Lets see your workbench

[Maddog10]

Nice bench. Getting ready to reno or replace mine. How did you make the top?

Thanks. I cut a sheet of 3/4" MDF to size, centered it with overhang for clamping, and then screwed that sheet to the frame. Then, for the second layer I just attached it with glue so that I didn't have any visible screw holes showing. After that I just ripped some 2x4's to the width I wanted, mitered the corners, and attached them with glue and brad nails for the trim. Added a few coats of semi-gloss poly to seal from moisture and it was good to go.

If you do a lot of heavy duty work on your bench and think that it will get beat up quickly, I would advise screwing both layers instead of only gluing the top like I did. My top is not easily replaceable, but it's a light duty bench and I think I can get years out of this top before needing something else. At that point I can either make a new top (MDF is cheap), or just screw a 1/8" piece of hardboard over the existing top. For me personally though, I preferred having no visible screws over having an easily replaceable work surface.

 

[-Brent-]

HockeyDave, that top is beautiful!

 

[dnwong]

Here is my workbench for my newly built garage. I got some toolboxes for sale a Lowes a few months back. They are ok for $50 boxes but a little light. I ended up building a workbench around them using 2x4's and attaching cross-bracing with pocket screws (new tool and just wanted to try it out), The top is a low priced countertop from IKEA ($44).

I had some left over PVC boards from my deck and cut the trim boards to wrap the 2x4's under the top and around the edges of the counter surfaces next to the wall. This keeps fluid spills contained.

 

[dittle fart around]

Here's mine. Would love to take full credit but a good buddy had access to a full woodworking shop. This was rough cut red oak that was used in a horse stall.

I wouldn't use that in my garage. I tend to screw things down to the workbench. Your workbench is nicer that my dining room table.

 

[Ty.]

Ty, is heater electric or propane?

propane

 

[DJL1967]

I am getting lots of ideas here for when I build my new shop table. One question though, has anyone used or seen hardwood flooring used as a top? I think with some of the pre finished hardwoods it would make for a nice solid top. Any thoughts on this?

 

[LG63]

I am getting lots of ideas here for when I build my new shop table. One question though, has anyone used or seen hardwood flooring used as a top? I think with some of the pre finished hardwoods it would make for a nice solid top. Any thoughts on this?

No experience with wood flooring but I used some leftover vinyl plank (LVT) over a 3/8" steel top as a temporary top. Worked great, the stuff is very tough. Obviously the steel provided the structural support.

 

[Tinsmith]

Drivesitfar-Thank you for reminding me to list my location. I will eventually upgrade to a steel top later, this was just cheap and cheerful for now. I have not made my mind up as far as a vise goes. been looking at a new Wilton from Princess Auto (Canadian Harbour Freight) but they are $800. The bench is made out of 6’’ c-channel that I picked up from a buddy.

 

[Tinsmith]

I really like how that turned out. The only thing you might want to do yet is round off that corner a little, or at least put something next to it so you don't accidentally stab yourself in the hip. Also, are you planning to paint the frame, or just leave it rawesome? (raw + awesome = rawesome)

LOL. Rawsome is the word for tomorrow, gonna try and fit that into something. Yes I plan to keep it looking Rawsome!

 

[IowaDon]

Here's mine. It was in the shop on the acreage I bought a year ago. It has 4"x4" legs and is stout. The top was three 2"x10" 's laying down. I just added a layer of 3/4" partical board (because it was free), then 1/4" hardboard to 14.5' of it, and a 5' section with a 10 ga. steel plate. I like how it turned out.
The vise is a made in USA Wilton 745.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[Sawdustmaker]

Thanks. I cut a sheet of 3/4" MDF to size, centered it with overhang for clamping, and then screwed that sheet to the frame. Then, for the second layer I just attached it with glue so that I didn't have any visible screw holes showing. After that I just ripped some 2x4's to the width I wanted, mitered the corners, and attached them with glue and brad nails for the trim. Added a few coats of semi-gloss poly to seal from moisture and it was good to go.

If you do a lot of heavy duty work on your bench and think that it will get beat up quickly, I would advise screwing both layers instead of only gluing the top like I did. My top is not easily replaceable, but it's a light duty bench and I think I can get years out of this top before needing something else. At that point I can either make a new top (MDF is cheap), or just screw a 1/8" piece of hardboard over the existing top. For me personally though, I preferred having no visible screws over having an easily replaceable work surface.

Thanks Maddog10.
My existing is not easily replaceable either, and it's my own fault. It is two pieces of 3/4" particle board (it was free) glued together and screwed to the frame. Got really banged up, after reading an article in a woodworking magazine about using left over flooring to cover a beat up bench I glued the left over maple engineered (T&G) flooring I had to the top covering up the screws. It looks great and can be sanded and refinished. Will try to clean it off and get a good picture to post. My reno will be adding new drawers with full extension slides for tool storage. Thanks again.

 

[Sawdustmaker]

I am getting lots of ideas here for when I build my new shop table. One question though, has anyone used or seen hardwood flooring used as a top? I think with some of the pre finished hardwoods it would make for a nice solid top. Any thoughts on this?

