Evilelroy
Active member
Does anyone have an opinion on these benches? Thinking about one for home. Display model seems pretty sturdy. $149.00 at lowes.
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Kobalt workbench
- Thread starter Evilelroy
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Spudland_Dave
Well-known member
I've had one since 2006...only reason I got it was we had just built/moved into the house, and I needed something quick and ASAP...bought that exact bench. There was no HF here back then so my choices were limited.
To be fair, I've never really "Worked on it"...meaning no serious pounding, or beating...its mostly been a place I put tools, parts, etc while I was working. My wife's used it to sir gallons of paint, etc.. I've got misc **** in the drawers...IMHO if you treat it for what it is, its fine.
To be fair, I've never really "Worked on it"...meaning no serious pounding, or beating...its mostly been a place I put tools, parts, etc while I was working. My wife's used it to sir gallons of paint, etc.. I've got misc **** in the drawers...IMHO if you treat it for what it is, its fine.
I concur with Dave. I have one as just a work surface in my detached garage (not my primary work bench). It does seem fairly sturdy but the provided particle board surface probably would not hold up to heavy abuse. For what it is, I think it's a great value. I've been pleased.
bobcatdan
Well-known member
I've never seen one in person, so this is purely a guess. If its just to be a light duty work station, I could see it being fine. If your looking for something more heavy duty for say mounting a vise to. Look pass the consumer grade benches at more commercial units. If you shop around, the prices are not as bad as one would think. Northern carries some really beefy Little Giant brand benches that I think are very well priced. It all depends on what you want and need out of a bench.
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
They are a homeowner grade bench, and would be fine for lite duty tasks.. An old steel desk for $40 would be sturdier. You can sit down when using a desk. Add a bar stool to that bench, and you will be leaning over in an uncomfortable position..
So I would look at that bench as suitable for lite duty projects done in a standing position only. Pegboard is sold in 4X8 sheets, and is easy to hang on the wall.. You have options. Put some thought into how it would be used..
So I would look at that bench as suitable for lite duty projects done in a standing position only. Pegboard is sold in 4X8 sheets, and is easy to hang on the wall.. You have options. Put some thought into how it would be used..
lauver
Well-known member
That Kobalt is a pretty light weight bench. It's got the looks, but not the goods. It's a temporary piece at best. This is not what you want for the "center piece" of your garage.
For a $150-$300 you can build the real deal and it will be exactly to your spec's. And, you'll have the fun and satisfaction of building it.
Think about it...
For a $150-$300 you can build the real deal and it will be exactly to your spec's. And, you'll have the fun and satisfaction of building it.
Think about it...
maxdustington
Active member
I got one a while ago. It's pretty good for the price. As mentioned, you cannot sit at it. From what I can tell, it is also difficult to mount a vise to due to where the front beam is locates in relation to the table top. The drawer bottoms on the non-stainless version are hardboard, I think they are metal on the stainless version. The bottom shelf is a little flimsy, but it can always be reinforced. The light is also pretty cheap but not bad. I got mine used for my basement and it's nice to have.
Spudland_Dave
Well-known member
I wouldn't call it a temporary piece...don't kid yourself its not a Heavy duty unit...but its nice in the fact its got drawers, pegboard, top storage shelf..etc.. its an excellent junk collector, got misc **** in the drawers, etc...
Making a bench is nice...but I didn't/couldn't at the time I got my Kobalt, I just didn't have the time as we had literally just finished & moved into the house, etc... Same damn thing happened to me when I "moved into" my new shop...check out the pallet rack bench threads..
My "REAL" workbench I built last year (built 2 of em) is built to work..
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=257482&highlight=Epiq
Search your local craigslist for an old metal desk or cabinet. You'll spend a lot less and find something a lot sturdier. I bought an old office cabinet with sliders in the front and shelves inside for $50. It's been great. I've also seen many old metal office desks for free. They're built like tanks. 
Bagherra
Well-known member
I like mine..wanted to put a vise and/or bench grinder but it doesn't have much space for that.
Overall, i'm happy with it, but I paid $200 for mine. For $149, i'd jump on it!
Overall, i'm happy with it, but I paid $200 for mine. For $149, i'd jump on it!