• Cost
  • Is this a show piece or a work piece?
  • Are you on a limited budget
  • Which is more important: safety, aesthetics, functionality, or cost? Not to say you can't have everything, but each element affects the other and you must decide the proper balance.

Holy analysis Batman!

You must be some kind of Designer or Engineer in real life!

Bill

 

[jimgood]

one other thing to consider is whether you want the short end or the long side against the wall. If you put the short end on the wall, you might get access to both sides of the bench, depending on where you put it.

I googled "folding workbench" and I think you'll find the images helpful in determining what you want.

 

[captain14]

Ask this old house just did a single car garage workshop. One of the projects involved was a folding workbench attached to the wall

Google PBS with ask this old house

 

[rob in nh]

Thanks for the ideas guys, i'll also check out those leads.