Garage bench/storage suggestions

[nissan_crawler]

Well, this is what I have:

It had the bench when I moved in. My problem is I don't have much storage space as it is, and having the shelf off the ground wastes valuable space, but it's needed to clean under, since the bench is permanent. I also need a welding table, and a cutting table, but don't have room for one.

Here's what I'm thinking:

The last part of the bench will be left (well, probably rebuilt in steel, but more or less permanent on legs) with doors to cover the well equipment.

The other two will be a welding table and a cutting table that will be the same height as the end bench, both on wheels.

The cabinets will be on wheels, but the wheels will be sunk into pockets in the cabinets, so the cabinets are only 1" or so off the ground, for more storage area. They will have work tops on them, so when I slide the welding and cutting tables out to use, I can work on the cabinet tops, too.

The cabinets will probably be steel frame with aluminum sheeting. The doors will be bi-fold so I can get larger items in, but still open them with a vehicle or something in the way.

I'll probably devise a way to lock the tables onto each other, the permanent bench, and the wall when stored.

Since this is a big project, and I want to do it well from the start, I'm open to any suggestions, which is why I'm posting. So, let's hear your ideas.

 

[larry4406]

Have not built mine, but my thoughts are similar to yours. I will be building a work bench top (2x6 framed, 16 on center, lagged to the wall, with supports on the ends angled backwards to the floor/wall corner) and then will have shelf/cabinet units on rollers which slide under the bench top. I was thicking I would use a sliding pin gate type latch to engage the pin to the underside of the bench top and hold it in place.

 

[v12man]

I have a similar spot in my garage with a permanent workbench (in a recess in the wall), and I really would like to have a welding table as well - so I am planning to replace the existing built in with a new bench (steel) which the lower front horizontal support bar (cross bar) is missing - then I will build another workbench on wheels that will fit below when stored away - like some stacking side tables I have seen. I suppose you could build several all a bit lower and smaller than the previous one and stack till you run out of space below.

 

[kbs2244]

I am doing what you are planing.
I have no shelves under my bench. That space is where I park my work tables and roll around tool box.
I also have all my big power tools (table saw, drill press, etc) on casters. They are parked until I need them. then pulled out and into place.

 

[Eazy716]

your benchs look like they could be used like i built mine....with storage inside, as well as cupboards underneath. heres my benchs but the pics dont show the cupboards i built underneath...basically plywood doors on a few hinges. very simple

 

[Rich1028]

Eazy716
nice idea,but my bech is so full of stuff(junk) that I would never be able to get to the inside storage under the table top.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Eazy716
nice idea,but my bech is so full of stuff(junk) that I would never be able to get to the inside storage under the table top.

Stole my words!

 

[nissan_crawler]

Eazy716
nice idea,but my bech is so full of stuff(junk) that I would never be able to get to the inside storage under the table top.

Yep, plus I need nonflammable benches. I've started that one on fire several times. I also have a tablesaw floating around, I might make it fit under there.

 

[TopBanana]

Here's what I did...

I used 2x6's for the frame and the bench top, w/ 3/4" plywood backboard. The lower shelf is ~22" off the floor...high enough that I can store transmissions under it. This is obviously right after I built them. They are COMPLETELY full of parts and tools now.

If you want something non-flammable, get some metal and cover the top w/ it.