Steel Shelf as a Workbench?

[suprvee]

Lowes is currently having a sale on their steel shelving, and I was wondering how functional a steel shelved workbench would be. My plan is to get two units, put two of them side by side (12' worth of workspace), then slap on a counter top to stiffen up the top. For about the same price I could build a 2x4 bench; but having everything packaged, and ready to assemble is very enticing.

 

[Steevo]

I know I have seen pictures of benches here that are done that way. Plenty strong, I think those shelves are rated at like 2000#

 

[Raze]

Those look very similar to the Whalen shelves sold at Costco which are cheaper than the Lowes offerings (at least in Atlanta, and rated same/higher weight, $65 for what you're looking at). I did exactly this for about 2 months and bought a second set of shelves to make them into full shelves instead. I had no problems for minor usage as a table top but the top isn't fully secured to the metal beams so you can't mount a vice or run alot of vibration on it (it's slide locking stuff) like drilling which caused some of the support braces to shake loose. As long as you know it's limitations and can live with them it should work fine.

 

[dittle fart around]

Add a chunk of plywood to add some strength to the top shelf. That will give you a surface you can screw stuff to. I'm always making some sort of jig on my workbench. Over lap the shelving by an inch or two in front and you can use it as a clamping surface.

 

[bad_idea]

i say this calls for a welding project. a 100' of 2x2x1/4 angle and a chunk of 1/2" plate. go to town with the welder and you have a bench that will last under any kind of use.

lol! in all seriousness, if you just need a surface to assemble things, rebuild a mower carb, etc. this is probably a viable option for you. worse case scenario, it provides a bench until you can build a nice one. at which point, you put it together as a shelving unit, and you have wasted no money.