My barn is getting out of control. I have a bench for auto work, bench for tractor project, bench for motocross bikes, bench for bmx and mountain bikes that we race. Im trying to figure out if im doing this right or wrong.
How many workbenches do you have?
- Thread starter mx500
- Start date
Lou's Garage
Well-known member
That sounds like a pretty good plan to me as long as you have the space. I have a bench in the garage, another bench and a rolling work table in the barn. Am constantly wishing I had more. Check out the 12 Gauge Garage, he has a fold down bench in his tiny space.
Lou Manglass
Lou Manglass
kbeefy
Well-known member
Flat surfaces are invaluable.
Having a flat surface empty is even more valuable....
I have 300' of bench, and 0' of empty bench.
Having a flat surface empty is even more valuable....
I have 300' of bench, and 0' of empty bench.
kbeefy
Well-known member
I couldn't figure out how to post 'square feet'
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
ft2
ElusiveKandyDC
Well-known member
I have a fixed
10' workbench against one wall
5' workbench on another wall
But here's the ticket...
I purchased one of the adjustable height Husky workbenches and it lives underneath the 5' workbench. I slide the Husky out when I need a workbench for its intended use rather than a huge shelf. I always have a clear bench available!
This changed my life
10' workbench against one wall
5' workbench on another wall
But here's the ticket...
I purchased one of the adjustable height Husky workbenches and it lives underneath the 5' workbench. I slide the Husky out when I need a workbench for its intended use rather than a huge shelf. I always have a clear bench available!
This changed my life
jmiller_2308
Well-known member
8' and 13' steel topped stationary benches next to two walls
4'x6' rolling work bench with steel and wood top
2'x3' rolling work surface with steel top
Motorcycle lift that is mostly used as an adjustable bench
10' miter saw bench that I recently trimmed to make sure it stays a miter bench and not a horizontal surface to collect stuff
Menards mastercraft toolchest has a pull out work surface as well
If you have multiple projects going at the same time you really need multiple benches,
4'x6' rolling work bench with steel and wood top
2'x3' rolling work surface with steel top
Motorcycle lift that is mostly used as an adjustable bench
10' miter saw bench that I recently trimmed to make sure it stays a miter bench and not a horizontal surface to collect stuff
Menards mastercraft toolchest has a pull out work surface as well
If you have multiple projects going at the same time you really need multiple benches,
Forgottonia
Well-known member
Four work benches--two built in and two movable. I have seven desks scattered across three buildings. And a bunch of tables.
Natty Bumppo
Well-known member
I have 2 fixed work benches, roughly 10' long, that are dedicated to anything mechanical, greasy, oily, or dirty.
I then have an 8' rolling workbench that is used only for woodworking projects, reupholstery, door panels, glass work, etc.
I then have an 8' rolling workbench that is used only for woodworking projects, reupholstery, door panels, glass work, etc.
I guess the answer to that question depends on how you define workbench. I have a 2'x16' fixed bench at the front of the lift bay in the garage. But I also have two metal carts on wheels that serve as temporary workbenches from time to time. When not in use they stash under the fixed workbench as it's cantilevered off the wall so there are no legs in the way.
In the basement I have my reloading equipment spread out on two fixed workbenches with some of that stuff bolted down.
In what I call my shop I have an old heavy duty metal desk that serves as a workbench when needed, plus the table that my radial saw is mounted on has also served workbench duty at times.
In the basement I have my reloading equipment spread out on two fixed workbenches with some of that stuff bolted down.
In what I call my shop I have an old heavy duty metal desk that serves as a workbench when needed, plus the table that my radial saw is mounted on has also served workbench duty at times.
crewchief888
Well-known member
4
1 4x4 in the garage
1 5 ft woodworkers bench in the basement
1 7ft reloading bench in the basement
1 4ft cleaning/teardown bench in the basement for gun stuff
1 4x4 in the garage
1 5 ft woodworkers bench in the basement
1 7ft reloading bench in the basement
1 4ft cleaning/teardown bench in the basement for gun stuff
One on each side of the garage for s total of 3. I also have a work table in the wood shop side.
I was lucky my nephew was building some kind of race car frames for a while and used a 3/4 inch 4x8 steel top with 2x2 square legs on nice wheels. It was surfaced to be perfectly flat. When he divorced had no place to store it so offered it to me. No brainer. Yes, it is big but in my 40 by 40 barn it works well. The only thing is now that I'm 70 I can move BUT it is hard to stop.
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
7 total between 2 houses.
4 fixed, 2 movable and one semi-stationary due to a design falure.
4 fixed, 2 movable and one semi-stationary due to a design falure.
txvwnut
Well-known member
I have two in my shop, steel downstairs and wood upstairs.
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Really like this idea. Imagine a full set of these, like Russian Matryoska dolls.
racecougar
Well-known member
Three in the main shop, three in the auxilary shop across the road, three in the garden shed (800 sq ft block building).
Shiftless
Well-known member
Main bench has a butcher block top and is screwed to the back wall is 2 1/2 feet by 7 It has 4 drawers and 8 sliding storage bins.
