Garage Desk

[Nostraquedeo]

I have a work bench in may garage, but now I want a desk. I don't just want a normal buy at the store desk, but more like two storage compartments with a solid surface on top. I was thinking a couple small tool boxes with the casters removed, but afraid that might be too tall. Ideas? Pictures?

 

[RainierHooker]

I use an old drfating table that my dad gave me. has a nice big top (that tilts as needed) and has storage underneath. I see them every once in a while on the CL.

 

[RainierHooker]

Sorta like this one, but mine has cabinets underneath...

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

Standard metal service desk would be ideal it sounds like. These are the metal shop desks with an angled top and cubby holes above for work orders. They can be open on the bottom or have cabinets and drawers. They are usually tall enough to be usable while standing or sitting on a stool.

Starting at $200 and going to $400 new, I've seen them on CL for $50-100. I still want one!

http://www.gemplers.com/product/39004/Lockable-Steel-Shop-Desk-Cabinet

 

[Bull]

Vintage tanker desk would do you fine, Big, stout, drawers for storage, and some have a hideaway typewriter platform incorporated that works great for mounting a bench grinder.

 

[maddawg308]

Lots of heavier vintage desks from the 1960s and 1970s turn up on CL all the time near me, some are FREE. I frequently attended college auctions about 10 years back or so, the desks were well made and sold for CHEAP (like a buck or two) because they were heavy and noone wanted to lift them into their vehicles. Look around you for thrift store deals on the older stuff, it will last longer than you will.

 

[regguy1]

I use a 56" cabinet from Costco and it's worked out well for a combo desk / storage. I use a stool instead of a chair, see it in this video:

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have a spot at my workbench that I usually sit at. If I wanted some storage underneath, I'd put a side box under it. . . . . which actually sounds like a good idea to do.

 

[Jeff Ivers]

Here's the one I built for my shop:

 

[PCO6]

I used to have a small tool box on my bench (see left side) that housed a monitor and keyboard. The PC was on a shelf to the left just out of the picture. The tool box drawers were great for typical "desk stuff".

I scrapped the above because I needed the bench space and a better desk. The picture below shows the new bench I am building. I need to trim and stain the wood desk top and shelf, paint the tool box black and add doors to the hardware storage cabinet above the desk. I did NOT want a large desk as it would attract clutter and probably end up being another work surface.

 

[chief ben]

 

[NHBandit]

Now that my garage is finished I'm watching craigslist for one of those old heavy as hell battleship grey metal desks myself. Hell you can rebuild an engine on them they are so well built.

 

[Nostraquedeo]

Some of your desk are really high.....any more pictures out there? Looking for something close to a 30" work surface.

 

[hh76]

I'm planning on using two or three of these with a desktop that I already have laying around.

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/tool-cabinets-and-carts/7-drawer-red-end-cabinet-for-roller-tool-chest-68785.html

 

[wesalexleft]

I took the dog to Petvax the other day for the first time. It's a nice, new, clean facility and the first thing that I noticed was the vet table. It was attached to the wall, countersprung, and folded down from the wall. I checked the tag underneath and it was rated at 175 pounds. Nice stainless top. My first thought is that it would make a great desk/workspace. when folded, it took up about 1 inch of space against the wall. It was made by a company called VSSI in Carthage, MO. I looked it up and prices were about 300.00 and up depending on the model, options. I didn't think that was too bad for a "one day" item. If it needed more weight capacity, it could always fold down until it touched a stationary toolbox, etc.

 

[kenners]

If you live in the Hood River, Oregon area you would be in luck.
There is what looks like a Steelcase desk for FREE from a church.
Listed on Portland, Oregon craigslist.

 

[Scott H in Wheaton]

yep, Chicago Craigslist has a Steelcase desk in the freebies section

 

[914wilhelm]

How about this:

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PARTPG=INLMKD&PMPXNO=28072163&PMAKA=337-1271

 

[NUTTSGT]

What side box is that ?

 

[PCO6]

NUTTSGT - It's an International. I searched Kijiji for a while for a used side box and would have been happy with several brands. Nothing was available after a month of looking so I went with a new International. It's a "decent" box and works fine for this purpose.

I have 3 International roller cabinets (without the casters) under my bench and they have held up well for the last 20 years. I would put the quality at about the same as a basic Craftsman box.

 

[ilovevocs]

I like to build all of my workstations at 39". If you use a bar stool they are comfortable for sitting and working and I also am very comfortable standing and working at that height.

 

[nickleone]

Grab two free 2 drawer file cabinets from craigslist.
Then look for a free hollow core door to put on top.
If you want it to tilt put a hinge on it.

Nick