Lets see your workbench

[Flexia]

I've seen these same make benches (they have big boxes, too) advertised at a commercial equipment auction out here. They had a bunch of them out on the lot, all wrapped in plastic. Unfortunately, that's all I know.

What are they asking for them?

They are asking 1500. And the guy I talked to has them shipped in. It would be awesome if you could look closer at them one day.

I was planning on doing a steve-o bench with 2 hb44 box's so by the time I get all the material il be close to the money of the China bench. Plus it saves me a lot of time for my other projects laying I'm the garage.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Flexia, The last time I went to an auction they had some of the work benches, I was watching another part of the auction when they sold them.

 

[racerex]

Wow! That is awesome, nice job and that bench will still be standing after any natural disaster! I may have to copy that design if you don't mind.

Feel free to do so. I based my design off of JMARkWOLF's (post #1918) workbench. I'm into the workbench for around $200. I'll post pics of the painted workbench, once I get it in place.

 

[RagTopTA]

In the process of turning my enclosed garage BACK into a Garage... heres the start of my work bench. 2'x16'. Not near done yet. Some bracing, painting, maybe rubber or stainless (or both) tops. and mount a vise or two. Its a start.

 

[ALWX65]

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Great Idea

 

[drivesitfar]

72Highboy: any chance you might be able to tell me (us) where you can buy those cool stops for your bench?

ALW: love your house in your Avatar and i also like those stops too.

RAG: keep up the great work.

Flex: sorry i haven't seen those at auctions or for sale, but it's doesn't have the vintage look so probably even if they were a great deal i wouldn't buy them.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

72Highboy: any chance you might be able to tell me (us) where you can buy those cool stops for your bench?

I had the same thought. Would love those for my bench!

 

[holyroller1]

I just built my 16' bench. Not completely finished yet but already using it, as you can see

Nothing like some of the amazing!!! benches in this thread but it should serve me well. Once I get the bottom panels secure and the hardboard top it will be much more functional.

You can also see my cheap plastic shelves which work very well BTW. They are currently a mess and not organized. That will be the "next" phase of the project.

 

[az45]

These are repurposed bases alignment machine computers, the tops are anodized machined aluminum that I bought 6 of off of CL for 40 bucks each.

They work great, all on wheels with storage. I can line them up for a long bench or move them around the shop. I have a couple set up for different purposes, pictured is the one for air tools.

 

[72highboy]

I had the same thought. Would love those for my bench!

Drives,
I'm not exactly sure where those came from. They were old stock from the old shop. A pretty good guess would be McMaster Carr though, something close to 2478T62. Not cheap [emoji15] , I would shop around, McMaster calls them 'floor locks'

Cheers

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[GLTHFJ60]

Drives,
I'm not exactly sure where those came from. They were old stock from the old shop. A pretty good guess would be McMaster Carr though, something close to 2478T62. Not cheap [emoji15] , I would shop around, McMaster calls them 'floor locks'

Cheers

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Gotcha, thank you Looks like this page:

https://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/122/1369/=14vpi52

Not load rated though, only designed to stop movement. How well do they work for you just keeping the welding table still?

 

[72highboy]

So far I've wheeled it out and has a couple lighter duty jobs, with all four locks down its very steady. The non existent list load rating worried me at first, but now I'm not really worried about it, they seem pretty solid. I'm still going to put a steel top on and probably two vises and a grinder and maybe a 3 ton arbor press. Will see how they hold up

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[drivesitfar]

AZ: those carts look and probably work great.

72: thanks for the heads up. i was thinking of doing this option so i could have a bench that rolls and then sets down on it's legs. since you mention the stops might be spendy i might stick with my original solution. this steel bench was on the cover of GJ a few years ago, but i still like it and i think i have all the materials so just need to weld it up. i don't weld yet, but if i can get my neighbor off his new motorcycle long enough to weld it for me i'm in business.

cheers

 

[PhantomEB]

Definitely be looking into floor locks now for my mobile steel table.

Got some little things to tackle in the shop then start ripping up plywood for my built in bench.

 

[-Brent-]

Here's my nearly completed small but tall workbench. It's built with 24" pallet racking uprights with narrowed beams. It came out taller than I had planned but I am going to leave it, for now. It needs a little more TLC but it's getting there.

 

[drivesitfar]

Brent: i'm sure you'll figure out how to fill in the spaces nicely.

ALL: i liked the look of this little wood table and as some of you know i might have a little vice for vises, but i'm hearing it was made in the early 1900's prior to 1920's. that said i was planning on using it outside to hold my miter saw while i build a cedar fence and repair my deck. i've got a spot for it in my 10x15 garage, but i need to move some heavy cabinets an inch to make it fit. wish me luck.

the holes in the bottom 2x4's actually have square headed nuts in them and there are square headed bolts holding the bench together. it also has this cool old vise and sloted screws holding some brackets and other parts of bench together. i'm starting a thread on it in vintage tools cause of the age and function and heard it was a sort of standard type of table made when wood was our best option for making stuff.