Another (plywood top) is on locking casters and is 2‘ x 4‘
I have a rusty Workmate with a 2x4 OSB top outside behind the garage. Easy to move around and ugly enough that apparently nobody wants to steal it. I bought a crummy Asian vise for it at a garage sale, paid $1.00. I couldn’t bear to watch the vise get even rustier so I spent some time spiffing it up and sold it for $20. I have lots of extra vises if I ever need one outside for a project.
Another (plywood top) is on locking casters and is 2‘ x 4‘
I have a rusty Workmate with a 2x4 OSB top outside behind the garage. Easy to move around and ugly enough that apparently nobody wants to steal it. I bought a crummy Asian vise for it at a garage sale, paid $1.00. I couldn’t bear to watch the vise get even rustier so I spent some time spiffing it up and sold it for $20. I have lots of extra vises if I ever need one outside for a project.
Last edited:
rd65
Well-known member
Shop has a 12x8 L shaped bench (30" deep, outside measurement), Handy motorcycle lift, and a 2x4 plywood top I put on an old Craftsman workmate-top has a 2x2 screwed to the bottom for clamping.
The garage has my old 8x4 L bench with formica top and small vise.
The garage has my old 8x4 L bench with formica top and small vise.
zippyslug31
Well-known member
When I built my shop I told myself that I was going to have a dedicated bench for each area of interest. I have a lot of space in my barn and shop, so when I was putting it all together I spent the time & effort building workbenches that suite a number of needs. In the end I wound up with several pretty long workbenches (20+'), some of which serve multiple purposes:
- a space for benchtop (band, scroll, miter) saws
- bench for storage/staging cordless powertools
- bench for drill bits/press, and sanders
- metal wheel/belt grinders
- machine tool chests
- metal cutting (chop and band saws)
- fab/welding table
- electrical projects bench
- assembly table (primary work space, set smack in the middle of my shop)
- automotive and general project work bench out in the barn
Some of these tend to gather junk more than others, but I'm glad I have dedicated benches for each need.
- a space for benchtop (band, scroll, miter) saws
- bench for storage/staging cordless powertools
- bench for drill bits/press, and sanders
- metal wheel/belt grinders
- machine tool chests
- metal cutting (chop and band saws)
- fab/welding table
- electrical projects bench
- assembly table (primary work space, set smack in the middle of my shop)
- automotive and general project work bench out in the barn
Some of these tend to gather junk more than others, but I'm glad I have dedicated benches for each need.
Jacko264
Well-known member
Hi
I have a 10ft bench that’s mostly full of projects and two B&D work mates but the most used bench is a small box trailer with a flat lid on I can push it in the middle of the garage and put my cross cut saw on it
Graham
I have a 10ft bench that’s mostly full of projects and two B&D work mates but the most used bench is a small box trailer with a flat lid on I can push it in the middle of the garage and put my cross cut saw on it
Graham
engineer2
Well-known member
8ft long in the heated garage.
6 ft long in the shed.
Shed is mostly for warmer weather for messy things like wood working, parts cleaning, yard tool maintenance.
6 ft long in the shed.
Shed is mostly for warmer weather for messy things like wood working, parts cleaning, yard tool maintenance.
ft²
To type the superscript 2, hold the ALT key and type "0178" This is called an alt character, there are lots of them. This works in almost every windows based software I have used.
Need the euro symbol? <ALT>0128 €
greater than or equal to? <ALT>242 ≥
Some resources:
Alt Codes for Windows 🖥️ Complete Alt+🔢 Codes Symbols List (◕‿◕) SYMBL
⭐ Reference sheet of the all alt key codes for special characters and symbols with instructions for entering through Alt on Windows. Complete list of alt codes.
Alt Codes List of Alt Key Codes Symbols
www.alt-codes.net
rayra
Well-known member
sq' is an old standard way
rayra
Well-known member
4-5, depends what you count.
8'x40" rolling work table.
6'x3' fixed 'hobby' bench
rolling tool cart with a wood top and a bigger 'cutting station' top with chop saw.
~40" rolling tool drawer box with a nice wood top.
Table saw that often gets pressed into use as a work stand.
8'x40" rolling work table.
6'x3' fixed 'hobby' bench
rolling tool cart with a wood top and a bigger 'cutting station' top with chop saw.
~40" rolling tool drawer box with a nice wood top.
Table saw that often gets pressed into use as a work stand.
Jarwop
Well-known member
One workbench which the top is angled 45 degree from the wall to the front edge. It is never clutered.
Although it is often difficult to get your feet close enough to work on the bench.
Although it is often difficult to get your feet close enough to work on the bench.
WisJim
Well-known member
The local university had a major project of replacing dormitory doors one summer about 25 years ago, and I got many 2" thick solid core flush doors, 3 feet by 7 feet, for $1 each. They made nice benches by supporting the wall side with a 2x4 bolted to the wall, and then a set of simple legs of 2x4s or 4x4s, depending on what I used them for. I have benches like this in my barn, my pole shed, and a bunch in the shop and garage, maybe 6 or 8 that I can think of right off. Then I have a few other more conventional carpenter or woodworker's benches plus some others. Maybe 12 altogether.
rburke65
Well-known member
I have 3 counter tops but the major of my work is done on 2 PCs. of butcher block red oak, each measuring 30” x 96”, so that gives me a 5’x8’ bench, mounted atop 4 Knack roll-a-ways . At first I thought it would be too big but I love it now. It’s tall but sure saves my back!
kbeefy
Well-known member
Ironically, started working on another bench today.
