Lets see your workbench

[jeffmoss26]

Yes that is a key machine, I'm not a locksmith - just a collector/hobbyist.

 

[jesse72]

My build.
Harbor Freight Box
Simpson Strong Ties & 4x4 posts
4x4 posts
2x4 cross beams
3/4 finished plywood top and shelf
1x2 pine edging on top
Minwax Polyshades Antique Walnut Stain
36" height 24" depth 15' length

Nice work that turned out really good! The stain makes such a good looking finished product too

 

[bagged89s10]

Here is the workbench in my dad's garage which I built about 10 years ago when I lived there. I've been helping my dad clean out and organize his garage the last 2 nights after work so I snapped a pic.



Made of 2x4s and 2x8s left over from an addition and deck my dad had built.

The top is made of 3 2x8s to make an 22" deep bench. Then topped with 3/4" plywood. The garage footing sticks out about 5 inches or so wide and is the same height as the workbench so it's really about a 27"-28" deep bench. I used Coleman cabinets built into and bolted to the bottom right of the bench. The left has 2 shelves.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

Thinking about picking up these 50s era metal kitchen cabinets for a work bench. The guy wants $30 for them. Do You guys think they'd be worth working with, or should I hold out for something else?

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[rodsnratfinks]

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[rodsnratfinks]

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[thebigdaddyo]

If they are close to Pasadena, no, they look horrible and I'll be a good guy and pick them up and dispose of them for you...

 

[rodsnratfinks]

Nope I'm about five hours away. They aren't in great shape cosmetically, but have little rust. The top needs replaced and the two doors have been missing for a long time. They look a bit like Youngstown brand. They would match my 53 home pretty well. I think a new top, some cleanup and buffing, and a new top should about do it.

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[mdbeck1]

Thinking about picking up these 50s era metal kitchen cabinets for a work bench. The guy wants $30 for them. Do You guys think they'd be worth working with, or should I hold out for something else?

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$30 is a good price for metal cabinets. Right before Christmas last year I picked up enough for one side of the garage and the wood shop (thanks Fyrme). I also picked up some stainless steel tops. I spent the next several months installing them. I'm still trying to get everything put away.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

Thanks. The friend who helped me pick them up just now is judging pretty hard. They are pretty ugly, but now I have a work bench.

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[mdbeck1]

Thanks. The friend who helped me pick them up just now is judging pretty hard. They are pretty ugly, but now I have a work bench.

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Since they are metal you have a few options that you don't have with wood.
1. Pick up some automotive polishing compound and try a small spot. You might get lucky and they shine up real good. However if you use a motorized tool (like a buffer) you need to not stay on one spot very long since you might burn through the paint.
2. Repaint. It's popular to customize them in YOUR signature color. I considered doing that but would have been several weeks later getting mine installed.

...and always remember that they are YOUR cabinets. For the most part you are the only one that has to look at them. If you want them dirty, dusty, and rusty that's your choice.

 

[W.A.M.]

All,

Here are a few benches I have been installing into a shop I am building for myself. The tool bench is deeply influenced by contributions from this very thread. You will see some familiar themes in the fab table as well.

The tool bench is 35' long and about 28" deep. The slab was poured to accommodate the footprint and provides a dry base for the chests. The frames are 1/4" x 2-1/2" square stock and the surface is 3/4" plate.

The construction of the fab table is similar, but it features a full 1" surface and threaded rods for critical leveling. It is 25' long and 4' wide, or just about my ability to easily reach from one side to the other... There is still quite a bit of work to do on both of these to complete the details. Air, power, tool rests, back splash etc.

If anybody is interested is some of the fab images, there is a more complete library here: https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B03G6XBubGsK2Ng

Great forum, and many thanks to those that have contributed here and provided inspiration.

-WAM

 

[W.A.M.]

Well, that's not gone well. Upside down and missing images... Hum.. Perhaps while I figure that out, those interested can review via the link...

-WAM

 

[dcmus]

Veery cool even if it is on the ceiling

 

[kaymccampbell]

What will you be building on those benches? Their massive build has piqued my curiosity.

 

[hughfree]

All,

Here are a few benches I have been installing into a shop I am building for myself. The tool bench is deeply influenced by contributions from this very thread. You will see some familiar themes in the fab table as well.

The tool bench is 35' long and about 28" deep. The slab was poured to accommodate the footprint and provides a dry base for the chests. The frames are 1/4" x 2-1/2" square stock and the surface is 3/4" plate.

