Lets see your workbench

[CaptainMarvel]

We just moved a few weeks ago, so I'm still getting settled in my new attached 2-car garage. It's not much, but I think it turned out pretty well. So, here's my $30, 3-hour workbench. It's 6' x 2' and solid as hell. I designed it to use only 1 sheet of plywood and (5) 8' 2x4's.

I climbed up and stood on it after I was done and it didn't so much as creak. I used pocket holes for everything b/c I got a Kreg jig with all my birthday Lowe's gift certs. You can't see a single fastener in the whole assembly.

Okay, this is a GREAT idea ... simple yet impressively creative and versatile.

I realize I'm late on the viewing (from when you originally posted this), but you just inspired me to, perhaps,
try to incorporate a similar idea with my current WIP workbench project . . . . so THANK YOU for that !!





TOM

 

[jeffmoss26]

This is what my bench usually looks like...

 

[Kevin54]

Thanks Kevin, it was a ton of work, and kind of a pain in the ***. But I'm happy with the end results.

I still have a plan for adding on to them, and also cutting up some of the leftover shelves to use for timming out some of the edges/end panels and couple other areas of the garage.

If you missed it, the part 2 thread where I built the computer bench joining the original section is here:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181626


I think last I saw of your garage project you were remodeling a divided section of the garage?? I could be mistaken, my memory is flaky sometimes. What's the latest project you got going on?

Not much going on right now but thanks for asking. I did get the garage repainted with dark red walls and a black ceiling. I also put up a little bit of corrugated wainscoting along the wall where I have a mill and a lathe, but I plan on going the rest of the way around the perimeter with it. I figure I'll just wait until it warms up some to start in on it. I also need to do something with the floor but not quite what sure to do yet.

As far as your garage, even though you say it seemed like a lot of work, by the looks of it, it was worth it. I think it looks great I also like the idea that you used Formica that matched the countertops as a backsplash. That really turned out well and adds to it.

If you don't mind me asking, why two monitors? And can you split it to where something like one web page is on one and another web page on the other? And can you change it to where both will show up as one complete web page? Just curious as I have only saw something like that in the movies and never looked into it personally

 

[kngelv]

Some killer workbenches on here! After 5 failed attempts at getting a Craftsman, I ran out of time and patience and pulled the trigger on an "American Workbench" added a Record wood vise and my restored grand-uncle's Erie #44 vise, and I'm good to go.

How do you like, and how solid is that bench? I planned on buying a miter saw and building a bench later this week. Wondering if one of these might be a better option as my woodworking experience is lacking.

James

 

[Laker]

^^^ Love it, only problem is the maple butcher block is so damn pretty, I'm afraid to use it. I fastened the back of the bench to studs in the wall with "L" brackets and it doesn't move at all. It is pretty simple design, and I could build something similar now that I'm looking at it, only if I had a workbench to work on. I was doing most of my projects on the garage floor prior. Having the indented lower shelf is key so you can slide a bar stool up to it.

 

[newbirdhunter]

Im gonna share mine. Me and my father built it in a few hours and that includes us bs'in around and it being 103* outside when we did it. Im pretty happy with our results
....

Nothing beats the time one spends with their dad.

 

[newbirdhunter]

Hey guys,
here is one of my first posts from my garage that is finally "wrapping up" (i say that as it is never going to really be finished)

i welded together some frames for tool boxes and removed the wheels. works great.
i still have to cover the MDF with something gauge metal.

I got the tool boxes at peavey mart in canada (SK)

...

That is a very nice setup. I like the separate re-loading area.

 

[newbirdhunter]

One of my workbenches.

That is very, very nice! I want a one.

 

[newbirdhunter]

Just finished building it. Still need to pick up a few more air fittings for the air manifold as well as work out a better vise mount.


The basic frame:

Fast-forward and here it is:

Stuff happens here:

Things go in here:

'Lectric tools plug in here, as well as convenient cord storage:

Pssssst psssssst tools get their power from this convenient location, along with convenient hose storage:

Good looking bench.

 

[newbirdhunter]

That is sweet!

 

[mrodgers]

Okay, this is a GREAT idea ... simple yet impressively creative and versatile.

I realize I'm late on the viewing (from when you originally posted this), but you just inspired me to, perhaps,
try to incorporate a similar idea with my current WIP workbench project . . . . so THANK YOU for that !!





TOM

You might have been late on viewing that, but I probably wouldn't have seen it either had you not quoted.

I like simple. I would love to weld up metal frame to enclose a couple of toolboxes like I see, but I just don't have the cash for toolboxes like that. I do however have a lot of bins and just might have to use the post you quoted to do something similar. Instead of having drawers from mounting toolboxes, I'll just put some cleats under the workbench and slide in some bins. Saves spending more money on wood to build some actual drawers. Most of what I have planned in the garage will be from scrap wood laying around except for my initial 2 sheets of plywood I need.

 

[madavis77]

I have had an issue with finding a place for my T-handle Allen wrenches, and ended up finding a place for them as well as my screwdrivers.

Here is an updated shot of the main workbench.

 

[Jomo]

It's almost ready for CL or a remodel. On large casters. I've had it for 22 years.

 

[Jawn]

^^^ Love it, only problem is the maple butcher block is so damn pretty, I'm afraid to use it. I fastened the back of the bench to studs in the wall with "L" brackets and it doesn't move at all. It is pretty simple design, and I could build something similar now that I'm looking at it, only if I had a workbench to work on. I was doing most of my projects on the garage floor prior. Having the indented lower shelf is key so you can slide a bar stool up to it.

Ah, just use it. Put a Jegs mat or similar on top so you don't beat it to bits. (see the pics above that newbirdhunter quoted) Eventually you'll get a few nicks on it anyway and then it won't be such a worry. I used a dang nice piece of maple for my bench top - I wanted something solid and smooth. No regrets here.

