How about a garage cabinets and workbench thread?

[V-10 Killer]

I know there are a lot of assembled cabinets and storage units out there. What is everyone using in their shops? I imagine the most common are homemade workbenches. Sturdy, yes, but still lacking somehow. I won't be dropping engine blocks or trannys on mine, so I can use something a lighter duty.
I had my mind set on Stanleys line of deep garage cabinets, but apparently they discontinued them I knew I should have bought them this spring...
I have no idea what I'm going to do now. I'd thought about the gladiator series, but I'm not completely sold on layout (or the price!).

If ya have pics, post 'em up (you know you want to!)

 

[enginerd]

How big of a space? Budget?

If you are willing to pay for the quality and heavy duty designs, you have many options.

Btw, Stanley does still have cabinets under the Vidmar brand label, but for the price you can go another route, and get more for your money with the same quality.

I've polled this forum before to see what people are spending these days on cabinets, and since this forum is dominated by DIY'ers, the majority of people either build their own, or use MDF based cabinets.

For a shop that sees actual shop use, or a garage that wants to look and function like a high end facility, you need to go with metal cabinets, and there are many options out there for your specific needs - Price and Assembled are the big variables.

 

[oldgoat]

For my garage I built the work bench, but the cabinets I bought at the company surplus. Pretty good heavy duty cabinets and some of them have doors that slide down to cover the shelf.

 

[Junkman]

Just for the heck of it, I decided to do a Google search for the Stanley cabinets. I did find that they are still available at HD/Canada. One other interesting side note is that the Google search engine bots had already picked up this threat........

How about a garage cabinets and workbench thread? - The Garage ...I had my mind set on Stanleys line of deep garage cabinets, but apparently they discontinued them I knew I should have bought them this spring. ...
www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12482 - 41 minutes ago -

Now I know why Google stock is on a uphill climb to the stratosphere. I only wish that I have gotten onto that stock bandwagon sooner and put more money into it. Check it out ....... stock symbol goog Three months ago it was at $511.01 and on Friday, it closed at $711.25.

 

[V-10 Killer]

Just for the heck of it, I decided to do a Google search for the Stanley cabinets. I did find that they are still available at HD/Canada. One other interesting side note is that the Google search engine bots had already picked up this threat........
Now I know why Google stock is on a uphill climb to the stratosphere. I only wish that I have gotten onto that stock bandwagon sooner and put more money into it. Check it out ....... stock symbol goog Three months ago it was at $511.01 and on Friday, it closed at $711.25.

Holy ****!!!
That makes two of us! I don't think I could afford one share though after building this garage LOL

I did see that they're still available in canada. I wonder if there's a HD in Windsor Ontario? That's only 2 1/2 hours from here. But I don't know what customs would charge me to get them back across.

 

[V-10 Killer]

Oh yeah, space and budget.
L shaped workbench area. Main length, ~12.5', side length, ~10'. Also, one 30-36" area for freestanding 6' wall cabinet.
Budget, ~$1500-1700 plus a little for countertop (or metal skin for the one I already have).

 

[NOMAD]

I've built two rolling benches so far. They are not much to look at as they are very utilitarian. I have them on wheels so I can move them around for projects and cleaning.

I used a lot of wood I found around the shop and plywood from other projects. I used some cabinets from a kitchen tear out.

My ultimate goal is to get a bunch of birch plywood and build a full bench and upper cabinet set up. That's for the future though.

 

[GunMoto]

Subscribed...I'm looking for a good quality shallow metal wall cabinet to store fluids (e.g. lube, detailing products, etc.).

 

[enginerd]

Thats a hell of a lot of cabinets and counter tops for under $2k...I don't think you'll find anything even remotely good in quality in that bulk for under $2k.

You might have to end up going with an MDF "UltiMate garage" like-based setup and live with the limited weight it can carry and abuse it can take... but even still $2k will barely get you a 12' section.

 

[KnightFire]

It wasn't my intention, but I ended up using Craftsman Professional series cabinets (5 wall and 2 floor standing) and a 8' Craftsman Professional workbench. It all matches and it was all at a price I could live with.

So far I'm pretty damned happy with how they've held up.

Pics are here (at the bottom of the page):
http://picasaweb.google.com/KnightFire01/NewHomeGarageProgressInCharlesTownWV

I paid ~$550.00 for the wall cabinets, $260.00 for one floor cabinet (I already had one that was several years old --so I got another to match it), and $300.00 for the 8' workbench. I got pretty good prices as I waited for sales to purchase these items. (There's actually a pretty good sale going on right now for Craftsman items)...


HTH!

 

[SteveL]

I will admit that I am one of the stupid guys that bought Google stock at $175 and sold it at $245. Yea, I made a 40% return, but boy am I pissed that I sold it! If I had kept is, I would have enough to buy a car for the garage instead of just the cabinets.

Back to the subject of the thread...............I'm going to build mine, but I am a woodworking hobiest and have all the tools. Plans are to make them look like they came out of a 1920's hardware store.

 

[enginerd]

Same thing here, but for Apple. Its always easy to look back on something you should have done

Its been mentioned before, but checkout your local surplus auctions, you can get lucky and find some Vidmar/Lista's.

