Just a quick question after drooling over some of the awesome bench builds on this site: What are the main advantages of a 'Steevo'-style bench? Is it that the mass of the toolboxes increases stability of the bench, the framework of the bench makes the boxes feel sturdier, or just that it looks cool? I don't really see packaging advantages since you could just build a table-shaped bench and roll the bench under it (my plan since I need to be able to roll (future) box to adjacent shops. Sure looks sweet, though.
Steevo bench advantages
- Thread starter Choirboy
- Start date
4xdog
Well-known member
My old lab -- when I was there in the 1980s, and originally built in the 1930s-40s -- had vertical supports for the benchtops and open space underneath to slide in the cabinets.
As we remodeled labs the institute sold off the old cabinets for five bucks to employees. I still have five of them, although the verticals were left in a garage from twenty five years ago.
That system of fixed top + slide in space worked just fine. I love the Steevo-system, but it really doesn't need to be full-framed (IMO).
Here are my cabinets still in use (mainly showing my hanging bicycle workstand, but you'll see how those boxes could have been inserted under benchtops). In some future garage I could *easily* see buidling a top-only Steevo approach.
As we remodeled labs the institute sold off the old cabinets for five bucks to employees. I still have five of them, although the verticals were left in a garage from twenty five years ago.
That system of fixed top + slide in space worked just fine. I love the Steevo-system, but it really doesn't need to be full-framed (IMO).
Here are my cabinets still in use (mainly showing my hanging bicycle workstand, but you'll see how those boxes could have been inserted under benchtops). In some future garage I could *easily* see buidling a top-only Steevo approach.
The main advantage as I see it is bench height, if you build a bench that the boxes will roll under you need to make it higher, with the built in style the top can be lower, now that might not make a difference if you are 6'5" but at 5'9" the height of the top can make a huge difference in comfort while working. I guess the inverse could be true as well if you are 6'5" you could adjust the top height for more comfort.
I also like the clean lines of the built-in boxes and I think that the added weight of the full boxes make for a sturdier bench.
I also like the clean lines of the built-in boxes and I think that the added weight of the full boxes make for a sturdier bench.
jsharpphoto
Well-known member
And the frame of the bench now corrects for sloped flooring.
I guess I didn't realize much height was saved since the boxes are still off the floor on most builds.
I do think that the added weight would be good for certain things. I know woodworkers who use a lot of hand planes who add cement bags to their benches just for the weight. Rebuilding carbs probably wouldn't make a difference, though.
I do think that the added weight would be good for certain things. I know woodworkers who use a lot of hand planes who add cement bags to their benches just for the weight. Rebuilding carbs probably wouldn't make a difference, though.
FJ 432
Well-known member
I don't think they're any advantages to his build...just an awesome build. It was his solution given the space and his requirements.
Thanks to his thread many others have built similar solutions but I don't think anyone would say it's the ultimate solution for everyone's workshop.
I currently am on workbench solution 3.0.
Thanks to his thread many others have built similar solutions but I don't think anyone would say it's the ultimate solution for everyone's workshop.
I currently am on workbench solution 3.0.
For a BIG garage, it forces you layout that big wall will all your tools. Thus, it's good for organization.
Also, another advantage is SECURITY. Once those are locked up, it would be virtually impossible to roll out toolbox of tools, if you were a thief breaking into Steevo's garage. No way to get the 20 ft monster length of toolboxes ANYWHERE without a whole lot of effort !!!
Also, another advantage is SECURITY. Once those are locked up, it would be virtually impossible to roll out toolbox of tools, if you were a thief breaking into Steevo's garage. No way to get the 20 ft monster length of toolboxes ANYWHERE without a whole lot of effort !!!
Not to derail, but do you have any more pics of that setup? i need to do something like that in my basement.
It might be a personal thing. If I can avoid having any kind of wheels under my benches or boxes, then that's the way I want to go. I don't want it moving every time I close a heavy drawer. And the more solid a bench, the better. Sooner or later, something's going to need to be adjusted with a hammer. Usually sooner, when you've got my skills.
Wheels under the bench also mean that all sorts of wood and metal shavings are going to get under there, and fasteners are going to roll under there. It goes on.
That said, there are some types of work and some shop set-ups where moveable benches are an absolute must.
Wheels under the bench also mean that all sorts of wood and metal shavings are going to get under there, and fasteners are going to roll under there. It goes on.
That said, there are some types of work and some shop set-ups where moveable benches are an absolute must.
Heavymetalmechanic
Well-known member
If the box is supported by a full frame it distributes the load evenly throughout the box rather then just on the corners, helping to keep the box true/square. The added weight also helps to anchor the bench when using a vice. Plus it looks bad ***! It would not work for me because I am constantly changing my floor layout to accommodate projects.
'Props to Steevo, your workbench has become a common term for awesome bench design!
'Props to Steevo, your workbench has become a common term for awesome bench design!
Jagmandave
Well-known member
The height of the bench was the reason I did mine that way, it made about 4" difference in overall height - and I am 5'9"
Like Jack says, I didn't want dirt and parts under mine, so I enclosed the bottom to the floor.
