Lets see your workbench

[tonyciambrone]

How are you guys cleaning and priming the metal?

I wiped mine down with acetone, primed with Rustoleum self-etching primer. Then rolled on Rustoleum Hammered black with Valspar Enamel Hardener. No complaints.

 

[RubiconJK]

Here’s the 2 I have on hand, it’s a 1960 Glasstron StarFlite
75hp 16’

Is that Grand Lake CO? We go there a couple times every year. Love that area.

 

[pelletman]

Making progress

 

[AngryBeaver]

Making progress

you can't post work bench pictures here with vises in them and not list them... HAHAHA

3C or 4C? what rock island? Is the far right cabinet under the vises an equipto? looks similar to one I have. I'm also doing the same thing with a couple lista, two vidmar and two that looks like your right one which Im guessing is equipto

 

[pelletman]

you can't post work bench pictures here with vises in them and not list them... HAHAHA

3C or 4C? what rock island? Is the far right cabinet under the vises an equipto? looks similar to one I have. I'm also doing the same thing with a couple lista, two vidmar and two that looks like your right one which Im guessing is equipto

4C and I don't think I am going to use it, just TOO big. I think I want to find a 2 or preferably 3C to use. I will use the Rock Island 542BX and I did post it a week or so ago in the VISES thread. The two grey cabinets are LYON and the rest are Lista, with the exception of the white one, it is a hospital type roll around with the casters off. I do have an Equipto small cabinet that may end up on top, and I picked up a couple of nice metal/glass lab cabinets that will to nicely next to the ugly brown metal cabinet which will be much nicer when I make it match the other two that will be next to it.

 

[AngryBeaver]

4C and I don't think I am going to use it, just TOO big. I think I want to find a 2 or preferably 3C to use. I will use the Rock Island 542BX and I did post it a week or so ago in the VISES thread. The two grey cabinets are LYON and the rest are Lista, with the exception of the white one, it is a hospital type roll around with the casters off. I do have an Equipto small cabinet that may end up on top, and I picked up a couple of nice metal/glass lab cabinets that will to nicely next to the ugly brown metal cabinet which will be much nicer when I make it match the other two that will be next to it.

I thought that looked like a 542... I have a 543B (5"). Love it.

I have a 2c on my fab table, and I think its perfect. I picked up a cheap 3c for the work bench at work to replace a chinese wilton, and its a very good "large vise" size.

I have a 4C... I haven't used it or even bolted it down since I got it. 99% of the time it is too large....

 

[PhantomEB]

Sure loving my workbench now I doubled it up to 8.5’ long.

 

[lis2323]

I have a 4C... I haven't used it or even bolted it down since I got it. 99% of the time it is too large....

Bolt it down! [emoji3]


But I agree. A big vise just isn’t practical for most applications but I find I use my 4CA more than I anticipated.

 

[HockeyDave13]

Workbench and vise. Wish it was this empty right now.

 

[drivesitfar]

Hockey Dave: I thought of a term to call my (our) issues with keeping our benches and garage clean that is hard to cure for me at least so far. FSD (Flat Surface Disease) is something that i've struggled with for(EVER). i'm starting to clear off my benches and taking advice from other members that have shop benches you can do surgery on i'm getting there.

the key is to find places for all the old shaped stuff that ends up on the bench AND also learn to put the tools and stuff that has a place away in their spot so the bench top is clean and you can find your tools and stuff the next time.

best of luck with that and I love the magnifying light and your bench top looks amazing.

Pellet: I might have already posted a picture of my Reed 4c mounted on my old Lyon steel bench, but as some say it doesn't hurt to post up good pics an extra time or two if a member can be helped. while I agree my REED 2c sitting on shelf waiting for a bench to mount it on would handle about 95% of most everything i'd need a vise for I mounted my 4c mainly cause I own it and it looks cool and if I need to use it I can. also I LOVE turning that big handle.

looks like yours needs the handle straightened, but I agree with LIS once you mount it you might really like having it there to use and and does have a bit of the COOL look sort of like an old car sitting in your garage that looks great and doesn't get driven much.

ALL: hope you all have a great 2020!!

 

[Stefan S]

Here’s the near finished project. So far after like 3 days I’m really liking how it came out. I need to order 3 more under cabinet lights, and a 5/8” knob for the receiver hitch.

I’m also looking for some nice metal pegboard to add to the end under the vise you can see the welded angle iron tabs that it will mount to.

Lastly and the list will never end I guess I also need to build a sliding shelf in the corner. The metal is there for drawer slides I just need to build the box.

 

[Old Radar]

Sweet! But you need to get some grease in there stat! Too hospital clean!

 

[BenDaPirate]

Mine. Laminate countertops have held up really well so far. Still a work in progress but it's making do for my needs.

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[az45]

Here’s the near finished project. So far after like 3 days I’m really liking how it came out. I need to order 3 more under cabinet lights, and a 5/8” knob for the receiver hitch.

I’m also looking for some nice metal pegboard to add to the end under the vise you can see the welded angle iron tabs that it will mount to.

