HF Toolboxes Workbench - Phase 3

[John in OH]

John, that is a pin spanner, for turning packing nuts that have two holes in their faces.

Thanks, Steevo! Good detail photos.

Another question, if you don't mind ... in 4th photo from top you have a pair of wire racks holding all your pliers etc. ... are the racks a product or did you re-purpose something else to make the racks?

 

[alpinewhite]

Steevo,

If you were to do this project all over again, how would you have done things differently? Every project has a few of those.

 

[Steevo]

Thanks, Steevo! Good detail photos.

Another question, if you don't mind ... in 4th photo from top you have a pair of wire racks holding all your pliers etc. ... are the racks a product or did you re-purpose something else to make the racks?

Those are identical to these Plyworx Pliers racks, at Northern tool. I forget where I ordered them from. My only beef with them is that they have plenty of "fat" slots, but not any "skinny" slots for small pliers, dikes, etc.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200365376_200365376?cm_mmc=Google-pla-_-Storage%20%2B%20Organizers-_-Warehouse%20Shelving%20%2B%20Racks-_-381100&ci_sku=381100&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw={keyword}&gclid=COabsZ_b-bMCFaGPPAodqxkAZA

.

 

[Steevo]

Steevo,

If you were to do this project all over again, how would you have done things differently? Every project has a few of those.

So far, I haven't fond anything I don't like about it.
I think I might have built-in a hitch receiver tube at each end, but I am not convinced I'd be happy with the loose fit of a slide-in tool mount.
I was going to put a small aluminum trim along the top of the back-splash and screw the back-splash hard against the wall, but have found that top edge very handy for hanging small parts bins on.

Given that usage, I might have made it 8" high, rather than 6" as it is now.

It is a little hard to vacuum under it, especially down along the back walls, which require that I get in there from the ends, which are blocked by other things, so I do it from under the front with a long tube.

I have a 36" aluminum rule that I keep handy for retrieving things that roll/bounce/get kicked under the bench.

 

[4v shane]

Badass man!

 

[Terra Nova]

I threw my back out just looking at the turntable in the bottom drawer

Awesome Build! Lots of great ideas and inspiration. Thanks for posting

 

[Motown 454]

Steevo Awesome job! Sweet place to work.

 

[Outlawmws]

Steevo, the organization is great! But, but, now you won't be able to post your infamous "screwdriver drawer" pic; at least honestly!...

 

[welder4956]

Yeah, you have to notify the utility company when you want to plug that bad boy in.

I used one of those soldering irons in the Navy to solder corners and seams on sheet metal work. A bit too big for electrical or electronics work though.

 

[akdiesel]

Steevo

Your bench project is a great build. Clean, well thought out, and usable.

 

[waggie]

I threw my back out just looking at the turntable in the bottom drawer

Awesome Build! Lots of great ideas and inspiration. Thanks for posting

more importantly, does the drawer open and close nicely with that big hunk of rotary table in it? If so, I just might have to consider the HF boxes.

 

[LutzTD]

love the bench and the space you created, I was wondering, do you remember where all those tools are or are you planning to label drawers? I find myself constantly opening and closign drawers because I forget where things are and I only have a 1/4 of the number drawers as your bench

 

[Kevin54]

Steevo....any plans to put something like a toe kick around the bottom to keep dirt from growing underneath, or are you just going to keep it blown out? That's one of my pet peeves is dirt or the damn spiders that get underneath things. But at that, a toe kick wouldn't keep spiders out anyways or at least in my garage they wouldn't.

But your setup looks fantastic. I may do something similar someday if I ever quit moving my stuff around. Right now, I'm not sure where I want things. How long do you figure when you'll run out of drawer space?

 

[911mike]

First off you made a great bench and is well thought out. You have skills!

I installed a 18ft bench with 5 base cabinets (41 drawers) and it's been a year and I still have a hard time finding stuff. LOL. I had a huge roller chest for years and I could find ANY tool with my eyes closed. At 51 my memory just isn't good I guess. I said I wouldn't label drawers but I think I might have too. Getting old *****.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'm glad to see this thread still going strong, it's a great build.

 

[CNGsaves]

Steevo, thanks so much for SHARING your build of this terrific bench/toolbox. You've got great vision and skills. Only $2,500 for this excellent addition to your shop ..... priceless!

With your great ideas, I now have better plan for old solid core door that I was planning for bench, but skinning it with steel makes way more sense.

Love the Bolens tractor with loader and Forklift as well, for low budget you've got some great equipment that help your shop work better.

Thanks again for sharing.

 

[csargents1546]

That is an awesome workbench. I too might use the idea once I get the garage cleaned out.

