Lets see your workbench

[JakeKohl]

I know! I like how he slightly overbuilds. Nothing wrong with that though. I do the same thing on most projects. WAYYYY overbuild something so it will last 50 years after I'm done with it.

Did someone say overbuilt? I'll have some info on my recent worktable build soon. It has a torsion top (flat to within 1/32" from corner to opposite corner) and a pneumatic lift/caster system for mobility. I'm finishing up some trim on the top and getting the sacrificial top surface on it this weekend. Drawers and doors will come after I get the flooring complete in the garage.

Wheel system complete. by -Team Seacats-

 

[zoomzoomjeff]

Did someone say overbuilt? I'll have some info on my recent worktable build soon. It has a torsion top (flat to within 1/32" from corner to opposite corner) and a pneumatic lift/caster system for mobility. I'm finishing up some trim on the top and getting the sacrificial top surface on it this weekend. Drawers and doors will come after I get the flooring complete in the garage.

Wheel system complete. by -Team Seacats-

Nice quality work to be within that tolerance. Took some time, no doubt.

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Finally built my bench. I was able to build it using a lot of wood that was given to me, mostly the 4x6 posts. Probably overkill, but I figured why not. I still need to mount the overhead light, but it's done for the most part. The only issue is it's stuck in the middle of the garage for now until I can get some help moving it, it's wayyy too heavy for one person to move. I should have built it on some casters. If I add them now, though, I'm afraid of the bench being too tall. I'd also like to enclose the sides of the bench, and am considering adding some doors to cover the storage under the bench.

 

[98TJ]

I've been working on a router table/workbench/storage area. It's on the right next to my Gladiator maple top bench.
https://sphotos-a-lax.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1238955_3497247887197_342203495_n.jpg

 

[Kaasdief]

Man, this is so nice!

 

[upndown]

Mr. Roboto, now that's a workbench! Gonna look even better when you get some of your Favorites hung on the peg board, everything nice and handy. The older I get, the more I enjoy an open front bench, get my legs under it.. like a desk, saves alot of bending forward on my old back.

 

[thoraudio]

98TJ, is that stool made out of crutches and a bicycle wheel?

 

[markag]

What does everything think about cantilevered benches? I have an unfinished garage with exposed studs and bottom sill making the frame and supports very easy to tie in. I assume the lack of outward legs allows for more freedom of motion and storage but please correct me with real world expectations. A CAD image of what I had in mind is attached. Top would be 1 or 2 layers of 3/4 ply with 3 side overhang for clamping.

I've got cantilevered benches all down one wall of my garage. The previous owner of the house put them in, and I haven't changed them. They are kind of ugly, but they seem to be sturdy and effective.

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Mr. Roboto, now that's a workbench! Gonna look even better when you get some of your Favorites hung on the peg board, everything nice and handy. The older I get, the more I enjoy an open front bench, get my legs under it.. like a desk, saves alot of bending forward on my old back.

Thank you! That's actually A good point, I hadn't considered no longer being able to put my feet under the bench if I close it off with a cabinet - I guess that answers that! I usually spent most of my time standing at the bench, but I do sometimes sit down on a stool.

 

[bcrewcaptain@]

what happens when your firehouse is renovating and the kitchen cabinets have got to go?
2 loads with the truck and trailer is what!
Phase one complete for now, the uppers will get mounted over the weekend, then the rest of the fun begins. This is the electrical repair/test/ham radio bench, the grinding/cutting/welding/hammering is separate

 

[98TJ]

98TJ, is that stool made out of crutches and a bicycle wheel?

Yes, two 20" wheels, four crutches, some ply, foam, and old tubes.

It was a college art project. Wife calls it cause and effect.

 

[wrench409]

After 8 months of listing a 'wanted' thread on CL, one guy came up with my drawers! And for a killer price! I now have plenty to mount under my workbench and get all the tools and supplies put away. And these things are stackable. Each drawer can be disassembled and setup in the way I want for better organization.

Basically, they are drawer sets from older office cubicles, made of metal and are the Unigroup / Haworth brand.

Now to find a 12' x 32" butcher block or old bowling alley wood lane for the top! For the right price of course!

 

[wrench409]

I've got cantilevered benches all down one wall of my garage. The previous owner of the house put them in, and I haven't changed them. They are kind of ugly, but they seem to be sturdy and effective.