 

[-Brent-]

Brent: i'm sure you'll figure out how to fill in the spaces nicely.

The space on the right is where I am going to keep my rr track anvil.

The idea for this bench was to make it small enough that I am forced to keep it clean/useable. A day in and I LOVE the smaller footprint. The more I keep the vise set on the right the more I feel comfortable with it. I am going to sit it over on the left and see it I like it there but I have a feeling the right side is going to be its home.

The hardware storage in the file drawers is probably one of the smarter features of my shop. I like a neat, easily accessed storage area. I have had everything from cans and jars to organizer cases, this seems to be the best fit for me.

 

[-Brent-]

Also, Drives, I really dig that bench of yours..

 

[cheechi]

Here's my nearly completed small but tall workbench. It's built with 24" pallet racking uprights with narrowed beams. It came out taller than I had planned but I am going to leave it, for now. It needs a little more TLC but it's getting there.

I did something similar framing a 2 drawer file cabinet with leftover casters from an old toolbox. It's too tall for me to put a power tool on, the original plan. but it's perfect for my friend to work and have a movable surface so I have left it.

I really like the use of the card file or whatever that is. But have you considered just putting it on wheels or feet separate from the work bench?

 

[-Brent-]

I did something similar framing a 2 drawer file cabinet with leftover casters from an old toolbox. It's too tall for me to put a power tool on, the original plan. but it's perfect for my friend to work and have a movable surface so I have left it.

I really like the use of the card file or whatever that is. But have you considered just putting it on wheels or feet separate from the work bench?

The height I'm really liking. It's nearly an inch taller than my last bench and it's noticeable, but I think it's going to work well for me.

Actually, I have planned the hardware storage this way from the beginning, when I was planning a new bench. I'm looking to maximize the space in my shop and this set-up killed two birds with one stone.

I'm limited to using the area along two walls because one of the walls (the south wall) is close to the edge of the garage door. Obviously, the 4th wall has the 16' garage door. So, everything needs to have a spot or it doesn't stay. That was also a big reason for the combo of the two. And, I actually really like the look of it. The space to the right of the card files is the perfect spot for my rr track anvil.

 

[Sticks McGee]

I just built my 16' bench. Not completely finished yet but already using it, as you can see

Nothing like some of the amazing!!! benches in this thread but it should serve me well. Once I get the bottom panels secure and the hardboard top it will be much more functional.

You can also see my cheap plastic shelves which work very well BTW. They are currently a mess and not organized. That will be the "next" phase of the project.

I dig that. What is your top made from?

 

[doorfx]

AZ: those carts look and probably work great.



72: thanks for the heads up. i was thinking of doing this option so i could have a bench that rolls and then sets down on it's legs. since you mention the stops might be spendy i might stick with my original solution. this steel bench was on the cover of GJ a few years ago, but i still like it and i think i have all the materials so just need to weld it up. i don't weld yet, but if i can get my neighbor off his new motorcycle long enough to weld it for me i'm in business.



cheers

I did something similar a few years ago but I used an air ram instead of hydraulic jacks. Hook up the compressor and away you you go.

 

[Project_shadow]

My 16' bench...I cleaned the garage out this weekend so it's still needing organized, I'm going to build a 5' engine assembly bench next to my parts cleaner as well
I also need a good place for my vice and grinder, I will also be getting a drill press, I wonder if I should build another bench just for all of those?






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[vonhef]

A few pics of a bench I built:

 

[drivesitfar]

Von: is your bench ALWAYS that clean? i have FSD (flat surface disease) so i rarely see the top of my benches. very well done and looks like a great place to work.

DoorFX: any pics of that bench you owned with the hydraulics to post please do if you have time? also have you made your 18 foot steel bench top yet?

Shadow: looks like you have a few projects already going so maybe post up another picture once you get your vises and grinder bolted down and your engine put back together. good luck

 

[vonhef]

Von: is your bench ALWAYS that clean? i have FSD (flat surface disease) so i rarely see the top of my benches. very well done and looks like a great place to work.

LOL... I know what your saying. This work bench is in the office of my shop, so I try to keep it clean and usable. In the shop I also have a stainless bench and a welding bench that tend to get cluttered.

 

[LostBoy(IRL)]

Parts of the workbench are very old, parts very new. Kitchen cabinets upcycled from a mates house, work top was a damaged kitchen counter bought cheap.
The heavy duty portion is more than likely over fifty years old, came from government department that closed down over twenty years back(rescued by my uncle, used by my grandfather for twenty years before it came to me on this death). The shelving unit was skip rescued from a supermarket(rescued by a different uncle). It's not in great condition at this stage, it's too deep for the size of the shelves, but storage boxes makes it very useable.