Lastly and the list will never end I guess I also need to build a sliding shelf in the corner. The metal is there for drawer slides I just need to build the box.

Looks great!

You could probably get some perforated steel and make your own hooks or a piece of regular MDF slat wall to fill the space.

I probably have the slat board Id give you, but it may not be worth the shipping cost.

 

[Bellaireroad]

Here’s a couple of my benches




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[Com_VC]

How well do they work, I've seen them, but never actually used them before.

I assume they are available in a variety of sizes?

Are they easy to install?

 

[Black300zx]

Moved into the house in July, finally built myself a workbench over Thanksgiving break.

Top is doubled up 3/4" red oak ply; 22" deep x 8' long with the remaining 4" strip from the sheet of plywood attatched as a backsplash. I routed a "moat" around the perimeter to help keep fluid spills contained. I had a bunch of Xtremeset 100 left over from prepping my garage floor, so I slapped 3 coats on to protect the wood from soaking up fluids. It dried a bit cloudy, but function over form for now.

Toolbox is a 44" US General. I used 4 of these leveling feet under each of the four corners of the toolbox.

 

[Stefan S]

Sweet! But you need to get some grease in there stat! Too hospital clean!

It will be worked in soon enough! I actually can’t wait to tackle some projects I’ve been putting off

Looks great!

You could probably get some perforated steel and make your own hooks or a piece of regular MDF slat wall to fill the space.

I probably have the slat board Id give you, but it may not be worth the shipping cost.

Thank you I think I’ve found some decent thickness metal peg board that can be ordered in a custom size. I like the idea of a slat wall and will price that out too.

How well do they work, I've seen them, but never actually used them before.

I assume they are available in a variety of sizes?

Are they easy to install?

I’ve used them a couple times and they work quite well with excellent holding power. There’s all kinds for different material types and sizes. Install is easy basically drill a hole and use a socket Allen to drive it in.

 

[drivesitfar]

Stefan: unless you don't have room for a cabinet at the end of your bench i'd put your hanging tools under the cabinets hanging above your bench. nice job and is the trailer hitch type mounting for a grinder or a bunch of tools?

here's a link to the metal cabinet thread I started that might give you a lot more storage for some tools next to your bench if you have the room.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=305350

Well done and since I have FSD (flat surface disease) seeing benches like yours and others here gives me the willies a bit, but i'm hoping to cure my FSD soon by finding spots for the stuff that really ends up on the bench without a home.

Black: nice work and i'm guessing you found a nice old thick piece of plywood with that pattern in it or did you make that? your garage is screaming for a loft made from Unistrut or lumber if that's your preference to put some supplies or even Christmas decorations above out of the way.

Belair: is that a surface place for your bench or just a nice piece of steel? I don't think i've seen air tools stored that way before. nice looking shop!!!

 

[QwikKotaTx]

I built a cantilevered style workbench but am always piling up junk underneath it. Does anyone have any storage suggestions? I just cleaned out a ton of coffee cans full of brass casings and other random boxes. Would like to keep it organized under there. I made some perches for hardware organizers to slide in and out but want to avoid clutter on the concrete area. It's tied in to the wall at the top and the lower sill plate and studs at the bottom, very solid.

 

[drivesitfar]

Qwik: since it looks like you know how to cut and screw or nail wood together pretty well how about building some storage boxes (or cabinets) with casters on them to store under there and if you need the foot space while you are working on something on top of the bench you can roll them out and back in when you are done.

good luck!!

 

[Black300zx]

Black: nice work and i'm guessing you found a nice old thick piece of plywood with that pattern in it or did you make that? your garage is screaming for a loft made from Unistrut or lumber if that's your preference to put some supplies or even Christmas decorations above out of the way.

Thanks! That was actually a brand new 4'x8' sheet of 3/4 ply that I had Home Depot rip down into two 22" wide pieces. I rolled out a nice layer of Titebond III and laminated them together with some 1 1/4" deck screws.

And yea, I'll be expanding storage up the wall eventually. I plan to add a few matching black Husky wall cabinets above my bench next time that they go on sale. I have 10.5' ceilings and a finished loft above for car parts and Christmas decorations, but I'll still have some unused space up high.

Here's a photo further back. My wood shop (and excess lumber) is in our basement, but maybe I'll build some fishing rod racks up high after I hang some more cabinets.

 

[QwikKotaTx]

Qwik: since it looks like you know how to cut and screw or nail wood together pretty well how about building some storage boxes (or cabinets) with casters on them to store under there and if you need the foot space while you are working on something on top of the bench you can roll them out and back in when you are done.

good luck!!

Thanks, I try. My Grandfather was an incredible furniture builder.

The picture is a little misleading as there is a step to the slab there my feet can't go much under the bench. Something that tucked in between the angled supports would free up more room rather than one large wide box for sure.

 

[cderalow]

Midway into a rebuild/restructure. Center opening is large enough to fit a US General 44” Cabinet. Right opening is going to get a shortened 5 drawer series 1 cart (need to cut 6-½” out of the legs to get it under). Left drawer still needs work to house rest of my Ryobi tools.



