What should be my next workbench mod???

[Always_Thinkin]

Hey guys, I am looking for ideas here. I am wanting to improve my workbench functionality but not redo the whole thing. All-in-all I am very pleased with my current workbench setup and features. However I am itching to do something else to it to make it more useful, versitle, handy etc. I need your ideas on what I should do to it next. The current workbench setup: 8 feet long, 30" deep work surface is set at 41" above the floor to match the height of my roll-around tool chest, see the picture below. I was thinking of adding a full width tool tray to the front of the bench so that the top of the front board is flush with the top of the work surface. THis would give me room to put the tools that i am using on a project so they are not on the work bench and having to hunt for something while i am working. I thought to use a strip of 3/4" plywood (same material i used for the workbench surface) as a cover so i had a 33" deep work surface when i am not using the tool tray. I would have to do something different with my vice whether i relocate or use it on a stand. The tray would be the depth of a 2x4 and 4-6" wide. However, I am open to other ideas so let me know what your ideas are whether it is something you currently have on your work bench or have wanted to try. Thanks for the input...

 

[akdiesel]

power and air connections on the front edge or sides may be handy.
I like to have the ability to change out my vise for other mounted tools, so I implamented the receiver hitches that have the flat plate. This allows for a vise on one and a grinder on another and what ever else I choose to use at that time then when not needed the bench is clear for what ever else.

 

[Colin Len]

A tool tray sounds interesting, never thought of doing something like that. You could even use piano hinge on the leading edge to mount the cover so you could just open the cover and fold it down opposed to having to remove it and store it elsewhere.

As for other ideas, AKdiesel has a good point about adding power and air connections. And the other thing that comes to mind for me is to just paint or stain the whole thing. Adds some functionality as it will make cleaning easier but mainly it' just an aesthetic thing, but I think well worth the time.

 

[Always_Thinkin]

The tool tray ideas I was thinking are below. The side tool tray would be between the tool chest and the work bench. The front tool tray could be a quick bolt on setup. Keep the ideas coming. Thank you for the comments too.

 

[Ign]

Something like your first pic above, but I hang angle grinders on it. But I've got about 9 grinders w different attachments and I'm strictly a metal guy.

 

[senlow]

power and air connections on the front edge or sides may be handy.
I like to have the ability to change out my vise for other mounted tools, so I implamented the receiver hitches that have the flat plate. This allows for a vise on one and a grinder on another and what ever else I choose to use at that time then when not needed the bench is clear for what ever else.

Power on the front is really useful. Cords that have to go across the bench can get in the way.

 

[senlow]

The tool tray ideas I was thinking are below. The side tool tray would be between the tool chest and the work bench. The front tool tray could be a quick bolt on setup. Keep the ideas coming. Thank you for the comments too.

I like the idea of the side tray. It would make clean up easier.

The front tray is also a good idea. However, it wouldn't work for me. It would just collect ****. Also, it looks like it would be a pain in the *** to clean.

 

[wrench409]

If you do woodworking, how about a vacuum port connected to a shop vac? Also keep a short hose that connects to the port for cleanup. You could also build a 'trap can' out of a 5 gallon bucket for those errant tools/fasteners that can end up getting sucked in.


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[Burb]

Maybe a receiver mount for the vise? That way it's sturdy and readily available, but not in your way when you don't need it.

 

[rburke65]

Always.....nothing to add but I like how you have the light extended out over the bench.....very nice!

 

[Always_Thinkin]

Always.....nothing to add but I like how you have the light extended out over the bench.....very nice!

rburke65: Thank you sir! I have tall ceilings in my garage and i didn't want to hang my lights from a wall hanger or down from the ceiling. I figured no matter where i want to move my workbench in the garage I will always have good lighting this way.

 

[QwikKotaTx]

How do you clamp anything to the front edge of that bench? Long clamps I guess?

 

[Always_Thinkin]

How do you clamp anything to the front edge of that bench? Long clamps I guess?

I dont use this bench for clamping much. When i originally built this bench, unfortunately i didnt build teh top to have a 3/4" lip or overhang to clamp to...

 

[larry_g]

Before I built a tray on the front of the bench I would suggest that you make full use of the magnetic strips you have mounted on the upper shelf. I have the magnet also and have a selection of screwdrivers, adjustables, files, rulers etc on it. I can probably can do 50% of the household type repairs with those few tools. I'll also second the air and electric to the front of the bench.

lg
no neat sig line