Tool Chest as Bench support? Reorganizing workspace.

[Souljer]

Hi,

My first post!
Apologies in advance for the long post, but I need some help/ guidance and maybe a few new ideas from those of you more experienced.

I have some questions about creating the workspace of my current dreams.

My situation:
I'm an artist and have to make almost everything at home. I've collected numerous tools for the different disciplines I work in, including photography, woodwork, metal working (sometimes soldering), etc. I also have tools for working on cars (removed, rebuilt and installed transmission on 1969 TR6 for example). I have to do everything (almost) here in my apartment. I finally realized that I need cabinets and drawers to hold things in an organized way and out of sight. I've decided to stop kidding myself and admit my living room is my shop/ "garage" hang-out place.

The Plan:
The first thing I want to create is a proper workstation along the longest wall (about 15 feet). I was thinking of getting a stainless steel bench top from Sears and also their two box set (in stainless or black) with the bottom supporting part of the bench and a saw horse supporting the other side. Other tools like my little compressor, etc. could be stored underneath.

Well all of that costs about $1200.00. However I'm not thrilled with the quality I saw in person and after reading posts on this forum, even less so. Although I will say it's set-up and drawer sizes serve my needs the best of the various cabinets I've seen. There is a Harbor Freight near me and I went there to check things out in person (see, I've been reading).

However I have always been a big believer in buying the best you can afford once rather than buying the cheapest several times or even just looking at it thinking, "Yeah, but I wish..." With that in mind I've been thinking of Snap-On (I do have several of their hand tools) and after looking at several top and bottom set ups, I actually like the look of KRA2418PC as just a base for the bench. It's length and drawer depth seem extra good compared to what I saw at Harbor Freight and Craftsman. Now I'm not looking to buy a new one for $5k (I don't think that's a reasonable comparison), but I found some used ones for around $2500. My thinking is that for about double what I was going to spend, I could get something much bigger, the color I want and of higher quality that I doubt I will ever need to replace. When I look at it I want to be happy and think, "Yeah. That looks crazy-good." My only current question is I don't know the depth of it's biggest bottom center drawer. For my needs, one big drawer or two smaller ones need to be at least 5.5 inches tall.

Of course this is only a start, but it's the most functional part and center of my plan. I hope this kind of cabinet can centralize my work and tools so that things will be a little bit less chaotic. Plus I really wanted black and steel anyway.

Questions:
Does anyone know if this could support an 8 foot bench safely? Is $2500. a decent price for this box? Anyone know of one of these available around Los Angeles? Also if anyone has one of these, I'd really like to know the depth of the largest bottom center drawer. I'm open to similar ideas. A 56 inch instead? For the record I live on the second floor so weight could be a factor if it weighs more than a refrigerator? I don't know, what do you think?

I hope that's not too overwhelming for a first post .
I recently bought a book, "How to build your dream garage" and I realized some of those ideas are what I need to make my apartment like.

Thanks so much for your time and I look forward to your replies.

 

[djkeev]

I haven't a clue about the Snap On tool box but I'd love to know how you got the TR6 upstairs to pull the transmission!

Dave

 

[Souljer]

I said "almost" everything.
That was one of the things that was done on the ground floor of a friends garage.

...I wish my apartment was big enough for that...

 

[c_mccann]

It's fine until you pound on something on your bench and all your tools scatter around the drawers.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Steevo has used the HF boxes in a bench build. They are in the framework of the bench not part of the frame though. I don't think any box would care to have it used as a heavy duty work bench for a lifetime.

 

[Stick Figure]

and for the record snap on shows the weight of that box at 550 lbs. Not sure what apartments you live in, but I could see that being a deal breaker. If you do get it though we are going to need video of it going up the stairs to its new home!

 

[Outlawmws]

I don't see how you expect to get a box that size inside an apartment unless you are on the bottom floor and have a straight sot to the door. I suppose you could get creative and take all the drawers out and stand it on end?

Hos much pounding do you expect the work bench to take? if this is for assembly and just a work surface, its fine, but I would top it with a piece of kitchen Formica counter top or an IKEA butcher block top. unless you are putting worldly heavy things on top, or pounding with a heavy hammer, it will do fine.

Snap-On's web site should give you all the specs on the box.

Another option is the extreme boxes from Strictly toolboxes. a lot of box for the money, and less than the used price for SO for a new box.

 

[BevoZ06]

I would at least consider buying two of the Harbor Freight 41" boxes and use them as pedestals for your 96" bench top. Then you could have some (narrow) space for knee room if you want to sit at the bench on a stool, etc. Two of those will give you plenty of storage space and would satisfy your requirement for 5.5" deep drawers. Two of these can be obtained for less than $800 depending on what coupon you use. Good luck, and post some pictures of whatever you end up using. It sounds like a challenge for an apartment dweller.

 

[Zeke]

First of all, welcome to the GJ.

Most of these larger, if not all, provide well over 5.5" on the bottom drawer. For use in an apt, I think I'd go with the stackable individual units for a variety of reasons. For a workbench, mass is your friend or you will just have a tinny workbench. I'd consider a woodworkers bench because they are multi purpose, not that heavy, and pleasing to look at. All of this is easily moved to another location and can be rearranged as needed.

