HF Toolboxes Workbench - Phase 3
- Thread starter Steevo
- Start date
I was originally going to try using boxes bolted side-by-side with tops on them, but the height would have ended up at 43", which is too high for me ( I am only 5'10").
Also, the boxes on wheels would be only as level as the floor and the quality/fit of the boxes (made in China), so I figured there would be three wheels on the ground and one not on each box, putting a lot of strain on things.
I also wanted a bench that had solid footing on the floor for pounding on stuff in a BIG vise. I was afraid that would cause fatigue to the boxes if all that impact over time was transferred to them.
By losing the casters, and putting them in a leveled frame, I was able to get the top down to just under 39" which is workable for me.
Check the first page of this thread, where I provided that info.
Wtf... i looked through the thread twice to see if it was already posted. I even looked the other day when i first read your thread
Apparently i need to open my eyes..
They got some cam lever things that i have been wanting too there...bookmarking that place.
EDIT: I did find the link, i was just stating that i looked before asking and didnt see it. Thx!
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Post #5.
machine_punk
Well-known member
I've been waiting to see these go from 'drawing' to real life...they look great. In fact, your whole workshop looks great so far. I'm glad you finally got the time to work on these.
DIM Fab
Member
Awesome work, Steevo! I just picked up one of these chests, myself, then found your thread. Perfect timing because I'll be building some workstations in my garage over the winter and spring. Might have to piggyback on your ideas a bit! Why reinvent the wheel when you can spend more time innovating on how to make it rounder?!
Based on the pics, it looks like you're going to mount the bench tops well over the flat top of the cabinets - maybe about 1-2" because of the rolled lip that juts up around the sides and back of the cabinets? Are you going to do anything with that gap? Hinged tops? Special hidey-hole for flat tools? I've been debating on what to do with that area.
I've also been trying to think ahead about mobility. I like this solution, but the wheels would need little mounts that jut out, versus the setup this guy has, because of the srew-in feet:
Based on the pics, it looks like you're going to mount the bench tops well over the flat top of the cabinets - maybe about 1-2" because of the rolled lip that juts up around the sides and back of the cabinets? Are you going to do anything with that gap? Hinged tops? Special hidey-hole for flat tools? I've been debating on what to do with that area.
I've also been trying to think ahead about mobility. I like this solution, but the wheels would need little mounts that jut out, versus the setup this guy has, because of the srew-in feet:
Graham08
Well-known member
Cool tractor. I have an HT18, great machine. I need to find a snowblower for it.
Nice work!
Finished the workbench today (except for a minor trim piece I want to add).
Set the frame in place and leveled it, dropped in a couple boxes.
Then a couple more
Then came the wood tops.
Then I put the steel tops in place, and welded the seams, corners, etc., and ground everyhting smooth.
I want to add a trim cap along the top of the backsplash, then screw the backsplash to the studs in the wall.
I am happy with it. It turned out just like I designed it on the computer.
Next project: A rolling workbench.
Set the frame in place and leveled it, dropped in a couple boxes.
Then a couple more
Then came the wood tops.
Then I put the steel tops in place, and welded the seams, corners, etc., and ground everyhting smooth.
I want to add a trim cap along the top of the backsplash, then screw the backsplash to the studs in the wall.
I am happy with it. It turned out just like I designed it on the computer.
Next project: A rolling workbench.
Awesome work, Steevo! I just picked up one of these chests, myself, then found your thread. Perfect timing because I'll be building some workstations in my garage over the winter and spring. Might have to piggyback on your ideas a bit! Why reinvent the wheel when you can spend more time innovating on how to make it rounder?!
Based on the pics, it looks like you're going to mount the bench tops well over the flat top of the cabinets - maybe about 1-2" because of the rolled lip that juts up around the sides and back of the cabinets? Are you going to do anything with that gap? Hinged tops? Special hidey-hole for flat tools? I've been debating on what to do with that area.
Take any or all of the ideas. I have no patent on anything.
The space under the bench tops, where the gap is that you mentioned is lost space, just like the 2x2 area in the corner under the bench. I originally thought about making the frames shorter, so the lip on the boxes protruded above it, then routing slots in the bottom of the wood tops so they sat down close against the boxes, but that is a lot of work for nothing more than a bench that is shorter by an inch.
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zruvalcaba
Well-known member
Yeah man, great job. Now I know what I'll be doing! Quick question for you...maybe it was already asked and answered but can you let me know the height from the floor to the top? My current bench is 30" high and it's a tad too short for my liking. However I'm a short guy 5'7" so I don't want a 40" height either.
It looks great Steevo, anything going on the steel top to preserve it ?
DIM Fab
Member
Take any or all of the ideas. I have no patent on anything.
The space under the bench tops, where the bap is that you mentioned is lost space, just like the 2x2 area in the corner under the bench. I originally thought about making the frames shorter, so the lip on the boxes protruded above it, then routing slots in the bottom of the wood tops so they sat down close against the boxes, but that is a lot of work for nothing more than a bench that is shorter by an inch.
That rationale is aces by me.
Fantastic work! You managed awesome function and super classy form!
Vettman
Well-known member
Came out really nice! I wished I had your skills!bacarl
Well-known member
Hahafixed it for you.
Good point.Looks super slick Steevo, nice work. How did you fix the bench tops to the frames?
bad_idea
Well-known member
i like it.
itsvegas
Well-known member
looks beautiful. id personally go with black on the metal frame but to each there own!
rickb801
Active member
Sweet! A pair of those would look great in my shop.
Haha
Looks super slick Steevo, nice work. How did you fix the bench tops to the frames?
The wood tops are screwed to the frames from underneath.
The steel cap is held in place by gravity at this point (350#), but when I bolt a vise in place, it will be locked in place.
bad_idea
Well-known member
how thick is the steel cap? i'm geussing 1/8?
bacarl
Well-known member
He mentioned 12ga in the phase 2 thread.
Nelson58
Well-known member
Fantastic job Steve!
Did you consider dropping the wood doors into the steel top so you have a wood top to work on with steel underneath? The wood gets grungy, you just pop it out and pop in a couple new solid core doors and you are good to go.
Nelson
Did you consider dropping the wood doors into the steel top so you have a wood top to work on with steel underneath? The wood gets grungy, you just pop it out and pop in a couple new solid core doors and you are good to go.
Nelson
1BADLS1tuner
Well-known member
Great Job! I really like that, I am going to do something very similar with my shop! Just have to finish getting it built first lol...
98TJ
Well-known member
Nice work, man.
bigdav160
Well-known member
Let's hope you lose nothing under those benches. They look close to the ground
jeffmoss26
Well-known member
So the question is, are all the drawers filled with tools yet?
Steevo, you said you were going to wax the steel. What happens if you get some heat (from a torch) on that waxed surface ? Think it'd smoke or anything ?
I will use the thin clear liquid wax that comes in a can like mineral spirits does, that is used for iron stair balusters to keep them from rusting.
Once I start using it, it will get regular "treatments" with oil, grease, ATF, etc. which will keep it from rusting.
I'll have a welding table for the hot stuff, so the only place I may use a torch near the workbench would be on something in the vise, or to heat something to install/remove a bearing.