The construction of the fab table is similar, but it features a full 1" surface and threaded rods for critical leveling. It is 25' long and 4' wide, or just about my ability to easily reach from one side to the other... There is still quite a bit of work to do on both of these to complete the details. Air, power, tool rests, back splash etc.

If anybody is interested is some of the fab images, there is a more complete library here: https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B03G6XBubGsK2Ng

Great forum, and many thanks to those that have contributed here and provided inspiration.

-WAM

Alright....I give up....you win! That is a beast of a shop. Are you building a commercial repair shop or do you have a race team? You won me over when I saw the flat six!!!!

 

[W.A.M.]

With regards to what I will be fabricating, I wish I had an exotic answer. I don't.
In reality, my day job has me developing complex algorithms that are used in evidence based health care. I have always wanted a place to pursue my need to tinker at scale, and finally I am building it.

The facility itself has been a bit neglected, so I am working quite a bit on building related rehab. New roof, reconfiguring the layout, etc. As was observed, I also dabble in very very very grass roots racing. It's a bug that has bitten me hard. In addition to a small collection of street cars, I have some track cars, and now house and maintain a few BMW E30's as well that my race teammates and I campaign across the country. The children of Zuffenhausen are my first love, but hay... the BMW's are kinder on the budget when endurance racing.

All and all, this shop will be a place for me to house a few machine tools that I am woefully under qualified to use, my car collection, and the race assets. It's not a commercial venture, just a personal indulgence.

-WAM


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[2barevo]

where did you get the top from? looks great.

Here's mine that I slapped together last night so I could have some more useful space around my HF 44" box.

 

[hughfree]

With regards to what I will be fabricating, I wish I had an exotic answer. I don't.
In reality, my day job has me developing complex algorithms that are used in evidence based health care. I have always wanted a place to pursue my need to tinker at scale, and finally I am building it.

The facility itself has been a bit neglected, so I am working quite a bit on building related rehab. New roof, reconfiguring the layout, etc. As was observed, I also dabble in very very very grass roots racing. It's a bug that has bitten me hard. In addition to a small collection of street cars, I have some track cars, and now house and maintain a few BMW E30's as well that my race teammates and I campaign across the country. The children of Zuffenhausen are my first love, but hay... the BMW's are kinder on the budget when endurance racing.

All and all, this shop will be a place for me to house a few machine tools that I am woefully under qualified to use, my car collection, and the race assets. It's not a commercial venture, just a personal indulgence.

-WAM


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Do you need an older son? I can be adopted!

 

[ttimpe]

My build.
Harbor Freight Box
Simpson Strong Ties & 4x4 posts
4x4 posts
2x4 cross beams
3/4 finished plywood top and shelf
1x2 pine edging on top
Minwax Polyshades Antique Walnut Stain
36" height 24" depth 15' length

Awesome job!!

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[GT350Mike]

Well, that's not gone well. Upside down and missing images... Hum.. Perhaps while I figure that out, those interested can review via the link...

-WAM

I've run into a similar problem whenever I've posted a photo from my iPhone....just my .02 worth.

 

[LayneSA]

Restoration project . Found original workbench at habitat for humanity for $50.

 

[dcmus]

Restoration project . Found original workbench at habitat for humanity for $50.

Very nice

 

[bagged89s10]

Restoration project . Found original workbench at habitat for humanity for $50.

That's nice. Good find and good work on the restore!

 

[thoraudio]

Here's one my son and I built for his room.

 

[bagged89s10]

Here's one my son and I built for his room.

That's a really good idea. I like it and am going to keep that in mind for when my son gets a little older.

 

[wes73]

Just made my 3rd workbench which now completes the set. All are on casters and can be moved and psotioned to create various size work surfaces.
from 3'x16' to 6'x8'.

 

[timbitca]

Here's the workbench built by one of the previous PO's of my place. I asume the top was once level but with the footing on that side breaking and the wall slipping off it probably tilted to what it looks like now.

Once I have the wall situation fixed I'll work on the bench a little, I'm thinking I'll keep the bones of it the same, seeing as it works and just replace the top, it's made of presswood and keeps on grabbing to your clothes whenever you touch it.

The little bit of workbench space between the main bench and the shelving unit will also disapear. I'll probably put my table saw under the window there, and my toolbox where the shelving unit currently is. Shelves will be moved to the opposite corner from the bench.

 

[cjandrews22]

My Mopar Garage

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[dcooper830]

Just put mine together about a month ago... after having lived here for 5 and half years.