 

[Souljer]

Hi,

Thanks for your posts. I appreciate the feedback and considerations.
A lot to think about.

I'm not usually pounding on things here (when I did have to nail together some sawhorses I just took everything down to the ground floor laundry room). A lot of work is filing, sanding, and assembly. However I was planning on having grinding and shaping disks on electric motors mounted to the bench. Those aren't loud but I can see how there would be some vibration. I was hoping to avoid the time and expense of a frame (a metal one is sold separately) but maybe I need to buy or build one after all. Something to consider. Thanks for pointing that out. I'll have dust collection there, but the vac won't be on the bench.

Yes I was thinking of taking out the drawers and angling it in end wise, as one might do a refrigerator or long couch.

If it is too long or heavy I am open to smaller units. I just wanted to get the one I really liked right off the bat if I could, rather than buying different units to hold me over, which in the long run I find is more expensive and is less satisfying. Especially when the price is only about double what I was planning on paying anyway. But if it can't work for some reason then it's not the right one. I'm not going to tear out a wall or anything. It's not that important.

As I said, I was first considering the Craftsman set and have looked at the Harbor Freight 41" boxes. I was at first considering the top and bottom because I could just put one on the bench above to help stabilize and give me more drawers with open space below to store big things. Going up is not a problem, the ceilings are angled and about 10' high on the right side of the bench location. Left side is closer to a normal 8 feet and that perpendicular wall is the front wall with the front door in that same corner. Space is overall about 30 inches deep.

I had also considered two Harbor Freight lower cabinets as bases for the bench top. I usually work standing up and have things set up now with the bench I'm using about 42 inches high, storage underneath, which could be cabinets as I was planning. It's just plywood on saw horses but no drawers, some shelves. I like drawers because things stay cleaner inside, it's easier to clean outside and when everything is put away it looks better and less visually busy.

Thanks again.
Hope to hear more.

 

[srmofo]

Theres no way you are getting that snap on box up stairs and into an apartment without professional help (look up safe or piano movers). 550 lbs doesnt sound heavy on paper, but you have to remember, stairs are only so wide and there are only so many people that can hold onto it while going up stairs.

Then you have to consider what kind of weight you are going to be putting into it, tools are made of steal, steal is also heavy. how much weight is your apartment floor engineered to hold? Im not saying its impossible but it is definetly something to consider. You can put large pieces of ply under the casters to distribute the weight some, but I dont really think thats a long term solution.

As much as it *****, Smaller boxes sound like the right choice in this instance. However instead of buying them new and losing your *** when/if you decide to upgrade later down the road, try to find some used on CL or ebay. Ive seen those craftsman boxes go for less than half of new, they dont hold their value at all. With those HF boxes however, people seem to think they go up in value for some reason.

If you do decide to just place a top on 2 smaller boxes, design the top to overhang the boxes a few inches. This essentially gives you a toe kick, and also provides a place for you to clamp things down onto the work surface. Unfortunately it kinda limits what you can see in the top drawer, but IMHO its a worthwhile sacrifice. Not being able to clamp things down is a PITA

 

[Souljer]

Hi,

SrMofo you are probably correct and I was planning on getting some pro help.

However if it's really too big a dream for this place then multiple smaller boxes is the way to go. I like the idea of getting the Craftsman cheaper used also. To me, every penny I spend that's only a half-way compromise and not what I really want is a waste of money.

Knew about the over hang but good to see it written out and that someone agrees with what I was thinking. All great ideas. Thanks.

 

[plung]

I have used a regular base cabinet under my L shaped desk. I took out the wheels and slid it under a section of desk.

The desk bottom was the same as this but I had 1 extra section that was longer. Where they have that 2 drawer filing cabinet down there, I had a ball baring tool cabinet.

 

[Outlawmws]

Hi,

Thanks for your posts. I appreciate the feedback and considerations.
A lot to think about.

I'm not usually pounding on things here (when I did have to nail together some sawhorses I just took everything down to the ground floor laundry room). A lot of work is filing, sanding, and assembly. However I was planning on having grinding and shaping disks on electric motors mounted to the bench. Those aren't loud but I can see how there would be some vibration. I was hoping to avoid the time and expense of a frame (a metal one is sold separately) but maybe I need to buy or build one after all. Something to consider. Thanks for pointing that out. I'll have dust collection there, but the vac won't be on the bench.

Yes I was thinking of taking out the drawers and angling it in end wise, as one might do a refrigerator or long couch.
SNIP

Thanks again.
Hope to hear more.

First the bench tools/ I have having anything other than a vise on a work surface. flat surfaces collect enough other junk without adding permanently mounted tools to the mix.

Get a B&D WorkMate (225 or bigger), and mount the tool to a plywood plate. glue/screw a cleat made like an upside down "T" (two pieces here) to allow the WoarkMate something to grab. clamp that "T" piece in the Workmate's jaws adn you are set. you even have a choice of two different heights with the WorkMate's extension legs.