I also had to deal with the 1/8" per foot of slope to my garage floor - that was a PITA.
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Like Jack says, I didn't want dirt and parts under mine, so I enclosed the bottom to the floor.
I also had to deal with the 1/8" per foot of slope to my garage floor - that was a PITA.
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i guess im short at 5'9, but i like a high work bench. the last one i built i did at 41". if you tinker with small things, this really helps out not having to bend over.
i know some guys that are 6'+ and they have benches that are 36". just to low for my back.
i know some guys that are 6'+ and they have benches that are 36". just to low for my back.
PCO6
Well-known member
My main bench is basically a pallet rack with 2"x10" lumber and a 1/8" sheet of steel on top. The overall height is 36" and the length is 10'. Three basic roller cabinets without casters fit with a 1/4" to spare between the legs of the bench and a few inches below the cross bar of the rack. That provides a bit of storage on top of the cabinets. I also have a 2 drawer file cabinet at each end.
The cabinets currently sit on a sheet of plywood. I intend to elevate one end to compensate for the slope of the garage floor. I agree with those who do not want to have items fall and roll under the bench. Some things would never be seen again!
I understand the OP's desire to roll cabinets out from under the bench but with standard casters (rotating on one end and fixed on the other) you won't be able to pack the cabinets tightly together (side to side).
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The cabinets currently sit on a sheet of plywood. I intend to elevate one end to compensate for the slope of the garage floor. I agree with those who do not want to have items fall and roll under the bench. Some things would never be seen again!
I understand the OP's desire to roll cabinets out from under the bench but with standard casters (rotating on one end and fixed on the other) you won't be able to pack the cabinets tightly together (side to side).
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Voi
Well-known member
I'm a big fan of the Steevo bench. I've always seen the advantages as:
1) Ability to build to whatever height.
2) More theft proof.
3) Having the work surface being independent of the tool chests so if you've got something clamped in a vise or to the work surface overhang it's more stable than the casters and structure of the box could provide.
4) Tool chest and contents acting as ballast to the entire structure.
Sorry if all of these have been covered already.
1) Ability to build to whatever height.
2) More theft proof.
3) Having the work surface being independent of the tool chests so if you've got something clamped in a vise or to the work surface overhang it's more stable than the casters and structure of the box could provide.
4) Tool chest and contents acting as ballast to the entire structure.
Sorry if all of these have been covered already.
mhoss44
Well-known member
Didn't know that Steevo was the Nameoh.
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mhoss44
Well-known member
Sorry, couldn't resist. Am building an 8 ft section of an L shaped 24 ft section. That part will be 40 inches, floor to bottom of bench rail. Good height to park the front of an ATV under, also good height for bar stools for seated work.
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John in OH
Well-known member
The Steevo bench is an excellent build and worthy of praise!
About the only criticism I have to that overall style of bench, whether it be fixed frame or frame over roller cabinets, is the lack of knee-hole space. When working on small items, I find it very comfortable to be able to sit at my bench on my bench stool with my knees under the bench top. So, to my mind, an ideal bench would have an open SECTION of the bench that would allow one to sit and work as if they were sitting at a desk. This section would need to be only about 6' long or so.
About the only criticism I have to that overall style of bench, whether it be fixed frame or frame over roller cabinets, is the lack of knee-hole space. When working on small items, I find it very comfortable to be able to sit at my bench on my bench stool with my knees under the bench top. So, to my mind, an ideal bench would have an open SECTION of the bench that would allow one to sit and work as if they were sitting at a desk. This section would need to be only about 6' long or so.
Not Bob
Well-known member
I also think it is personal preference, along with dealing with the space you have to work with. I see the main advantage of the Steevo design is that the tool storage and bench share the same footprint.
After getting new boxes for work I decided to keep my old box and bring it home and build my own version of the design, which will actually be more Jagmandave inspired (black widows love the underside of my current bench!) and will have a fully enclosed base.
I do any heavy work on an outdoor bench in my side yard, my tools are in three different rollaways which always seem to be in the wrong spot, so moving the current bench to one of my sheds, and consolidating all of the tools, box and new bench on a common foot print will free up a lot of space for me.
After getting new boxes for work I decided to keep my old box and bring it home and build my own version of the design, which will actually be more Jagmandave inspired (black widows love the underside of my current bench!) and will have a fully enclosed base.
I do any heavy work on an outdoor bench in my side yard, my tools are in three different rollaways which always seem to be in the wrong spot, so moving the current bench to one of my sheds, and consolidating all of the tools, box and new bench on a common foot print will free up a lot of space for me.
You mean like, this?
About the only limitation to these things are your own imagination. And the laws of physics. Don't build a 20ft tall bench that is only 6 inches deep.
John in OH
Well-known member
You mean like, this?
About the only limitation to these things are your own imagination. And the laws of physics. Don't build a 20ft tall bench that is only 6 inches deep.
Yep!! Exactly!!
taumac
Well-known member
Ill have to disagree with being able to have the tool boxes on casters and not being able to get them close together. Here's 2 of my benchs with everything on casters. The top is removable.
This toolboxes nest under and can be pulled out.
This toolboxes nest under and can be pulled out.
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