Options for Attaching Workbench Leg

[Pontiac787]

Hi all,

I’m in the process of building a simple workbench built into a corner of my garage. I’m using a 5’x2’ butcher block top that will be supported on the back and left sides by 2x4s mounted horizontally to wall studs. I’m using aluminum angle to attach the top to the 2x4s from underneath.

I have a 4x4 post I’ll be using for the leg on the right frot corner. I’m looking for suggestions on how to attach the post to the bench top. I’m thinking I’ll use the same aluminum angle and ring the post with it but am open to other ideas.

Thanks!

 

[Shootinok]

https://www.amazon.com/Nuvo-Iron-WPCP4B-Black-Connector/dp/B08TVS8KJT/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Firebrick43]

Just set the legs inside the 2x4 perimeter frame and use screws to attach the legs.

Not mine just a photo pulled from Al Gores invention.

 

[Pontiac787]

Thanks. I found a bracket on Amazon that should work well.

I’m not building a frame. The supports are attaching directly to walls on 2 sides which is why I need to be a little creative with the one post.

 

[fishwatcher]

Thanks. I found a bracket on Amazon that should work well.

I’m not building a frame. The supports are attaching directly to walls on 2 sides which is why I need to be a little creative with the one post.

Looks like that will work great. It would be cool to see your finished project. There’s a work bench thread you could post to here.

 

[Jeff Ivers]

How thick is your top? You are already building half a frame, right? Are you sure you don't need the rest of the frame to add strength to the top?

 

[ycgoat]

I built a corner bench in my garage, a long time ago, but using bowling alley lane. For the free standing corner I used either a 4x4 notched so that 1/2 supported under the edge and 1/2 was on the out side. I may have used (2) 2x4s screwed together, but it would have been in the same manner (it was many projects ago). I have have hammered down on many pieces of metal on the maple surface and it has always been solid. There is vise on that corner now. I also put vertical 2x4s under the horizontal brace at the 3 other corners and every other stud along the back. I did not use any brackets just screws.

 

[Lassen Forge]

I've built a few - on every one of them, the rectagular frame for under the top sits on top of the legs, not screwed to the side of it, because the 4x4 post from top to ground has more strength than nails or screws... The "L" brackets attach the top of the legs UNDER the framework to stabilize it, NOT to act as a load bearing member.

I've dropped motors on some of thm without so much of a shudder, but of course YMMV and all that.

 

[Firebrick43]

Thanks. I found a bracket on Amazon that should work well.

I’m not building a frame. The supports are attaching directly to walls on 2 sides which is why I need to be a little creative with the one post.

A butcher block top does not have enough depth to act as a heavy duty workbench on their own (unless it is 4" thick). 5' unsupported in the front will lead to sagging of standard 1.25 and 1.5 inch thick butcher blocks over time.

I've built a few - on every one of them, the rectagular frame for under the top sits on top of the legs, not screwed to the side of it, because the 4x4 post from top to ground has more strength than nails or screws... The "L" brackets attach the top of the legs UNDER the framework to stabilize it, NOT to act as a load bearing member.

I've dropped motors on some of thm without so much of a shudder, but of course YMMV and all that.

There always compromises. I find brackets make for shaky benches in comparison to large face joints assembled with glue and construction screws. I typically laminate with glue and screws (3) 2x4's for legs and 1 of those laminations is under the perimeter frame to take the load vertically on the benches I have built for a friend. Much more sturdy than the simpson strongtie bracket benches he had before.

My personal benches have laminated 2x4 construction with no screws top to bottom. Rebates/dados cut on the legs before lamination become mortice and tenon joints after lamination if planned correctly and are even another level in how solid they feel but the compromise is it takes more time and skill to produce so they are not for everyone.

 

[Blind1]

I use lag screws or bolts.

They don’t move.

 

[Pontiac787]

A butcher block top does not have enough depth to act as a heavy duty workbench on their own (unless it is 4" thick). 5' unsupported in the front will lead to sagging of standard 1.25 and 1.5 inch thick butcher blocks over time.

I think it’s 1.75. If I find it sagging I have no problem throwing another 4x4 under it. As someone mentioned above, the bracket is just for side to side rigidity. The top will be sitting on the post.

 

[PCustoms]

Big screws through the top.

That's kind of hack, but it would work.

You should really be making a frame, even if just 2x4, under your nice top. It's the right way