Theres no way you are getting that snap on box up stairs and into an apartment without professional help (look up safe or piano movers). 550 lbs doesnt sound heavy on paper, but you have to remember, stairs are only so wide and there are only so many people that can hold onto it while going up stairs.

Then you have to consider what kind of weight you are going to be putting into it, tools are made of steal, steal is also heavy. how much weight is your apartment floor engineered to hold? Im not saying its impossible but it is definetly something to consider. You can put large pieces of ply under the casters to distribute the weight some, but I dont really think thats a long term solution.

SNIP

Moving the box sans drawers is not a problem. if you have an elevator, set the (empty) box on end on a piano/furniture dolly and roll it.

If no elevator, get a Refer dolly with it's strap and go that way. Two man job for sure, but doable.

Weight on the floor:

Wood/stick built apartments, you probably want to place a partial sheet of 3/4" ply under the box. as once its loaded it will probably be around 1000 lbs.

Concrete floor structures, no issues.


Remember; floors are designed to take a substantial load; think about a heavy person and the space they would stand in motionless. Ever seen a 400 pounder fall through a normal floor that is in good repair? Neither have I. That is about a square foot. Granted, there is a another max load for spreading big loads, but even large aquariums 100-150 gallons) will be supported with normally structured flooring; the one exception being the 1-1/4" ply floor on 4' centers used in some ranch house's. Then you have to look for where the support beams are and possibly add support. If 24" or 16" OC. joists are used far less of an issue, but I would still use a plywood spreader.

 

[Souljer]

Hi,

Great to hear all this. I appreciate being able to discuss some of the ideas and possibilities with you all and not having to figure out everything or be an expert at everything. I already feel I spread myself too thin sometimes.

A quick look found a used Matco (even in black) 53Wx39Hx24D with what looks like 13 drawers. So substantially smaller than the Snap-On 73er (and no doubt lighter) but ten inches longer than the 41"-ers. Still $1K but that's what I was going to pay anyway. Price seems high for a used one but I know nothing about them. Any feelings on Matco? I know they've been around but it seems I rarely hear about them, either pro or con.

I was planning on setting this all up on some sort of floor covering to distribute the load and give everything a more even footing. Glad to see that was on someone else's mind too.

I'll have to look into the WorkMate thing. Was looking at the space again this morning and thought about mounting the motors on a sub-bench that is lower and not connected to the main bench too avoid vibration of cabinet if it's supporting bench. Sort of their own mini-workstation. Your idea is to be able to mount them to the bench and take them off when done? I think I understand what you're saying but I think I need lunch now. Can't think.

No I've never seen a 400 pounder fall through a floor, but it sounds like it might be fun to watch.

 

[Souljer]

Design Question on building workbench.

Hi,

A little progress has been made:
I'm now at the point of building my workbench.
I ended up getting an upper box first.

I got the 8' x 2' stainless steel top from Sears (I was looking anyway and a few weeks later it went on sale, so I grabbed it). I was going to rest it on one or two roll cabs but after you guys replied here and I looked at a bunch of other workbenches on here with a more educated eye, I decided the bench needs to stand on it's own. A roll cab of some kind will still end up underneath but not as a load bearing member.

Right now the top is on two sawhorses and is carrying the top box, but this feels quite wobbly and not secure. Also DEFINITELY need a plywood panel below or something to spread the load and even up the surface. So in reading about the benches and seeing so many examples I have questions for the group.
- Instead of building the typical four wooden legs + stringers across...

I found some "U" channel aluminum that is quite thick. It really looks more like half an I-Beam: this shape " [ " and is 12" across. So I was thinking of getting two of those about 40" tall and then connecting them with "L" angles that span the length of the top between the two legs. Maybe an extra angle also connecting the bottom of the legs, at least in back. If this is strong enough, I'd like to keep the front open so I can someday roll a cab in.

Here is a sketch of what I had in mind for the legs and frame. Do you think this would work?
I was also playing with the possibility of bending sheet aluminum into boxes to form the supports. I like the idea of fewer parts. So here, instead of two parts plus bolts, there will be four or five parts plus bolts. That's still a lot less than building it out of wood.


Saturday I'm going to find out how much it will cost. Unless you guys tell me it will not work for some reason. Hmm, just thought: maybe a bottom panel (underneath) that connects the legs to strengthen the whole structure, spreads the load and acts as load dispersal for the cab when it's on it. Would that work?

The top box I got this week. Here it is, still in my truck.

This thing is a lot bigger in person than it looks in pictures. It absorbed a whole bunch of stuff that I was keeping in bags, boxes and tool boxes. I'll probably go for the matching bottom box if I can save up the money in time. Looking at this thing on the bench in my room for real, I have to say, overall these two would be plenty of storage for now. I'll get a giant something later when I have more room.

Weird coincidence finding a used one in black and stainless when I'm looking for a black or gray box to go with my stainless bench top.

Anyway, please tell me what you think of the base idea. Will that work as a support for a bench top that's 96" x 24"?