 

[Bob Heine]

My 16' bench...I cleaned the garage out this weekend so it's still needing organized, I'm going to build a 5' engine assembly bench next to my parts cleaner as well
I also need a good place for my vice and grinder, I will also be getting a drill press, I wonder if I should build another bench just for all of those?

I would keep the bench grinder as far from the engine assembly bench as possible.

 

[iagsxr]

Finished this this weekend

 

[bagged89s10]

A few pics of a bench I built:

That's a beauty! Nice work on that bench.

 

[Project_shadow]

Von: is your bench ALWAYS that clean? i have FSD (flat surface disease) so i rarely see the top of my benches. very well done and looks like a great place to work.



DoorFX: any pics of that bench you owned with the hydraulics to post please do if you have time? also have you made your 18 foot steel bench top yet?



Shadow: looks like you have a few projects already going so maybe post up another picture once you get your vises and grinder bolted down and your engine put back together. good luck

I always have projects, there's a 350 torn apart across from my solvent tank, the one on the bench is a 454 block, I'll never not have projects lol


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[cheechi]

Brent
I get it. Originally I read it as you being unhappy it was so tall. In either case I do like it, kind of wish I could use it but at 5'3 it's not likely.

 

[doorfx]

Von: is your bench ALWAYS that clean? i have FSD (flat surface disease) so i rarely see the top of my benches. very well done and looks like a great place to work.



DoorFX: any pics of that bench you owned with the hydraulics to post please do if you have time? also have you made your 18 foot steel bench top yet?



Shadow: looks like you have a few projects already going so maybe post up another picture once you get your vises and grinder bolted down and your engine put back together. good luck

I don't have any pics sorry !! I get my steel tomorrow morning !! I'll post pics.

 

[Keptin Lapun]

Thanks, Scuderia, Darkzero. Honestly, it is just red cabinets in a white box. But I'm glad you like the shop.

PECVVD2, I bought that Wilton vice new in about 1980! I remember the hardware I ordered it from delivered one that was slightly damaged, so I rejected it. They came back the day after to deliver this one, which was very nice. I bet there are a lot of new old stock Wiltons in hardwares in downtown Manila. And the hardwares still deliver!

Andy

Hi all--I note this is a very old thread, but anyway..I have just joined (via pintrest) and as we are building a new (dream I hope ) garage , I got onto this site for ideas. Awesome to say the least!!

Abstamaria--great garage/workshop!! can you tell me what brand that car hoist(s) is and where you got them?--what height is the column?, and do you consider therm to be better or worse than a standard 2 post clear floor fixed hoist??they look to be quite portable,which is a great idea .I cannot find anything similar on internet ATM.
Will post new garage pics when its built and fitted out

 

[doorfx]

Got my steel today ! One coat of boiled linseed oil on the bottom.

First piece

Final position



Still have to screw it down and trim out the cabinet bases but it's coming!!
Should I leave the steel as is with minor surface rust or sand with 180-220 and clear coat it or................ any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[jimgood]

I wouldn't clear coat it if you want to use it. I'd use something like Boeshield T-9 or Sharkhide. Some say WD-40. Whatever. Just retreat periodically. Spray on, wipe off.

 

[drivesitfar]

Doorfx: is your garage/shop heated? if not you could wait until next summer and lightly sand off the surface rust and put on a coat or two of BLO. it could use a little warm weather or heat to firm up otherwise it can kinda be a little sticky. i'd personally rather have a little surface rust and maybe buy a rubber gym mat and put down some rubber on the areas where you are working on projects that you don't need them to be on steel.

JG: has some good options and i've used WD 40 on steel benches and gym weight plates, but it dries up pretty quick so you might have to reapply monthly. i was going to buy and try Fluid Film last year and ended up using BLO first and i like it so hadn't tried the other options. do a test of the BLO cause if too hot or too cold it has different textures.

looks great BTW.

 

[Flexia]

Doorfx I wouldn't screw it down either. It should stay just fine with some silicone caulk under it.

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[doorfx]

Thanks guys great ideas!!
Yes I have heat.

 

[cheechi]

My 16' bench...I cleaned the garage out this weekend so it's still needing organized, I'm going to build a 5' engine assembly bench next to my parts cleaner as well
I also need a good place for my vice and grinder, I will also be getting a drill press, I wonder if I should build another bench just for all of those?

Sometimes big photos obscure any words you put above them. When I first looked I missed that you had said anything. Not a complaint, big photos are always better.

Anyways, when I first saw the photos I was going to ask how do you like the vise in the corner. The bench looks like the left half was built after the right, and the vise may not have been in the corner until the rest of it was built. Just an odd thing I thought when I was looking through.

If it was me, I'd put the vise to the left of where the block is there and keep the grinder where it is. I'm a lefty, that may not be ideal for you.