4'x6', jobsite tablesaw built in. Will probably add a router station in the future.
4'x6', jobsite tablesaw built in. Will probably add a router station in the future.
jsaw
Well-known member
I have a 2'x3' welding table with a vise mounted to it. If I need more than that, I use half a sheet of plywood on a pair of saw horses.
I do not like work benches because all they do is collect clutter
I do not like work benches because all they do is collect clutter
hmmm
6ftx2ft bench on one wall, a 6ftx3ft mobile bench thats always cluttered, 2 2x2ft work tables my grandfather gave me, and if you count the HF 44 roller and mac tool cart as benches when needed..
And I still dont have enough space in my 18x24 garage. i wish i had a 30x40 garage lol.
6ftx2ft bench on one wall, a 6ftx3ft mobile bench thats always cluttered, 2 2x2ft work tables my grandfather gave me, and if you count the HF 44 roller and mac tool cart as benches when needed..
And I still dont have enough space in my 18x24 garage. i wish i had a 30x40 garage lol.
sgf13
Well-known member
One 4'x8' homemade wood bench with wheels and a full size sheet of replaceable hard board inserted on plywood as a consumable work surface. The legs are 4'x4'. It is in the woodworking area of my approx. 50'x50' shop and also serves as a table saw outfeed table and has a wood working vice. It also has a storage shelf under it.
A second bench like the one above except in the mechanical area of the shop and without wheels and it has a machinist vice rather than a woodworking vice. I built these thirty years ago when I built my first shop. I'm 6'4" and was sick and tired of always having to physically adapt to everything I buy. I love the benches and I would build them again in a minute.
Three metal legged tables I bought cheap at a small auction. They aren't heavy duty enough for heavy work and are not technically work benches but are handy. I plan to install wheels on one of them.
B&D Workmate.
1,000 lb. HF hydraulic lift table
9,000 lb. Wildfire car lift. I have two of the aluminum inserts for it. I haven't used them since getting them on Christmas but I am certain they will make for an outstanding place to work on larger items. Getting up and down from laying on the ground is too hard now and the lift is meant to be used for many tasks.
In my prior shop I was extremly disciplined about not leaving clutter on the benches. I am three years into this shop and still have things in boxes and scattered on the benches. I am very close to retiring and I hope to get this straight.
A second bench like the one above except in the mechanical area of the shop and without wheels and it has a machinist vice rather than a woodworking vice. I built these thirty years ago when I built my first shop. I'm 6'4" and was sick and tired of always having to physically adapt to everything I buy. I love the benches and I would build them again in a minute.
Three metal legged tables I bought cheap at a small auction. They aren't heavy duty enough for heavy work and are not technically work benches but are handy. I plan to install wheels on one of them.
B&D Workmate.
1,000 lb. HF hydraulic lift table
9,000 lb. Wildfire car lift. I have two of the aluminum inserts for it. I haven't used them since getting them on Christmas but I am certain they will make for an outstanding place to work on larger items. Getting up and down from laying on the ground is too hard now and the lift is meant to be used for many tasks.
In my prior shop I was extremly disciplined about not leaving clutter on the benches. I am three years into this shop and still have things in boxes and scattered on the benches. I am very close to retiring and I hope to get this straight.
mbunimog
Well-known member
I cleaned out an aircraft electronics manufacture shop for what was left over from going out of business auction. And it included many of the small parts electronic work tables. These tables are solid butcher block tables with full length electric strips. Most of them are 6 feet and some are 10 feet long. Very solid and heavy. Also got a number of racks made out of channels for storage of parts plus many metal cabinets with locks including a very heavy one for storage of flammable liquids. I forgot how much I paid for it but it was not much since the bidders were mostly interested in the manufacturing equipment.
05snopro440
Well-known member
I have three benches. One is 3' deep, 16' long, and 42" tall. It's a little tall, but the shelves underneath make great storage for my saws (folding table saw, mitre saw, chop saw, scroll saw) and totes of stuff. It runs along the back wall of my garage and has a vice mounted on it. I also have a 52" wide rolling workbench (toolbox with a wood top) in front of my lift for cleaner work and to put tools while working on the lift. Beside the lift is about a 8' long x 2' deep bench with cabinets underneath, a bench grinder and a swiveling vice with soft jaws. As I'm still organizing my garage they're all currently covered, but once I get it all organized and try my best to keep them clean I'll have plenty of space.
Before this place I had a 4' long bench in my small double garage, so I've upgraded significantly and I still feel like I want a dedicated welding table area in the new one.
Before this place I had a 4' long bench in my small double garage, so I've upgraded significantly and I still feel like I want a dedicated welding table area in the new one.