That's exactly what the old guy who owned my place built. But he used 2 x 6's for the top and all kind of small **** falls into the joints. My plan is to rebuild it and using 3" x 3" angle iron in the same cantilevered fashion. For the top, I'm searching for a used butcher block, bowling alley lane or at least solid wood flat doors sitting atop the iron. Then adding those hanging cubicle file drawers (see previous post) beneath it. I like not having drawer handles sticking out when I work close in and also the small area below is great for storage.

 

[alpinewhite]

After 8 months of listing a 'wanted' thread on CL, one guy came up with my drawers! And for a killer price! I now have plenty to mount under my workbench and get all the tools and supplies put away. And these things are stackable. Each drawer can be disassembled and setup in the way I want for better organization.

Basically, they are drawer sets from older office cubicles, made of metal and are the Unigroup / Haworth brand.

Nice find. Nearly free?

 

[icecactus]

Did someone say overbuilt? I'll have some info on my recent worktable build soon. It has a torsion top (flat to within 1/32" from corner to opposite corner) and a pneumatic lift/caster system for mobility. I'm finishing up some trim on the top and getting the sacrificial top surface on it this weekend. Drawers and doors will come after I get the flooring complete in the garage.

Wheel system complete. by -Team Seacats-

Great looking bench...I would really like to know more about this caster lift system. Did you build it yourself or was it bought somewhere?

Im trying to come up with some lift ideas myself...

 

[wrench409]

Nice find. Nearly free?

He was asking $200 for all four sets. When I told him I can still get new sets for $39.95 at a Dallas office furniture place we settled on $15 per unit. I had to make the long drive but it was worth it to me to get the ones I want. The first three sets I already had were free from an upgrade at work. They sat in my old house for 15 years.

Since these pop up so rarely used, I couldn't pass them up. I spent today getting them ready for when the bench top is complete.

 

[JasonJ]

New bench

Old Bench

I wouldn't call this a garage remodel but more of a wall remodel. I really only have this side of the garage to call 'my own'.

I still have to paint the uppers, source some peg board, source under cabinet lighting, get my steel top ordered and get the drawers organized.

 

[michael pillay]

My workbench:

 

[06ramctd]

Seville from Sam's Club with a riser I got free from work. Good enough for now...

 

[Mr. Roboto]

New bench

Old Bench

I wouldn't call this a garage remodel but more of a wall remodel. I really only have this side of the garage to call 'my own'.

I still have to paint the uppers, source some peg board, source under cabinet lighting, get my steel top ordered and get the drawers organized.

Inquiring minds want to know....what did you blur out

 

[1/2 Cup]

Inquiring minds want to know....what did you blur out

It is not that blurred out, I have got a fair idea, they don't call it a man cave for nothing.

 

[wedge40]

Finally built my bench. I was able to build it using a lot of wood that was given to me, mostly the 4x6 posts. Probably overkill, but I figured why not. I still need to mount the overhead light, but it's done for the most part. The only issue is it's stuck in the middle of the garage for now until I can get some help moving it, it's wayyy too heavy for one person to move. I should have built it on some casters. If I add them now, though, I'm afraid of the bench being too tall. I'd also like to enclose the sides of the bench, and am considering adding some doors to cover the storage under the bench.

I would just lift each end and place furniture dollies under the bench. Move it where you want and remove the dollies.

Wedge

 

[JasonJ]

It is not that blurred out, I have got a fair idea, they don't call it a man cave for nothing.

I am into all things Tiki.

At a Tiki Bar that I frequent, they have occasional live carvings in the bar. The carver decided on particular night to carve a ***** as one of the raffle prizes.

He announced, "For all those people that tell me that they buy tickets for the Tiki raffle and never win ****, this is for you. Who ever buys the most tickets and doesn't win at the end of the night, will win ****... this ****."

So I bought 25 tickets for 50$ but I started thinking.... wait, that is kind of a round number what if someone else buys $50 worth... so I bought one more ticket.

At the end of the night, I beat a girl out by that one ticket..

I guess next time, I will have to buy $56 in tickets.

My girlfriend told me that that thing wasn't going in the house so I told her it will sit on my workbench once I complete it.

 

[Radio Ron w4ron]

My girlfriend told me that that thing wasn't going in the house so I told her it will sit on my workbench once I complete it.

Does your girlfriend own the house, or make the house payments or pay the rent?
If not I'd put the carved ***** any where I wanted, maybe right in the
middle of the dining room table.

 

[Mr. Roboto]

I am into all things Tiki.

At a Tiki Bar that I frequent, they have occasional live carvings in the bar. The carver decided on particular night to carve a ***** as one of the raffle prizes.