Problem is its usually not enough to make equip a whole garage.

Just like anything else, you get what you paid for.

 

[V-10 Killer]

I think cabinets are like tool boxes. If you use them every day, get the top quality ones. If you open them once a month, you can value shop a little more.
I was looking at HomeDepot.ca website last night. The Stanley ones they still sell are:
$129.00 2 Door Base Cabinet 30x34x20"
$149.00 3 Drawer Base Cabinet 30x34x20"
$199.00 4 Door Tall Cabinet 30x74x20"
$99.95 2 Door Wall Cabinet 30x30x16"

Now I love the look of those, every review I've read on them seems to be pretty positive. A little tight in the assembly, but great on everything else.
Now based on what I need, including 5 extra wall cabinets for my car detailing area, I could get the whole garage done (14 pieces) for $1,683.00
I just have to make the 2 1/2 hour drive to Windsor Ontario to get them if they won't ship to the U.S.

 

[Bear]

SteveL
Can you share the plans - or is there an URL for them ??

Thanks, Bear

 

[SteveL]

SteveL
Can you share the plans - or is there an URL for them ??

Thanks, Bear

No plans as of yet. Just a big pencil sketch in 3D. I hope to put in all in Sketchup and be able to work from that. I will see if I can take a picture of the sketch.

Oh, yea, and I also had Apple stock at $45!

 

[bmwpower]

Just for the heck of it, I decided to do a Google search for the Stanley cabinets. I did find that they are still available at HD/Canada. One other interesting side note is that the Google search engine bots had already picked up this threat........
Now I know why Google stock is on a uphill climb to the stratosphere. I only wish that I have gotten onto that stock bandwagon sooner and put more money into it. Check it out ....... stock symbol goog Three months ago it was at $511.01 and on Friday, it closed at $711.25.

I could have bought it at $90...

 

[jcfitzgerald]

bought mine from sears awhile ago.....not cheap but it turned out great

 

[DBALL]

Hi, I just finished installing some of these Stanley cabinets this weekend I still have mixed feelings about them. Assembly wasn't a problem but they are pretty flimsy, everything is plastic except the door covering the tall 2 door cabinet has to be secured to a wall or it will fall forward especially with stuff in it and both the doors open.My wall space is limited so I only needed 1 of each wall,base and 2 door cabinet. I just wanted to make sure that you were aware of this these look like pretty sturdy on the website but everythings plastic right down to the hinge pins for the doors.

 

[enginerd]

Again, you get what you pay for

Also, if its from Home Depot Canada, make sure their online pricing is converted to USD, don't get screwed when you find out the price is different with the conversion rates we have now.

 

[chrgdrt]

The Sears Professionel Cabinets (#59175's)are on sale again for $99.00, reg. $159 until the 10th.
I bought some earlier in the year when they were on sale. Good cabinet, I like the storeage in the doors. Make sure you pick them up at the store if possible. I had my first order delivered UPS.... I had to return 50% due to shipping damage.

 

[Red Car Garage]

I love them..

 

[chrgdrt]

Red Car,
It was your original post that turned me on to these Cabinets. thanks I Love em too.

 

[V-10 Killer]

I do admit the Craftsman cabinets look alright. I'm just a little sour towards Sears since they started cashing in on their name by sacrificing quality for $$.

 

[Namocsid]

The Craftsman Pro wall cabinets mentioned above are on sale this week for $99.99 plus free shipping! (I could go pick them up, but hell if sears is going to ship me 5 70lb cabinets via UPS for free....)

 

[V-10 Killer]

Yes, but they have no base cabinets to choose from, except one 5-drawer unit that is $339 each.
I need about 5 base cabinets ~30" wide each.

 

[number9]

I have been looking into garage cabinets myself but I need wall mounts to keep as much floor space as I can. I have been looking at the GSC cabinets due to the many options in sizes they offer. Anyone else have these? I am NOT a carpenter and have no desire to try and build my own.

http://www.garagestoragecabinets.com/index.html

I want my cabinets to be white but can't decide on getting the "Clean White Melamine" finish or just the natural wood finish and painting it myself (which would be the cheaper route I guess, but after adding in my paint cost and time, maybe not....... BUT, atleast I could re-paint if needed I guess.

 

[sunshineFC3s]

I just bought two of those Craftsman Pro wall mounts for 99.
I'm so glad I waited for this sale, and didnt buy earlier at 13x or 14x something! They sure seem sturdy, Ill post up when they are up on the wall!

And for a workbench, I just built my own. For $100, in materials, I got a bench that will last me a looong time.
-a

 

[67 455 Bird ragtop]

I guess I'm a cheap skate when it comes to cabinets. I've contacted a few cabinet contractors here in town. When I'm ready for some cabinets I can contact them and pick up what they remove from local houses. I personally don't care what color or design they are. I can always paint them. But for free I can haul away just about anything I need. Most do say that countere bases are easier to keep from being toatally destroyed compared to wall cabinets. But if they know someone is coming to get them they can usually save 75-80% of the wall units.