 

[suzuki 650L]

You got a lot of wall space to put cabinets or shelfs. That thing is great, I need something about the size of 1 box. Garage is way to small... You are very talented, great job, great eye to be able to build it on your own. There is a mechanic at work that has a bottom box from harbour frieght and it is completely full of tools, its only about 6 months old and works like brand new, lots of use every day...

 

[TerryH]

Simply an increible bench and geat build thread. Very well thought out and your execution of the plan is top shelf. I am interested in seeing how the HF boxes hold up over the long haul. I bought one myself a while back to use in our race trailer. I'd imagine you are well ahead of the game by placing them in such a sturdy base. If the drawers and slides hold up to the weight that you have in some of those drawers it will be a great testimony to the HF boxes.

Again sir, excellent work!!!

 

[Steevo]

Simply an increible bench and geat build thread. Very well thought out and your execution of the plan is top shelf. I am interested in seeing how the HF boxes hold up over the long haul. I bought one myself a while back to use in our race trailer. I'd imagine you are well ahead of the game by placing them in such a sturdy base. If the drawers and slides hold up to the weight that you have in some of those drawers it will be a great testimony to the HF boxes.

Again sir, excellent work!!!

Thank you.
The design is intended to place the bench/vise loads on the frame, which transfers it to the floor, eliminating any undue impact or top weight loads on the tool cabinets.
I should be able to set anything I desire on top of the bench, as it is easily capable of a half-ton at any given location.
The boxes are going to experience a life of leisure, never being rolled around or top loaded. They should last forever.

 

[tornadocaster]

Right when I think I've seen most of what I came to GJ to see and get ideas, I find another gem like this thread. I know my benches couldnt hold up to 1/4 of the work and "abuse" you can dole out on your bench.
I will definately use this idea when I build a new shop.
I will look at my build as an organization prototype. I am naturally messy, and so far the storage I made so far, is staying organized.
I'm subscribed!
Cheers
Gio

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

Am I the only one who is wondering what the hell this guy does for a living that he can afford or need a bench like this?

I first read this last night and thought about it all day. Everyone is entitled to his own opinion and to ask reasonable quesitons; although its a question I would not ask.

Then I thought about Steevo ... what kind of a guy is he, what kind of a guy does the kinds of stuff he does.

I don't know Steevo ... but think that Steevo probably has always been a bit of a tinkerer. He almost invariably finished high school, likely has formal and/or informal education beyond high school. He has worked (likely subconsciously) to keep learning new things all his life because he enjoys learning new things.

I suspect that Steevo has always worked hard, strived to do a good job at most everything he tackled. Rarely cut corners, especially when doing things right really counted.

I think that Steevo likely gets along with most people, has a tendency to not burn bridges, and is reasonably thought of by his peers, coworkers, friends, and relatives alike.

Through life Steevo has had a tendency to make good decisions when the decision counted. He most likely has lived within his means, paid his bills on time, and tried not to over extend himself financially or personally.

Steevo is like many of us. Neither a rocket scientist nor an heir to a tech fortune. Just regular guys and gals who want to get ahead, enjoy the fruits of our labor, and leave the world a little bit better as we move through life.

So you see Mr. Fire&Steel it really doesn't make that much difference what someone does for a living or how much he or she makes. What matters is how he lives his life, how hard he works, and the decisions he makes.

 

[alpinewhite]

Steevo's bench is not even that expensive when compared to ready-made units. It just seems expensive because of his ingenuity and the hard work he put into it to make it awesome.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I first read this last night and thought about it all day. Everyone is entitled to his own opinion and to ask reasonable quesitons; although its a question I would not ask.

Then I thought about Steevo ... what kind of a guy is he, what kind of a guy does the kinds of stuff he does.

I don't know Steevo ... but think that Steevo probably has always been a bit of a tinkerer. He almost invariably finished high school, likely has formal and/or informal education beyond high school. He has worked (likely subconsciously) to keep learning new things all his life because he enjoys learning new things.

I suspect that Steevo has always worked hard, strived to do a good job at most everything he tackled. Rarely cut corners, especially when doing things right really counted.

I think that Steevo likely gets along with most people, has a tendency to not burn bridges, and is reasonably thought of by his peers, coworkers, friends, and relatives alike.

Through life Steevo has had a tendency to make good decisions when the decision counted. He most likely has lived within his means, paid his bills on time, and tried not to over extend himself financially or personally.

Steevo is like many of us. Neither a rocket scientist nor an heir to a tech fortune. Just regular guys and gals who want to get ahead, enjoy the fruits of our labor, and leave the world a little bit better as we move through life.

So you see Mr. Fire&Steel it really doesn't make that much difference what someone does for a living or how much he or she makes. What matters is how he lives his life, how hard he works, and the decisions he makes.

I think Steevo has a good sense of humor and can laugh at himself. He calls himself Steevo instead of Steve.