He announced, "For all those people that tell me that they buy tickets for the Tiki raffle and never win ****, this is for you. Who ever buys the most tickets and doesn't win at the end of the night, will win ****... this ****."

So I bought 25 tickets for 50$ but I started thinking.... wait, that is kind of a round number what if someone else buys $50 worth... so I bought one more ticket.

At the end of the night, I beat a girl out by that one ticket..

I guess next time, I will have to buy $56 in tickets.

My girlfriend told me that that thing wasn't going in the house so I told her it will sit on my workbench once I complete it.

good story, I'm glad I asked!

 

[JMartel]

Getting closed to being finished with my woodworking bench.

Gotta add the leg vise and the wagon vise.

Then I can get to working on a general purpose workbench.

 

[alpinewhite]

Getting closed to being finished with my woodworking bench.

Gotta add the leg vise and the wagon vise.

Then I can get to working on a general purpose workbench.

Nice. Any reason you used oak instead of maple?

 

[JMartel]

Nice. Any reason you used oak instead of maple?

Cost. I got this oak off of Craigslist for 1/3 the cost of maple. That saves a lot of money when you use this much wood. There's 115 board foot in the pile I bought. I'm just about out of wood.

 

[softailgarage]

I am into all things Tiki.

At a Tiki Bar that I frequent, they have occasional live carvings in the bar. The carver decided on particular night to carve a ***** as one of the raffle prizes.

He announced, "For all those people that tell me that they buy tickets for the Tiki raffle and never win ****, this is for you. Who ever buys the most tickets and doesn't win at the end of the night, will win ****... this ****."

So I bought 25 tickets for 50$ but I started thinking.... wait, that is kind of a round number what if someone else buys $50 worth... so I bought one more ticket.

At the end of the night, I beat a girl out by that one ticket..




I guess next time, I will have to buy $56 in tickets.

My girlfriend told me that that thing wasn't going in the house so I told her it will sit on my workbench once I complete it.

So, are you saying you spent $51.00 for ****?

 

[JasonJ]

$52.

 

[Sixshooter]

Quick pic of mine. Nothing fancy but serves its purpose well. 4"x4" frame and 5'x10'x3/8" top. 42" high. I actually pulled it out this evening for its first coat of paint (except the top of course). School bus yellow. Safety First!

 

[Sixshooter]

...And here is my "mobile workbench". Complete with attack dog!

 

[Dazmatic]

...And here is my "mobile workbench". Complete with attack dog!

I see your workbench has an alarm

 

[ilovevocs]

New bench

Old Bench

I wouldn't call this a garage remodel but more of a wall remodel. I really only have this side of the garage to call 'my own'.

I still have to paint the uppers, source some peg board, source under cabinet lighting, get my steel top ordered and get the drawers organized.

I would put a red opaque stain on those cabinets with a semigloss poly. Did mine black to match my tool box. The opaque stain is easy to apply.

 

[TwzteD]

I finished building my bench last weekend, heres some pictures. next step is paint.

 

[TheClaw]

I finished building my bench last weekend, heres some pictures. next step is paint.

Nice. Probably what I should have done if I started with a clean slate.

Jeff

 

[sayoda]

I figured my 1st post should be in this thread.

Suits my needs perfectly!

 

[archirelic]

I figured my 1st post should be in this thread.

Suits my needs perfectly!

i like that stain on your bench.

 

[wedge40]

How many guys built a bench BEFORE they finished the inside. I need something to work on and figure if done right I can move it with furniture dollies.

Wedge

 

[Vise-Roy]

Finally built my bench. I was able to build it using a lot of wood that was given to me, mostly the 4x6 posts. Probably overkill, but I figured why not. I still need to mount the overhead light, but it's done for the most part. The only issue is it's stuck in the middle of the garage for now until I can get some help moving it, it's wayyy too heavy for one person to move. I should have built it on some casters. If I add them now, though, I'm afraid of the bench being too tall. I'd also like to enclose the sides of the bench, and am considering adding some doors to cover the storage under the bench.

I'm a firm believer that you cannot build a workbench too stout, but you can build one too weak. The heavier it is, the more solid it will be when you hammer your workpiece, twist it, remove bolts, plane it (if you're woodworking), cut it, etc. Sometimes you're chasing your workbench around the shop if it's too light.

There is a workbench in colonial Williamsburg, VA in their vintage woodworking shop that's about 4 feet wide by 10 feet long with a top about 6 inches thick. Must weigh several hundred pounds.