Good looking bench.

Thanks!

 

[Vividlyvintage]

Work In Progress... Still needs drawers and doors.

Thats a cool setup. Great work!

thanks,
Douglas Johnson
"Skrach"
www.VividlyVintage.com

 

[stonewellmark]

Here's the heavyweight I just completed.

Mark

 

[vwracer]

Nice bench Stonewell

 

[Coopduc]

Top is 3 layers of 3/4" MDF with 1/8" Masonite as a sacrificial layer with angle iron running the length of the front edge.

 

[paigej]

That is nice! Can we see in the drawers?

 

[SD_R/T]

That is nice! Can we see in the drawers?

X2. Any pics of the construction? That is a fine looking workbench!

 

[Coopduc]

Nothing fancy really. Drawers are particle board with plywood bottoms and an MDF face. Handles are 1/2" conduit with wood spacers. Metal full extension slides complete the drawers. I don't have any construction pics, but the frame is glued up 2x4s all around and same for the legs.

 

[kevin47]

You's guy's is so funny...Don't ya know work bench's is noth'in but clutter magnet's...?

 

[winnipegtibook]

Those are nice looking boxes, especially wit the wide top drawer. Do you mind providing a review ( and pricing)?

 

[rquackenbush]

You's guy's is so funny...Don't ya know work bench's is noth'in but clutter magnet's...?

Yup - but it beats workin' on the floor!

 

[coupeute]

You don't want to see my work bench !

 

[bww_mnm]

I'll play,

Workbench I built in my shed. I am planning a total overhaul of the shed this summer and would like to build a better bench and try to get better organized in there.

crazytrain, The "mancave" sign and the Dora 5 yr old bike in the same pic just doesn't jive.

 

[fordflambe]

Wooden cabinets on left are 42" high with drawers and doors. I built these 15 years ago. Grey cabinets in middle are old chemical lab cabinets with soapstone counter tops.

My shop is a "busy" shop, not necessarily a "pretty" shop.

 

[ket-tek]

Where did you get the wall laminate ket tek. Thanks.

Looks good!

I bought 12'x4' sheets of it from a local cabinet shop.

Ket-tek your garage is sick along with your friends s13! I'm in the middle of doing an LS1 swap to my brothers s13

Got a link to the build? love to see it, a friend is doing an e39 LS7 swap currently should be nasty.

If you don't mind me asking, why two monitors? And can you split it to where something like one web page is on one and another web page on the other? And can you change it to where both will show up as one complete web page? Just curious as I have only saw something like that in the movies and never looked into it personally

I've been using 2/3 monitors since the early 90's on all my setups, can't function without it anymore once getting used to it. No more window switching.. You can expand single windows bigger or organize many smaller windows. The OS just extends the horizontal resolution so that the computer sees it as a single workspace.

A single window spanning two is not all the useful to me, but having email always open on one screen while have word/excel or browsing on another is helpful when working. But just having videos/tv/music control on one screen while browsing, etc on the others are great as well.

 

[ket-tek]

Can you share a pic on how you handled the corner with the gladiator uppers?

Here is a decent pic of the corner, I plan to use matching left over shelving from the cabinets to span the distance above the electrical panels to connect the two upper sections and make it look continuous and tie together a bit better.

 

[MiloX]

It's a humble home built. Refinished this weekend. I'll try to take some better pics.

 

[fred d]

crazytrain, The "mancave" sign and the Dora 5 yr old bike in the same pic just doesn't jive.

Better organized.........really.

You may need more room, ok definitely more room. But you look pretty organized to me

 

[jeffmoss26]

ket-tek, as an IT guy, I love that monitor setup!!

 

[Kevin54]

I've been using 2/3 monitors since the early 90's on all my setups, can't function without it anymore once getting used to it. No more window switching.. You can expand single windows bigger or organize many smaller windows. The OS just extends the horizontal resolution so that the computer sees it as a single workspace.

A single window spanning two is not all the useful to me, but having email always open on one screen while have word/excel or browsing on another is helpful when working. But just having videos/tv/music control on one screen while browsing, etc on the others are great as well.

So how do you hook two monitors to one computer? Just through a USB port?

 

[Jawn]

So how do you hook two monitors to one computer? Just through a USB port?

You need a video card with two outputs. Windows (ever since '98 I think) has built-in support for dual monitors as long as your video card does. I too strongly prefer it, most computers at my work have it so I've really gotten used to it.

 

[alpinewhite]

So how do you hook two monitors to one computer? Just through a USB port?

My setup at work uses both the SVGA and DVI output from the laptop.

 

[240swapped]

crazytrain, The "mancave" sign and the Dora 5 yr old bike in the same pic just doesn't jive.

Yes, your children are clearly encroaching... which makes them totally normal.

 

[F-117HWK]

So how do you hook two monitors to one computer? Just through a USB port?

Depends on the computer. Some computers you just can just use a splitter to split the signal to two monitors as long as the video card can support the combined resolution. You do NOT need a video card with 2 outputs.

Others have a video card that has multiple outputs that you send to each monitor. On my personal computer I have one video card running my 30" monitor in the center, then I have a second video card that runs two 24" monitors on either side of the 30". My TV can also be hooked up to the video card with the 30" if I want to run movies or TV shows to that. Once you switch to multiple monitors, you will NEVER go back. Productivity increase is exponential.

 

[Duke]

 

[kfainf]

Good looking work bench and work area Duke. Are those corner brackets store bought or home made? I really like them.

 

[Duke]

Good looking work bench and work area Duke. Are those corner brackets store bought or home made? I really like them.

Thanks! Get the kit at Home Depot - $40