Question about supporting a workbench

[BetterDays]

I don't think that it will make a difference, but possibly someone here could confirm one way or another.

Attached is a pic from another site.

If the vertical legs were outside of the front supports, would it make any difference on the strength of the bench?

On this image

the vertical support and front support would be flipped as a reference point.

I would leave the side supports on the outside of the vertical pcs, but would like to move the front and back supports inside of the vertical supports for two reasons:
1> Allow a lip on the front for clips, clamping (small items), etc.
2> To use longer vertical supports in the back to build in the pegboard and shelf area on top of the bench.

Any assistance/advice is appreciated.

 

[DynoDave]

Well, I'm no carpenter or cabinet maker, but I wouldn't think it would make too much difference either way.

 

[Remi]

I say stick with the legs on the inside. You get a stronger joint and your supporting the long horizontal member closer to it weight bearing point. The only thing you have to gain with having the legs on the outside is a wider stance.

 

[Coach James]

No matter how you have the vertical supports, you can always have the bench overhang the front of the frame to create a lip for clamping.

 

[bmwpower]

If you want strength, install a ledger on the wall and screw the table to the ledger. Or you can install some cross members on the back side from corner to corner to eliminate table "wobble".

 

[Rickster]

I would've used 4x4's as legs and notched them so the supports fit into them.

 

[Coach James]

When I made my first work bench in the garage, I used 2x4's for the vertical supports and 2x6's for the horizontal ones. When it was finished I stood on it and jumped up and down and it didn't budge. 2x4 vertical supports are fine unless you plan to actually park on it.

 

[BetterDays]

I haven't created anything yet, as I am still working on the design phase. I stumbled across this as an idea, since I could run taller vertical supports in the back as part of the "upper portion" (pegboard/shelf) and not have to notch out as much of the bench itself, while allowing a little room on the front for clamps. Instead of making the bench top larger or making the length/width of the supports a little smaller, I figured creating it this way would allow the best of both worlds. I am planning to use 2x6 on the front horizontal supports, due to the design of the bench.

 

[krooser]

Use 4X4's for legs...much stronger and I'd use a diagonal brace from the top to the bottom cross piece...a triangle is very strong and it will make a difference...

 

[74-77Camaro]

The bench in your bottom pic was assembled with the Simpson StrongTie metal hangers. They add some cost to the bench, but it will be exceedingly strong and can be made out of lighter 2x4's. The joints in the other benches you show will loosen up over time with usage. Hree is one of their plan sheets:

http://www.strongtie.com/ftp/fliers/diy-project05.pdf

Home Depot carries them, IIRC. I used them for my benches and have been very pleased.