I guess we'll see in a few weeks how reality works out ..

 

[two2fastforu]

I have been looking into garage cabinets myself but I need wall mounts to keep as much floor space as I can. I have been looking at the GSC cabinets due to the many options in sizes they offer. Anyone else have these? I am NOT a carpenter and have no desire to try and build my own.

http://www.garagestoragecabinets.com/index.html

I want my cabinets to be white but can't decide on getting the "Clean White Melamine" finish or just the natural wood finish and painting it myself (which would be the cheaper route I guess, but after adding in my paint cost and time, maybe not....... BUT, atleast I could re-paint if needed I guess.

I had some of these in my last garage. Different mfg, but same idea. They were sturdy and held up well. I am thinking of them for the 28 x 48 workshop I am completing.

 

[nova65ss]

I have been looking into garage cabinets myself but I need wall mounts to keep as much floor space as I can. I have been looking at the GSC cabinets due to the many options in sizes they offer. Anyone else have these? I am NOT a carpenter and have no desire to try and build my own.

http://www.garagestoragecabinets.com/index.html

I want my cabinets to be white but can't decide on getting the "Clean White Melamine" finish or just the natural wood finish and painting it myself (which would be the cheaper route I guess, but after adding in my paint cost and time, maybe not....... BUT, atleast I could re-paint if needed I guess.

I have them in my garage and sold them for a while, they are decent but we are now using the Ultimate Pro cabinets and they are much better in quality in my opinion. I have a pic of the GSC cabinets here. They do not have the handles yet in the picture. We installed some of the Ultimate Cabinets in my showroom this week I can get a pic soon if anyone is interested.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7806&d=1160088976

 

[kbuhagiar]

Something different - I used salvaged traffic signal controller cabinets.

 

[GunMoto]

The Sears Professionel Cabinets (#59175's)are on sale again for $99.00, reg. $159 until the 10th.

Thanks for the heads-up!! I just picked up a 30" wall cabinet yesterday.

And for a workbench, I just built my own. For $100, in materials, I got a bench that will last me a looong time.

I still need a workbench...

Something different - I used salvaged traffic signal controller cabinets.

Wow, that looks nice!! How did that idea come about?

EDIT: BTW, I dig the double-sided bench grinder and your tiles look great!

 

[kbuhagiar]

Wow, that looks nice!! How did that idea come about? BTW, I dig the double-sided bench grinder and your tiles look great!

Thanks for the kind words.

The traffic signal controller cabinets were obsolete electro-mechanical units (all signals today are solid state) removed from service in the late 1970s. I work close by to the municipal corporation yard, saw them in a pile ready to be dumped, and asked permission to take a few (they told me to take as many as I wanted). I gutted them, cleaned and painted them, and replaced the locks with latches.

The traffic controller bench-grinder stand is one of my favorites. I mounted it on casters so I can wheel it anywhere I need it, and there's plenty of storage space in the cabinet below.

The tiles are RaceDeck from Costco and I absolutely love them. They completely changed the complexion of the garage.

 

[number9]

I have them in my garage and sold them for a while, they are decent but we are now using the Ultimate Pro cabinets and they are much better in quality in my opinion. I have a pic of the GSC cabinets here. They do not have the handles yet in the picture. We installed some of the Ultimate Cabinets in my showroom this week I can get a pic soon if anyone is interested.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7806&d=1160088976

YES - please, send any pics you have of them and the other cabinets you are talking about as well if you have them. Do you have a link for the Ultimate Pro cabinets you are talking about?

 

[comp]

Thanks for the kind words.

The traffic signal controller cabinets were obsolete electro-mechanical units (all signals today are solid state) removed from service in the late 1970s. I work close by to the municipal corporation yard, saw them in a pile ready to be dumped, and asked permission to take a few (they told me to take as many as I wanted). I gutted them, cleaned and painted them, and replaced the locks with latches.

The traffic controller bench-grinder stand is one of my favorites. I mounted it on casters so I can wheel it anywhere I need it, and there's plenty of storage space in the cabinet below.

The tiles are RaceDeck from Costco and I absolutely love them. They completely changed the complexion of the garage.

 

[nova65ss]

YES - please, send any pics you have of them and the other cabinets you are talking about as well if you have them. Do you have a link for the Ultimate Pro cabinets you are talking about?

They are sold through many dealers Sears actually carries a version with thinner shelves and sides but look the same. This is a link to my website the standard Ultimate are what you will find at Sears. Hope nobody gets upset for me throwing my link up there I am not trying to sell them here it is mainly a way for my local customers to see what we offer.

http://garagegearstore.com/subcategories.php?main=40&Cat=182

 

[V-10 Killer]

How much more (maybe in %) do those UltiMATE PRO units cost compared to the regular UltiMATE units?

 

[nova65ss]

The big storage cabinet is about 60 bucks more for the Pro series.

 

[wythors]

bought mine from sears awhile ago.....not cheap but it turned out great

Great looking garage!

Now, how about some info on the Fox and the engine sitting next to it?

 

[GunMoto]

I just mounted the wall cabinet (in place of the towel rack that was previously mounted there).


I still need a workbench...