My first workbench!

[MechanicforLife]

Not to brag just wanted to show off my new toy/ money maker
It's a 8ft.(l) x 3ft.(w) x 42in.''(h) workbench
Top layer is 3/4 and the bottom is 7/16 map board the project got a little bit too expensive ($160) or so. I settled for something less for the bottom. I bolted it up with lagscrews and machine bolts and washers/nuts but its not finished yet. The 3rd picture where the tool box is , thats where I wanna bolt my vise up .

I also wanted to add some final touches to it, the project went great took me two afternoons to complete but it just seems a little bit naked or just kind of plain. I dont have a garage I do have a 40' bin I put this chunk in. Let me know what you dudes think.



Tom
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RC149

 

[nissan_crawler]

looks good, but I would strongly consider skinning it with 1/4" plywood or so. When it gets beat to hell, you can just pull it off and screw a new sheet on, and not be buying 3/4" material. I did a bench that way, and sandwiched a sheet of plastic between the two. It keeps fluids that may spill from ruining the main material.

Edit: Also, personal preference, but I prefer putting molding around the edge for a lip to keep things from rolling off.

 

[wilbilt]

I think everyone has or had a bench like that. I have built a couple.

I have the same red-handled wood saw from the dollar store, too.

 

[MechanicforLife]

Funny thing is I was exspecting this project to be aroung $75 give or take, but I remember my dads old workbench that his uncle built of just nails, that thing felt like rocking chair this thing weighs a freaking ton good thing I moved the frame to its home first before I installed the top and bottom shelf. I dont think its going to be going anywhere anytime soon. Thanks Nissan for the comps. wilbilt haha it didnt come to handy though I think I might of used it for deburring one of the L slots lol. How did that thing get into the pic hehe

Anyways Im real excited before I would of just worked on the floor or on my rolling toolchest but now I got a place that even my dad wants to hang out at.
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Honda VF700S

 

[wilbilt]

wilbilt haha it didnt come to handy though I think I might of used it for deburring one of the L slots lol. How did that thing get into the pic hehe

LOL...I don't remember buying the one I have, but there it is.

The bench looks good. I would be using the last one I built about 5 years ago, except it is covered in junk. I need to order a rolloff and do another "purge" when I can afford it.

 

[MechanicforLife]

I got alot of motorcycle parts everywhere, and alot of old tools I need to sort through myself find out what to keep and what to pitch, thanks for the comp.

Nissan I'm thinking of doing that plastic and coverboard idea. Is there anyother way? I do know what you mean about the fluids ruining the frame and materials.
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extreme q vaporizer

 

[nissan_crawler]

You could get a thin sheet of aluminum, or some plastic too. They'll all be more expensive, though. I would just lay down a few layers of painters plastic, screw the 1/4" plywood down, then give it a good coat of primer and paint on top.

 

[MechanicforLife]

Nissan you convinced me , Thats what Im gonna do, I'll prob paint the top grey, what about the legs should I apply some stain and sealer?

Or will they be okay just how they are right now?
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ZX14 vs Hayabusa

 

[nissan_crawler]

Either paint or stain/varnish would work for any of it. I don't know if you want to spend money on it, but the box store epoxy floor paint is damn durable for shelves and benches.

 

[MechanicforLife]

I'll check it out at the local store, might as well treat it with something Im already into it this far , would be a shame if I just quit now after all this. thanks
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QR50

 

[goodfellow]

looks good, but I would strongly consider skinning it with 1/4" plywood or so. When it gets beat to hell, you can just pull it off and screw a new sheet on, and not be buying 3/4" material. I did a bench that way, and sandwiched a sheet of plastic between the two. It keeps fluids that may spill from ruining the main material.

Edit: Also, personal preference, but I prefer putting molding around the edge for a lip to keep things from rolling off.

I've skinned three of mine with 1/4" masonite. It's smooth and resists stains better than unfinished wood. I'm good for about three years and replace the top when it starts to gouge and flake.

I like the plastic idea -- next time round, that's a winner of an idea.

 

[MechanicforLife]

Hey guys I dont mean to sound like a idiot, but I need to know what kind of screws to attach the top to the frame with, right now I have porbably(6) 2.5in. galvenized nails just holding it in place. I want to anchor this sucker. I have some leftover 1.25in wood screws from another project. Should I get longer ones?
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trichomes

 

[MechanicforLife]

Heres what I did today, just finished it up this pic its about an hour after the first coat. Its not perfect but it turned out okay, IM going to sand down the shiny stuff and apply another coat. I know I got some junk in the pic
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ipod games

 

[ron in sc]

You could get a thin sheet of aluminum, or some plastic too.

I put a sheet of lexan over the top of my workbench. It did not hold up well to chemicals. It actually melted in some places.

I friend gave me sheet of 1/2" aluminum so I've covered the workbench with that. I'll see how that holds up.

 

[Frank Elson]

nice bench !

My wife loved your Dollar stores last time we were in the States.
I piointed out that they were full of the same junk we have in our Pound stores but she said "But it's like half price!"

 

[Chief]

but the box store epoxy floor paint is damn durable for shelves and benches.

For a plywood top,what type of prep, if any, is needed if I am going to use box store epoxy?

Thanks

 

[madjack]

Nice thing about the masonite is you can flip it over after the smooth side is shot and get another year out of the textured side

 

[MechanicforLife]

I think Im going to sand and stain/varnish the workbench again I dont like how it turned out, some streaks around the edges. Next time Im going to take a paint rag and wipe out excess paint instead of trying to smear it in with a brush. lol duh
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home made vaporizer

 

[rickairmedic]

I think Im going to sand and stain/varnish the workbench again I dont like how it turned out, some streaks around the edges. Next time Im going to take a paint rag and wipe out excess paint instead of trying to smear it in with a brush. lol duh

Dude its a workbench go out there with a BFH and a piece of chain and give it a nice patina like all the froo froo desighners like on furniture and then you can actually use it as a workbench and not wory about scratching the finish .


Rick

 

[MechanicforLife]

Rick , I got an extra chandler,Maybe I should hang it above the workbench just in case I need some light, or if it gets too hot , haha
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Yamaha XT225

 

[Uncle Buck]

It will look great once you have a couple of torch burns on it and assorted other nasty looking blemishes. Also you will need to get the swivel base vise located on the corner of choice, and I suppose you best give a little space for the bench grinder as well if you have not already parked it somewhere else. It is going to look just right with a few blemishes.

BTW, Hang the chandelier directly over the vise after knocking out a light or two and giving it a couple of wacks with a hammer. It will fit in nicely.