If he called himself "The Stevemiester" we might have a problem.

 

[akdiesel]

I missed the comment from Fire&Steel.
Why should we knock down or penalize those that have done well for them selves.

 

[clarkebd]

Honestly, I think his bench is very cheap for how much bench he has! He saved a fortune by not buying ready made. He bought 'generic' toolboxes. Now, if he had 4 Lista, and solid steel top, etc. He'd be talking $15,000 bench. But he doesn't and it's not.

I love his bench, and could build it also if I wanted, but it's too much bench for me. I don't have a need for something like that for what I do, but he did an outstanding job on it - and that is the part I appreciate. The taking the time to think it out, then follow through with it.

 

[c_mccann]

Love the bench, I've been watching this thread for some time. Question- where did you get the small red bins you use as organizers?

 

[santagary]

I have had a couple of PM's asking about the cost.
I have no secrets, so here are the numbers:

Steel - Bench Frame $359
Steel - Bench Tops $387
Leveling Feet $121
Wood Tops (doors) $87
Welding Supplies $100
Spray Paint $22
Tool Boxes $1500

Total Cost $2576

Any thought of powder coating the frames and the cost if you looked into it?

 

[Steevo]

Love the bench, I've been watching this thread for some time. Question- where did you get the small red bins you use as organizers?

Those are Schaller bins:
http://www.schallercorporation.com/servlet/StoreFront

Same as Lista, only a LOT cheaper.

 

[Steevo]

Any thought of powder coating the frames and the cost if you looked into it?

No. Never considered it. I had to build on-site, paint on-site, so no option for anything I couldn't spray on myself.

I spent $28 on Rustoleum rattle cans. I think I forgot that in my total cost estimate

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

I think Steevo has a good sense of humor and can laugh at himself. He calls himself Steevo instead of Steve.

If he called himself "The Stevemiester" we might have a problem.

Or Steeverrino

Or Steve Vader

Or Stevette

 

[lilscorpion]

No. Never considered it. I had to build on-site, paint on-site, so no option for anything I couldn't spray on myself.

I spent $28 on Rustoleum rattle cans. I think I forgot that in my total cost estimate

It almost isn't worth powder coating anyway. The frames won't come in contact with much (if ever) and the paint will be more than enough of a coating to protect against rust. Besides powder coating items that big wouldn't be cheap (where I am anyway).

 

[Jim C.]

Well done Steevo! Well done!

Jim C.

 

[bad_idea]

I missed the comment from Fire&Steel.
Why should we knock down or penalize those that have done well for them selves.

Because he is a democrat.

 

[Steevo]

Because he is a democrat.

Be careful now. We don't want the thread locked.

 

[Steve V.]

What an awesome build! I was going to put my HF box under a wood bench but now I have a change of plans.


Steve

 

[alpinewhite]

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.

Steevo,

I like your project. In addition to the possibility of bolting the boxes together, did you consider putting adjustable feet next to the wheels to level the box? That would put even pressure on all 4 corners. That still wouldn't accomplish your vise-to-floor connection, though. This should work out for people who merely want a long bench out of two boxes. Thoughts?

 

[Steevo]

Steevo,

I like your project. In addition to the possibility of bolting the boxes together, did you consider putting adjustable feet next to the wheels to level the box? That would put even pressure on all 4 corners. That still wouldn't accomplish your vise-to-floor connection, though. This should work out for people who merely want a long bench out of two boxes. Thoughts?

Yes, I briefly toyed with the idea of replacing the casters with these:

http://na.suzohapp.com/vending/acesor/49150100.htm

And then using feet similar to what I used on my bench frame.
I was still uncomfortable with having my bench top sitting directly on top of the tool boxes, and all having weight and impacts associated with working on the bench being absorbed by the boxes. I just figured that in ten or twenty years it would lead to some structural weakening or failure.
Maybe not, but I am happier with the steel frame.

 

[Cobra4B]

Very nice. I may have missed it, but where'd you get the sheet metal for the bench top? What gauge? Did you bend it yourself or have someone bend it to your specs? My current bench is made from parts acquired from a kitchen remodel they were doing at work. The top is standard laminate counter top. I've been wanting to recover it for a long time now.

http://sphotos-b.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/71810_1540569245406_5096754_n.jpg

 

[Steevo]

Very nice. I may have missed it, but where'd you get the sheet metal for the bench top? What gauge? Did you bend it yourself or have someone bend it to your specs? My current bench is made from parts acquired from a kitchen remodel they were doing at work. The top is standard laminate counter top. I've been wanting to recover it for a long time now.

Pretty much any steel place can bend up sheet metal for you. I used 12ga.
I got mine from a place near me called SK Steel.

Look under "steel" in your yellow pages. If they sell it, they can usually cut and bend it, too.