Yes, I just recently glued maple engineered flooring that I had left over from doing the family room. It is 1/2" thick and T&G. Glued it down, routed the overhanging material in the front flush with the top (2 pieces of 3/4" particle board-free-glued together screwed to the frame) and trimmed around the edges with 1 by pine. if needed I can sand the top and refinish. Two things, (1) I got the grooves that come with this flooring, but hasn't been a problem, (2) if you ever want to replace the top unscrew it from your frame before gluing dome the flooring and screw through the new top so you can remove it if you need to. I was so stoked to do the job I forgot this step, so it is there to stay. If you don't want the flooring grooves use laminate flooring like Pergo. Hope this helps.

 

[Sawdustmaker]

Is your propane heater on of those that attaches to a tank? I imagine it puts out the heat.

 

[eba3317]

I am getting lots of ideas here for when I build my new shop table. One question though, has anyone used or seen hardwood flooring used as a top? I think with some of the pre finished hardwoods it would make for a nice solid top. Any thoughts on this?

Didn't use it on a workbench but buddy of mine and I built a bar in his basement and used I think it was bamboo hardwood flooring on the top. We put it over a sheet of osb which was on a 2x4 frame. Felt plenty sturdy

 

[Ty.]

Is your propane heater on of those that attaches to a tank? I imagine it puts out the heat.

yes, it runs off of a 100lb cylinder, but I do not really like it. Its a smaller 40 or 45000 btu model so it is not that powerful compared to some of the larger models, and it makes to shop to wet because of all the moisture burning propane puts off. I will more than likely get a ceiling mount modine or similar heater in the next few years, but I do not keep my garage heated all the time so this is an okay option for now when I want to work on something. it is also great for thawing out the snowblower when it freezes up.

 

[MarlynOC]

Thanks Ty, been thinking about one.

 

[DJL1967]

I am getting lots of ideas here for when I build my new shop table. One question though, has anyone used or seen hardwood flooring used as a top? I think with some of the pre finished hardwoods it would make for a nice solid top. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks Sawdust and eba, much appreciated.

 

[jimreed2160]

I added this 46" Husky mobile workbench to the corner of my shop. It will be used to hold woodworking supplies like sandpaper, dremel tools, and drill bits. The top was a little puny and the poured ledge on my garage floor kept the bench away from the wall.

So I upgraded it by adding a larger top made out of 2x6 construction lumber along with a backsplash to keep stuff from rolling off into deep space.

I finished it and attached it tonight.

I am liking the upgrade already.

 

[Sawdustmaker]

Pic of the maple flooring I used on the top of my workbench. Pushed some of the junk aside so I could get the pic.

 

[Sawdustmaker]

OK, here is mine at the present time. be aware I'm right in the middle of two major projects and things are a mess. Eight feet long, 24" wide with a 2x back splash, 2x4 frame, particle board top (2 3/4" pieces glued together--free) with engineered maple flooring over the particle board. Future upgrade is 3 banks of drawers to replace the older smaller drawers for better and more efficient tool storage. 1940 Craftsman Drill Press at far end.

 

[DJL1967]

Thanks Sawdustmaker. Looks great. Definitely a consideration for me when I build mine. Thanks for taking the time to get a pic.

 

[jimreed2160]

Workbench and MiniMe

I saw this little workbench top and just had to introduce it to my Ulmia bench. They look like twins.

The top is beech. There is a tool tray along with a tail and shoulder vise. It came with a single dog.

It is uncanny. Even the details look similar. Look at the vise dynamic corner details.

The breadboard end is attached with a sliding dovetail.

There are clamps that fit slots in the base so you can attach the bench for use.

So I attached it to a scrap 2x6 held by big brother.

And made some curlies.

Here is my homemade peg/dog.

The real dogs don't look too complicated.

Looks like I need to make a pair of dogs and put this little guy to work.

 

[Jshape]

New member - first post. Here is mine. Based on plans from Home Handyman I found online. Works very well.

 

[BigT69]

New member - first post. Here is mine. Based on plans from Home Handyman I found online. Works very well.

Looks nice!

 

[Colin Len]

New member - first post. Here is mine. Based on plans from Home Handyman I found online. Works very well.

Very nice - simple and practical but nicely executed!

 

[Pitalplace]

This is my grandfathers bench. I got it out of his shop before it was torn down and installed it in my shop about 10 yrs ago. Some of the doors were missing so I didn't install them. I used the three I had in my woodworking shop. With this cold weather I decided to build new doors that matched the originals. Installed today and some organizing the stuff behind the doors.

 

[smalltown]

This is my grandfathers bench. I got it out of his shop before it was torn down and installed it in my shop about 10 yrs ago. Some of the doors were missing so I didn't install them. I used the three I had in my woodworking shop. With this cold weather I decided to build new doors that matched the originals. Installed today and some organizing the stuff behind the doors.

A very important workbench indeed. I'll bet you often think of your Grandfather when you use the workbench.

 

[-Brent-]

This is my grandfathers bench. I got it out of his shop before it was torn down and installed it in my shop about 10 yrs ago.

