Need help with vintage metal workbench legs

[MissileBear]

This workbench was in the basement when we moved in. It looks like it was some kind of kit; the top is made with some cheap 2x8s and a thin mdf top. I am going to make a butcher block top for it, but when I looked under the top, the top support has a step in it. The previous owner put a 2x4 in place to fill the gap.

Anyone know what the purpose of the step in the top support? I wasn't able to find anything like it in pictures. Theres no stamps or tags that I can see.

 

[The Cobbler]

perhaps the legs were repurposed from something and they had the drop to accommodate whatever

 

[JHuston]

Legs like that were commonly sold for workbenches; I believe the idea was to allow for a thicker top where the most strength was needed, while leaving a thinner spot for tools, chests and what have you to reside.
-James Huston

 

[MissileBear]

Thanks for the replies.

What is also curious is that the back (or at least the side facing the wall) has a bracket to attach a front apron to the bench, however this is on the side where the bench top would be thinner.

The previous owner retrofitted drawers to the bench, so it appears as though it may be backwards from it's originally intended orientation.

I have to figure out how to build the top for this....do I make a step in the butcher block top for the bracket, or do I create a flat top and add another piece of lumber similar to it's current configuration?

 

[Stuart in MN]

or do I create a flat top and add another piece of lumber similar to it's current configuration?

That seems like a lot easier option, and it won't be visible once it's done anyway. I'd use something wider than what's in there now, to match the width of the bracket on the leg.