Mostly home improvement, bike repair and car maintenance out of this.

Has Rockler t-track embedded into the top 3” in to help clamp things down.

 

[drivesitfar]

Qwik: I didn’t notice the 2 inch cement lip so maybe making smaller bins that are open to you in front might work better for each section. For now being more of the plastic totes and have two stacked on each other sideways to fit in slots would work and one slot could be for your little welder?

 

[JRC3]

I built a cantilevered style workbench...

I've been thinking about trying that for a long time.

 

[QwikKotaTx]

I took the top off to insulate this weekend. I am thinking of building some drawers for the top space. Don't see much else to do below other than bins or cabinets on casters. The 18 gallon storage bins I have stocked up on only fit between 1 set of supports unfortunately. As long as it's not cluttered it's not a big deal I reckon.

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[cderalow]

I took the top off to insulate this weekend. I am thinking of building some drawers for the top space. Don't see much else to do below other than bins or cabinets on casters. The 18 gallon storage bins I have stocked up on only fit between 1 set of supports unfortunately. As long as it's not cluttered it's not a big deal I reckon.

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honestly with that lip there and the fact that you built the bench the full depth of that lip, there's no sense in it being cantilevered.

you could square it off underneath and make it storage shelves for your bins.

 

[drivesitfar]

Quik: I agree if that angled lumber is not giving you good size storage spaces you can use with your existing storage containers or stuff just put a 2x4 under the back of the studs to support those for the top of your bench and add 4x4's to the corners (or splice 2 2x4's together so you can use the angled lumber you will be removing. then you'd have a nice open area to do as you choose.

if you have questions ask and i'll try to help or many of the handier members here on GJ might have better ideas.

good luck

 

[QwikKotaTx]

I may toy around with changing it up but it's pretty well secured to the studs. Going to bring out the top a little bit at least before screwing it back down. The cantilever does not reduce the strength, it's pretty solid and I have pounded on it plenty to disassemble heavy items. No flex from vise on the corner, etc. I see your points on the shelf supports though.

 

[drivesitfar]

Quik: the angled supports do look very adequate, but if they don't allow you to store items under your bench they cause wasted space hence me and others mentioning taking them out and putting in straight supports at the corners.

your bench and your call so best of luck and just throwing out some ideas.

good luck in whichever design you choose

 

[lis2323]

Quick could keep the cantilever design and still put shelf supports between them. They would be recessed but could be made to look pretty cool.

 

[drivesitfar]

LIS: sure he could but spacing is off for the size of his storage boxes unless he builds some cabinets or buys or builds different storage.

 

[lis2323]

Drives. Aha. I missed that about the bins.

 

[drivesitfar]

LIS: yep and without the 2 bys in the equation it saves him 4.5 to 7 inches of confined spaces which in my small garage could be huge.

we all wish we had shops the size of yours with all the cool stuff so while we are dreaming about it keep doing what you can to help us all.

cheers

 

[Varty Yo]

Im ordering 124ft of 2x2 steel to build my work bench but unsure of thickness to go with? They have diff sizes from .100w-.250w i have no idea what that equlas in inches. How thick should i be going with it will be a medium duty bench with steel top. Ill be making a dedicated fab mobile cart later on.

 

[cderalow]

.250 wall is ¼” and likely overkill. .010 is less than 1/64th.

I think most wind up between 1/8th and ¼.


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[drivesitfar]

I agree .250 (1/4 inch) 2x2 is pretty stout and it could maybe hold a 1 inch steel plate top on it. i'm sure you'd be ok with .125 (1/8th) if you are just building a tool cart and there is .1875 (3/16th) sizing too if you want to get it in the middle.

post up pics when you are finished or if you need any other help just ask

 

[jeffmoss26]

trying the stand-up thing at work since my neck and back have really been bothering me.

 

[drivesitfar]

Jeff: nice simple solution and hope it doesn't bother your feet by standing for long periods.

you may or may not have read me talk about inversion tables, but 10 years ago I was going to a chiropractor at least 2 times a month and more like once a week. AND I bought 100 Advil gels every 2 weeks or at most a month cause I was taking them like candy for back pain.

hanging on a quality inversion table for 5 minutes a day whether I hurt or not in the last 10 or so years and I haven't taken Advil for back pain and only issue i did have was I had some back spasms during a time when i'd moved my inversion table from the living room to my old office now gym and I hung for 10 minutes for 3 days in a row and hurt my Achilles.

if you have questions shoot me an email or there are a couple threads in Free Parking (upside down I think was in one title and back pain in another one that have some good information on what inversions to buy). it works if you use it and i've help keep many many friends and clients from getting back surgery just by using these.

sorry for the HI JACK everybody, but I can't have our best locksmith in pain cause he's too young to go thru some of the **** I (we) had to.

ALL: my bride's new office has motorized desks so wondering if any of you have bought or made one or several of your workbenches with a motor to raise and lower it.