...

That's awesome. The only thing I have from my grandfather's shop are two letters from his business name and those were handed down to me because I'm a lot like him, so I hear. I would've loved to see his shop and tools and such.

You're lucky to have it. Nice job on fixing it up.

 

[isb cornbinder]

My work-bench is hydraulically raised and lowered. The height is as low as 4 inches and tops out at 40 inches. I built a floating caliper wheel clamp to hold my motorcycle front wheel. The dimensions are 36 inches by 96 inches.
I have interchangeable tops that cover the diamond-plate top. Two are flat steel sheet for metal work and one is plywood which can be flipped for the carpeted other side.
The 12 volt power wheeled unit has remote control, built in battery charger, retractable cord, booster cable connection, and a hydraulic disconnect fitting.
I added an adjustable check valve for speed control on the lowering the table.
The cut-off pieces were welded together and became a ramp for loading my motorcycle.
The lift table can raise about 1500 pounds comfortably but I do not exceed 1000 pounds. We use the lift table to unload our trucks.
One end of the table has four casters on two walking-beams to allow for turning in the length of the table. The other end is set up to accommodate an easy lift and move handle that looks like an inverted fifth-wheel.

 

[Sawdustmaker]

Thanks Sawdustmaker. Looks great. Definitely a consideration for me when I build mine. Thanks for taking the time to get a pic.

Thanks. Good luck with your build.

 

[Pitalplace]

Yes this bench brings back lots of memories. I thank God that I had a thing for both of my grandfathers stuff, shops and old machinery from a very young age. I have several things from both and also my father.

The first picture is of the large Columbia vice that my grandfather bought and was out side of my dads first shop. It was mounted on an old tree stump for at least 50 yrs.
The second is my grandfather's (on mother's side). This vise was in an old wooden box car that was his shop.
The third is of the drill press's that belonged to the grandfathers. The red one is from the box car and was mounted on the outside by the door. It was all froze up and took several months to restore.
The blue one was in my dad's shop and was my grandfathers. This is what I used to drill holes with until I was old enough to use dads big old Craftsman 1/2 horse of a drill. I restored both of these post drills in the 1980's along with the blue vise. I got the large vise when my dad pasted in 2005.

 

[AMCguy]

isb cornbinder,

Thanks for the additional pictures and description. Your lift is almost exactly what I've been planning in my head.

 

[Scotta1575]

Still need to finish the dust collection system.View media item 68247http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=5516&pictureid=68249
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=5516&pictureid=68250

 

[rzims]

New member here. Nothing as fancy as some of the cool benches on here.

This came with the house although I've painted it, added drawers, small parts storage rack and the pegboard above it. (also added the hop-infused beverage storage device)

 

[Johnny Generic]

Is it that you have a work bench in your living room or a fire place in you work shop?

 

[ptgarcia]

New member here. Nothing as fancy as some of the cool benches on here.

This came with the house although I've painted it, added drawers, small parts storage rack and the pegboard above it. (also added the hop-infused beverage storage device)

Can you tell us about those steel cabinets on either side of your bench? I haven't seen anything like those, before.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Is it that you have a work bench in your living room or a fire place in you work shop?

lol, that's what I was thinking.... Wish my garage had a fireplace.

 

[Sticks McGee]

Workbench and MiniMe

I saw this little workbench top and just had to introduce it to my Ulmia bench. They look like twins.

The top is beech. There is a tool tray along with a tail and shoulder vise. It came with a single dog.

It is uncanny. Even the details look similar. Look at the vise dynamic corner details.

The breadboard end is attached with a sliding dovetail.

There are clamps that fit slots in the base so you can attach the bench for use.

So I attached it to a scrap 2x6 held by big brother.

And made some curlies.

Here is my homemade peg/dog.

The real dogs don't look too complicated.

Looks like I need to make a pair of dogs and put this little guy to work.

Very very nice!

 

[RagTopTA]

My work-bench is hydraulically raised and lowered. The height is as low as 4 inches and tops out at 40 inches. I built a floating caliper wheel clamp to hold my motorcycle front wheel. The dimensions are 36 inches by 96 inches.
I have interchangeable tops that cover the diamond-plate top. Two are flat steel sheet for metal work and one is plywood which can be flipped for the carpeted other side.
The 12 volt power wheeled unit has remote control, built in battery charger, retractable cord, booster cable connection, and a hydraulic disconnect fitting.
I added an adjustable check valve for speed control on the lowering the table.
The cut-off pieces were welded together and became a ramp for loading my motorcycle.
The lift table can raise about 1500 pounds comfortably but I do not exceed 1000 pounds. We use the lift table to unload our trucks.
One end of the table has four casters on two walking-beams to allow for turning in the length of the table. The other end is set up to accommodate an easy lift and move handle that looks like an inverted fifth-wheel.

I like it!! I also have a lift table in my garage. Love it so many uses. 1500 lbs rated

 

[hubbell]

my work bench is a bit hard to see back there but it has 3 layers of plywood under it and the top itself is 1/8 steel i believe which was bent and cut down to fit so now its a solid piece that spans the entire bench.