How Heavy a Workbench do I need?

[protegeV]

There's a guy local to me that builds and sells steel workbenches. I'm looking at a 2x6 and it gives the option for a 1/4, 3/8, or 1/2 thick steel surface.
I'm doing mostly mechanical work on cars and light trucks. A bit of light welding here and there. Just need something to mount a vise and grinder on, as well as a workspace for engine//trans building, etc.

Is it the usual "bigger is better" or there a downside with going 1/2"?

 

[scubadoober]

1/4" is plenty. Cost and weight would be the downsides.

 

[Jazz1]

I put 3/16" plate on top of my 1" thick plywood bench top. The bench was made with wood left over from building garage. The steel was left over from a project. Just a few screws to keep it anchored down.

 

[JUNK-MAN]

I would go with 3/8". Mine is around 3/8" and it is very solid.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[protegeV]

1/4" is plenty. Cost and weight would be the downsides.

The cost I'm not too worried about. It's only $35 more for 3/8 and $70 more for 1/2". Being that it's on casters and meant to be able to move around I think excessive weight is a good consideration.

 

[scubadoober]

The cost I'm not too worried about. It's only $35 more for 3/8 and $70 more for 1/2". Being that it's on casters and meant to be able to move around I think excessive weight is a good consideration.

Then I don't understand the point of the thread. Buy the 1/2"

 

[FULLSCALE302]

I went 1/2" and don't regret it one bit.

 

[protegeV]

Then I don't understand the point of the thread. Buy the 1/2"

What I meant was that the thicker top would be a downside since it is meant to move around. If it was stationary then it wouldn't matter how heavy the bench was once it was in place.

 

[Alexander]

If they're good casters and you have a decent floor, the extra weight won't be a problem to move around.


In this case the extra weight will prevent it from moving when you don't want it to.

 

[protegeV]

I just contacted him and he has a 2x4 in 3/8" ready to go that he will deliver for free since he'll be in my area tomorrow. He normally has a delivery fee(about an hour away) and a 2 week lead time on new benches. I think I'm gonna buy that one for now. I have some work to do this weekend.

If I like it I'll go with a 2x8 in 1/2" for another area of my shop. Lord knows I have the room

 

[Ign]

If you're attaching a vise I'd find a way to bolt it down.

I've hung a D60 off mine before then put a 15' cheater on the kingpins. The beauty of fully welded is it won't tweak out of square when you get after it.

My "welding table" isn't bolted down and I recently tried to straighten a bit on a truck by pulling to it w a ratchet strap, but I succeeded only in moving the ~1000 lb table.

Some right angle brackets that go into 2 tapped holes on the legs and then bolt to the floor would still render it mobile when necessary

 

[protegeV]

If you're attaching a vise I'd find a way to bolt it down.

I've hung a D60 off mine before then put a 15' cheater on the kingpins. The beauty of fully welded is it won't tweak out of square when you get after it.

My "welding table" isn't bolted down and I recently tried to straighten a bit on a truck by pulling to it w a ratchet strap, but I succeeded only in moving the ~1000 lb table.

Some right angle brackets that go into 2 tapped holes on the legs and then bolt to the floor would still render it mobile when necessary

Good point.

I think my decision to go with the smaller 2x4 in 3/8 with casters will be good for a more mobile bench. Like I said, if I like the quality I'll buy a bigger bench from the guy in 1/2" but without casters so I can bolt it down.

I like the idea about the brackets so It can be stationary or mobile.

 

[bobcatdan]

I have a 1/4" top on my 8'x2' bench and is more than heavy enough for my use. There is a 160ish lbs Parker on one end and all six legs are bolted to the floor.

 

[protegeV]

Initial impressions are very positive. Heavy duty casters are nice. Weight is 192lb and I can move it around with a finger.

I'll give it a few months and if I'm happy probably order a bigger bench with a backsplash to bolt down.

 

[bobcatdan]

Looks very nice. Curious what did that cost? I had my bench build by a sort of buddy's weld shop and it came to just under a grand. I didn't have a welder at the time and valued a good work bench first over a welder.

 

[protegeV]

Looks very nice. Curious what did that cost? I had my bench build by a sort of buddy's weld shop and it came to just under a grand. I didn't have a welder at the time and valued a good work bench first over a welder.

$400. It's only 2'x4' but sturdy as hell. I like the silver epoxy finish everywhere but the work surface.

 

[bobcatdan]

Nice so give or take about on par with mine.