cspcrx
Well-known member
Drawing up plans for this winters work bench project. I am going to use 2x2 steel tube for the structure. What wall thickness should I go with 0.120, 14 or 16 gauge?
Thanks all
Thanks all
Steel for work bench
- Thread starter cspcrx
- Start date
bsaint
Well-known member
The heavier the bench the better itll absorb work on it. Mine is 3/16" thick 2x2. The top is 1/4" plate. Prob weighs 700 pounds
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
I'd say a minimum of .120, and probably bigger if you are going to be doing any heavy work on it.
Plan on getting 1.5 butcher block top for it.
So they have 1/8 and 1/4 wall. 1/4 seems like over kill so 1/8 seems like it might be the best option.
No real heavy work on this bench. Will have a drill press on it and just room to work on projects. No building motors or anything like that.
So they have 1/8 and 1/4 wall. 1/4 seems like over kill so 1/8 seems like it might be the best option.
No real heavy work on this bench. Will have a drill press on it and just room to work on projects. No building motors or anything like that.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
Where are you buying your metal at?
matt_i
Well-known member
I would definitely get the .120/11gage wall.
I forget if a 7ga or 3/16 wall is a possibility but I would even go to that.
2x2x1/4 box tube is pretty heavy stuff...
I forget if a 7ga or 3/16 wall is a possibility but I would even go to that.
2x2x1/4 box tube is pretty heavy stuff...
Thought I'd mention this since you're using 2" tubing. I put 2" tubing along my bench at 12" centers to use as bayonette receiver hitch type tool supports. It's been really worth while. I used 1/8th wall tube.
Aside from being able to just plug-in vises, grinders etc you can slide in extension tubes that support big items that normally wouldn't fit on the bench like the headache rack being built in the 2nd photo.
I realize you may not be starved for space and need a multi function bench like I did but wanted to mention it anyway. Apoligies if it's off topic.
Aside from being able to just plug-in vises, grinders etc you can slide in extension tubes that support big items that normally wouldn't fit on the bench like the headache rack being built in the 2nd photo.
I realize you may not be starved for space and need a multi function bench like I did but wanted to mention it anyway. Apoligies if it's off topic.
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BigBlue I am either getting my metal from Industrial metal supply but that is on the complete opposite side of town from me. So I may go with Advanced or Southwest Steel since they are up by me.
zkling, I have comfortably and successfully welded down to 16gauge steel before with my MVP210 running 75/25 on 220volt.
my plan is to use 1x2 steel to make a frame for the top to sit on. Then use 2x2 for all the legs and cross beams.
zkling, I have comfortably and successfully welded down to 16gauge steel before with my MVP210 running 75/25 on 220volt.
my plan is to use 1x2 steel to make a frame for the top to sit on. Then use 2x2 for all the legs and cross beams.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
Definitely shop around. IMS was super expensive on some 2.5" square tubing a few weeks ago.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
IMS just because it's a mile from my office and have a huge inventory. I used to go to American Metals, but they stopped selling DOM and chromoly.
sberry
Banned
The stores are all different, some don't really want walk in, some do. One I go to has a big selection of drops they sell at new prices, the good news is they got a lot, got it sorted for it and a guy can buy 3 or 7 ft of a common tube etc and I don't always use it, angle and pipe make legs too.
I keep an eye out for scrap and cores for projects.
I keep an eye out for scrap and cores for projects.
sberry
Banned
You can go as low as 14 for some of this type of thing.
16g is more than adequate if done properly, but there are arguments for beefier wall. Agree with the statement to increase tube height not wall for more rigidity, but bracing is the key to a strong table.
Dropping transmissions on it all day, heavy wall, doing standard DIY and light fab, 16g is great. Save money on the steel and buy quality casters/feet.
Dropping transmissions on it all day, heavy wall, doing standard DIY and light fab, 16g is great. Save money on the steel and buy quality casters/feet.
Thanks all. Going to get the feet in steevo's thread that hold something north of 1000lbs. Each table will have at least 6 legs and bracing between the legs in two directions (between and across the back).
I am drawing it all up on excel to help put together a BOM and estimate lengths and cost. Too damn hot right now to build but cooler weather is coming.
Bench will have 2 build in parts drawer cabinets (like Druham) stack on top of each other on one side. and the other will be a 27in craftsman toolbox, two slide out 28in drawers for my Hem saw and miter saw. In the "L", where the two benches connect will have a shelf underneath for storage. One side is 34in deep and the other is 25in deep.
I am drawing it all up on excel to help put together a BOM and estimate lengths and cost. Too damn hot right now to build but cooler weather is coming.
Bench will have 2 build in parts drawer cabinets (like Druham) stack on top of each other on one side. and the other will be a 27in craftsman toolbox, two slide out 28in drawers for my Hem saw and miter saw. In the "L", where the two benches connect will have a shelf underneath for storage. One side is 34in deep and the other is 25in deep.
Does that give enough clearance for the hem saw with the blade in the up position?
mbshop
Well-known member
Sure wish I had one of the steel benches I had in my shop. Sold the shop and didn't take one with me.
Had about 50 feet of heavy steel benches. A 5 lb hammer couldn't put a dent on the surface. They were made old school, heavy as all get out. I see some decent ones on cl at times.
Had about 50 feet of heavy steel benches. A 5 lb hammer couldn't put a dent on the surface. They were made old school, heavy as all get out. I see some decent ones on cl at times.
Reviewed the plans and I think it will be well overbuilt to do anything I will ever through at it. Started pulling together a BOM to get a better idea of cost. At this point its looking like it will be around $1100 to build this L shaped bench.
Short side of "L" will be 48in long and 34in deep. Long side of "L" is 96in long and 25in deep. Short side will have 6 legs long side will have 8 legs. Short side is sitting on a header slab so I will figure out a way to connect the short and long by bolts.
Short side of "L" will be 48in long and 34in deep. Long side of "L" is 96in long and 25in deep. Short side will have 6 legs long side will have 8 legs. Short side is sitting on a header slab so I will figure out a way to connect the short and long by bolts.
sberry
Banned
4 and 6 legs would reduce cost. Make it faster and easier to build. Maybe 1 less than that even due to the fact it is L