Suggestions for drawers under work bench?

[MrBreeze]

Hey guys,

I've got this Edsal work bench.


I'm in need of more tool storage and was thinking about putting drawers/cabinet under the bench - my first thought was putting 2 Harbor Freight 18" end cabinets underneath, leaving the center section open for seating at the bench.

The problem looks like the dimensions don't quite work out.

32" to the underside of the bench top.
66" between the legs
20" deep

The HF end cabinet is 33 1/2" tall, and even if I remove the top lip, I doubt it will have enough clearance to slide under the bench.
http://www.harborfreight.com/tool-s...-end-cabinet-for-roller-tool-chest-68785.html

I'm not looking to fabricate a frame-type system, as I want to leave the existing legs and rear brace - just slide/roll something under.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

 

[jwh]

Raise the 4 legs with a 2 X 4. Then the HF cabinets should fit.

 

[boiler7904]

I would think about adding some riser blocks or feet to each leg of the workbench to get you the clearance needed for the HF cabinets. Doesn't have to be anything special - 2x lumber would likely do the trick.

 

[Voi]

I assume you're happy with the height of the bench?

If so some have taken the casters off of rolling benches so they would not only fit underneath but also so they'd be more difficult for thieves to walk away with.

Others have bought shorter but higher quality casters and installed them on boxes in place of the stock ones.

Then there are those of us who like a taller work height and put adjustable feet on the bench and get them higher than stock.

If you need that box to roll I'd suggest shimming the bench up and using it for a while and seeing how you like the height.

If you don't need it to roll then take the casters off and place it underneath with a piece of cardboard or something on the floor to protect it.

 

[Falcon67]

Found this at Sears, closeout - $100. Used that for drawers

Used a smaller box under the lathe bench for tooling

 

[MrBreeze]

Thanks for the suggestions. I do like the height of the bench as it is (34") and I did consider either mounting the legs to 2x4's or even casters, but wasn't sure I'd like the increased height? I've got a vise at one end, so another consideration with regard to working height. Might be over thinking, and won't even notice the additional 1.5" in height.

I'll spend some time looking at husky, sears, tractor supply, etc for tool chests that with the casters removed would potentially be less than 32" tall - if anyone has any specific chest/drawers they think might work, let me know.

I did just have a couple New Age Pro cabinets delivered today:



They make a Tool Drawer that if I were to take the legs off (which are 3 1/4") it should be right at 32" tall and a perfect fit height-wise. It is deeper (24") so it would protrude a bit.

 

[CJ7VFR]

Thanks for the suggestions. I do like the height of the bench as it is (34") and I did consider either mounting the legs to 2x4's or even casters, but wasn't sure I'd like the increased height? I've got a vise at one end, so another consideration with regard to working height. Might be over thinking, and won't even notice the additional 1.5" in height.

Why not just get yourself a few 2x4's as suggested, and place them under your bench for a quick test to see if you like/dislike the added height? If you like it, leave the 2x4's there. If not, remove them. It will take you literally two minutes of your time to see if you like it or not.

Then you can decide from there what you can and cannot fit under the bench.

I always raise up my work benches. I hate working on stuff and having to lean over the bench. It hurts my back after awhile. I actually like my bench tops to be right around 36 inches high, like most kitchen counters.

It works good, the added height lets me put most tool cabinets underneath, and my back doesn't hurt anymore!

Jim

 

[MrBreeze]

Why not just get yourself a few 2x4's as suggested, and place them under your bench for a quick test to see if you like/dislike the added height? If you like it, leave the 2x4's there. If not, remove them. It will take you literally two minutes of your time to see if you like it or not.

Then you can decide from there what you can and cannot fit under the bench.

I always raise up my work benches. I hate working on stuff and having to lean over the bench. It hurts my back after awhile. I actually like my bench tops to be right around 36 inches high, like most kitchen counters.

It works good, the added height lets me put most tool cabinets underneath, and my back doesn't hurt anymore!

Jim

I think this will be the first - and the cheapest - solution to test out. I suspect after a bit, I won't even notice the change in height.

Thanks all for the input.