Introduction and workbench assistance

[selyar]

Hey guys. Checking in for the first time from New Jersey. My husband and I recently bought our first house, and as an avid car people, the garage was very important to us. Thankfully we were able to get something we're really happy with. Now to make it our own!

Here is our garage before we moved in.

Here is the day our tool box arrived home.

The tool box lives along that back wall, right next to the outlet you see the dehumidfier plugged in at. It fits right between that outlet and the window you can see if the first picture.

Now for my question. Those shelves on the left side are a black hole. They're a complete disaster. And we don't have any bench space. My husband is awesome and I want to do something for him, so my plan is to knock out those shelves, and put in a bench in that spot as a surprise.

He was recently admiring the Craftsman workbench system in Sears. Something like this:

Bench (with SS worksurface):http://www.sears.com/craftsman-8'-w...No=13&sellerId=SEARS&blockNo=13&blockType=G13

Back: http://www.sears.com/craftsman-8'-metal-workbench-backwall/p-00914944000P?prdNo=11&sellerId=SEARS

And possibly a drawer adder or wall unit or something.

My questions for you guys:

Do any of you have the Craftsman system? Is it any good?
If not that, what would you recommend as a bench?
Any other thoughts to use that space?

tl;dr

i want to put a workbench in for my husband. any suggestions?

 

[Outlander]

Welcome! The general consensus on the bench threads here is build it yourself. Either out of wood (2x4 or 4x4 legs) with multiple layers of plywood covered with masonite / solid core door / bowling alley tops, or with Harbour Frieght 44" cabinets at each end (see Steevo's build). Those who weld will also have metal framed benches as top choices.

You have a great spot with wall space and room for benches. You guys will have fun making it home!

Your light reading for this evening:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=126086

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=464

 

[selyar]

Thanks for the reply. I will check out those threads. I've been reading through a few things since I found this site. Some awesome ideas out there.

The problem I'm having is, how am I going to get rid of the husband long enough to make this happen without him knowing?? haha

 

[Beemer533]

Depending on your comfort level with wood working, you can also go with the 2x4 basics kits which only require straight cuts.

You would buy one of these kits; http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...asics+workbench+kit&sprefix=2x4+basic,aps,221

And just pick up some 2x4 at a home center for the framing.

Good luck!

 

[QtrHorse13]

If you are looking for something to buy and perform some minor assembly, take a look at the Sears Gladiator products. They have a nice solid bench along with roll out drawer/ cart and above workbench cabinets/ shelves. All the items are sold seperately. It's a little pricey but may work for your situation. You won't need to send him on a long weekend Vegas trip to build something yourself.

Google "Gladiator garagejournal.com" and you will get more information.

Most on this site prefer to build their own but sometimes that option is not a possibility and there are some decent alternatives.

I believe Costco or Sams sells a really nice sturdy workbench as well. I have seen a few threads about it on this site.

Welcome to the site!

 

[selyar]

Thanks! I wasn't really looking for a big DIY project, although it would be fun. I'll look into the stuff at Costco and the gladiator system too. I want something that is well made and going to last. I don't REALLY want to build it since to make something that doesn't look like a kindergartener did it, I'd need help. I know my way around a shop but we don't have the tools to really make that happen without a serious investment. (Or a friend bringing over all his stuff)

If there are any other suggestions for a purchasable option I'd love to hear them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Jim_No_Garage]

Welcome to GJ.

From your pictures you have the same basic garage as I do. My garage is nothing special so I cannot add anything too much to your original request.

My first thoughts - paint is your friend.

Paint the ceiling bright white for additional lighting.

Paint the block walls a light color - just to pretty up that drab block color.

Please update your profile with a general location - so people can possibly steer you to local things also.

As others said - check in at Costco / Sams Club / BJ's and see what sort of storage options are available and would fit. You will get PLENTY of opinions here.

Cheers

Jim