This garage is pure heaven for me!!

 

[nicklouse10]

Here's my attempt at a frameless style work bench/tool storage. Not entirely finished but the fronts will be painted blue (hoping for a high gloss finish to mimic metal tool chest). Also building upper cabinets to match. More pictures when its done. 8' wide 40" tall 22" deep. This is my first build of any kind. Never even tried my hand at a birdhouse. Kreg jig is where it's at.

these look absolutely superb! top work
do you have a build thread for them? I'd love to see more

 

[bobcatdan]

My main benches. First one is my main spot for "bench" work. I've posted it in the past when it was still in my Grandfather's shop. Pa hung it up last year and his bench is now mine. Behind it against the wall in my back bench. I use that bench for vise work or to lay tools or parts out of the way when working on the main bench. I doubt the back bench is going anywhere, all six legs are bolted to the floor.

 

[OJ Bartley]

Just put mine together about a month ago... after having lived here for 5 and half years.

Legs in Tupperware containers... does it help to seal in the freshness?

Just kidding. Is it a winter thing, or do you get regular water in there? I was considering coating the bottom 6" or so with Plasti-Dip or something when I build mine.

 

[richeyc2000]

My main benches. First one is my main spot for "bench" work. I've posted it in the past when it was still in my Grandfather's shop. Pa hung it up last year and his bench is now mine. Behind it against the wall in my back bench. I use that bench for vise work or to lay tools or parts out of the way when working on the main bench. I doubt the back bench is going anywhere, all six legs are bolted to the floor.

Hi BCD,
Love that bench. Do you have a link to more images of it?
Really clever idea being able to drop it down like that.


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[MikeyJ2015]

Just made my 3rd workbench which now completes the set. All are on casters and can be moved and psotioned to create various size work surfaces.
from 3'x16' to 6'x8'.

Wow, terrific set of workbenches. They look great and super functional. Did you design them? Are those HF casters?

 

[Mowerguy140]

Finally put my free cabinets/countertops together

 

[dcooper830]

Legs in Tupperware containers... does it help to seal in the freshness? [emoji38]_hitti

Just kidding. Is it a winter thing, or do you get regular water in there? I was considering coating the bottom 6" or so with Plasti-Dip or something when I build mine.

Yes it's a winter thing. When I pull my vehicle in there and it's covered with salt and snow it accumulates pretty bad... I destroyed the legs of a metal shelf that way lol!

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[dcmus]

Finally put my free cabinets/countertops together

I like it!

 

[bobcatdan]

Hi BCD,
Love that bench. Do you have a link to more images of it?
Really clever idea being able to drop it down like that.


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I snapped a few more pictures. Got a picture of the socket cubbies. I keep go to 1/4" and 3/8" sockets nice and handy. In the same picture you can see the foot pump that raises the bench. When fully raised, the top is just over center so it can't really settle. To lower it while pushing the release pedal, the top needs a slight push to go. There is a little built in trash bucket which makes bench clean up quick. Last picture shows the holding rod for propping push mowers up to get to the underside. The quick history of the bench, my Grandfather built it in the 50's. Story goes he saw in add for one in a trade magazine and wrote for info. He was sent directions on how to build one, not exactly what he expected. Pretty much made out of scrap iron, the pump and cylinder came out of the junk yard too. I really lucked out getting. When Pa said he was having an auction, I told him I wanted it. He didn't really want to give it to me, but as the date grew closer, he agreed. Even thou it was suppose to be omitted from the auction, it accidentally got sold. Pa got the the guy to agree to sell it back for the $400 it brought. It now the center piece of my shop. One last picture, the bench in Pa's shop.

 

[BikerDad]

This is a great idea. I have a similar idea to refinish and older bench I have. It currently has a 2" thick particle board top with a poor quality laminate type material covering it. I have a good selection of 5" wide hickory flooring leftover from my house project that I'd like to cover it with. I thought about glueing and nailing it down, then putting several coats of clear to finish it.

For those with wood tops with a clear finish on them, is there any brand or type of finish that I should use that is impervious to basic garage type chemicals. As in accidental carb clean, brake clean, gas, diesel, etc?

I would suggest that if you're going to nail it down, think long and hard about where you put the nails. Any fasteners in a workbench top that are exposed to the TOP of the workbench present a risk to edged tools. Simply put, you don't want to be working with a chisel or drill and inadvertently drive it into a nail or screwhead.