Where to FIND a descent workbench

[NJGTFX4]

Hey All,

I searched and found a lot of threads about workbenches/garage set ups. I am looking to buy/build a workbenchnow and was wondering where to go. I don't want a Home Depot or Lowes press board piece to start off with. I do want something solid as I'd like to put a vice on it, and use it. I saw a kit from Northern Tool - http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200466790_200466790 I assume this is descent as it depends on what wood I use for the strength of it bench. Any tips are greatly appreciated on where to buy or find plans for one of these...I don't need anything commercial, just something strong. I have a Craftsman 11 tier tool chest, so this will be used a workbench - not for storage. Appreciate it in advance!

 

[astroracer]

A strong bench can be built out of a few 2 x 4's and some 3/4 in plywood. Build a ladder style frame and bolt it to the wall with some lag bolts. Set the height so the working top is at the same height as your bent elbow. Run a couple of 2 x's down to the floor from the corners and throw on the top. Make a few shelfs underneath with any left over material.

 

[ovilla]

Checkout Craigslist. Look up workbench or better yet "welding table". There's always people looking to downsize or get rid of stuff before they move into a new house.

 

[Koy E]

Get this http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=196863

I just got my two sets in. I haven't had chance to build it yet but I can tell by the material that it will be fairly solid. Currently they are sold out but will ship out by July 22nd. when I ordered mine set a few weeks ago it also gave a back order date of june but delivered way ahead of schedule. Their should be a free shipping code available for you around the net if your search for it that will give you free shipping. if you are going to buy more than one kit and want to use the free shipping code, buy them in separate order so they don't charge you a surplus for bulk shipping ( weight issue) that way you get the free shipping.

 

[DIC]

You could buy a Simpson Strong-Tie workbench bracket kit at Home Depot and some 2x4s, plywood. Comes with plans,makes a decent workbench that's easy to put together.

 

[ezzzzzzz]

My work bench is a Knacck rolling tool box, 26"x36", with a flanged 32"x42"x1/4" steel plate bolted to it using countersunk bolts. I've bolted my Dayton shear/roller/brake to it and plan on adding a 'new' vice too. It gives me 18"x42" workspace and cabinet storage too. I've got about $400 invested (less Dayton and vise).

 

[lucky.expert]

I had the same problem finding a descent heavy duty workbench. Wound up building one for less than $150

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[Storage Guy]

Check this website out. Great product at a great price and you can get it from the noted contact. Pretty much everything from a basic two leg bench to a auto tech system.

http://www.rousseaumetal.com

Preferred Equipment Resources 877-598-1800 X120

Good luck.

 

[dittle fart around]

Lots of places sell work benches. You'll get more satisfaction out of building your own. 4 x 4 corner posts, 2 x 4 stringers and 1-1/8 inch sub-floor plywood has lasted me for 35 years.

Satisfaction is what life's all about.

 

[zkling]

Depends on your budget and tools available. It is hard to beat an old section of bowling alley or other laminated hardwood ~2" or greater thick top with a simple frame of 3"x3" square tubing welded together.

Great because it can take a beating if you need to hammer on something without it vibrating like a steel top would.

Jack has a beautiful setup. Heck I would use his steel frame bench as a dining room table

http://www.themotoringenthusiastjournal.com/fun_stuff/jack_olsens_12_gauge_garage.htm

 

[MotoDave]

My vote goes to buying some sturdy metal workbench legs (like McMaster #4767T12) and bolting on a butcher block kitchen counter top from IKEA (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50086416/#/30086417).

Its held up great for me for a few years now, and when the top gets too beat up you can sand it down and re-finish it.

 

[AirJunky]

A strong bench can be built out of a few 2 x 4's and some 3/4 in plywood. Build a ladder style frame and bolt it to the wall with some lag bolts. Set the height so the working top is at the same height as your bent elbow. Run a couple of 2 x's down to the floor from the corners and throw on the top. Make a few shelfs underneath with any left over material.

This is basically what I did. A few exceptions... or upgrades. I used 2x6s for everything, legs, the framed structure & the bench surface itself (it's basically built like you would build a deck). The back is bolted to the concrete wall behind it. Plus I stuck a sheet of masonite on the top with the understanding that I have the option to replace that masonite whenever it gets too scarred up or whatever. I have a vice mounted to the thing. I cut, grind, mig weld & beat on things all the time. It's STOUT. Amazingly it's not burnt at all. The masonite is getting a little scarred up, but not bad & should get 5+ years out of it.

 

[Always_Thinkin]

I really like this one. It is built strong and has some storage.

http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-P...rkbenches/simple-workbench-plans/Step-By-Step

 

[Jinks]

If you have a Sam's Club near you see if they have a workbench there. We found one that was steel framed, 6 foot long, with a butcher block top. My wife used it as a potting table for several years. Our local Sam's still has them.

Another alternative is to build your own. Another poster built a great shop & used butcher block counter tops from Ikea. I built one from 2 X 4 & 3/4 ply. on wheels. Cut in an old steel plate from another bench I used to have & mounted my router under it. I roll it outside to do my routing, or put my chop saw on. Lots of ways to go, just depends on what you want..........

 

[NOZZLEMAN]

Build one !!!!!

 

[hockey88fan]

Lots of places sell work benches. You'll get more satisfaction out of building your own. 4 x 4 corner posts, 2 x 4 stringers and 1-1/8 inch sub-floor plywood has lasted me for 35 years.

Satisfaction is what life's all about.

Just did this^^^ love it, rock solid.

 

[DangerousDan55]

Im still working on mine. Need counter top, vise, & peg board, ect... These were old reclaimed cabinets from my newest house garage. Previous owner build them. They were in a "L" shape, & i made them straight. They were lightly built. So, I beefed them up with 2x4's.The top cabinets I got from auction at two diffent schools.
This area is for my fire department theme. I'll soon also have "stuff" reflecting my mechanical background located behind my two post lift.
The finnish work is going slow, do to vacation time & money.....

This is my third wooden work bench(moved 3 times) I've had a 5" vise on them & beat on stuff with a 4lb sledge hammer. They do hold up well. I used wood glue & deck screws.

 

[brownbagg]

a work bench needs to be built not bought, get you some 4x4 for the legs, a bunch of 2 x6 or 2x8 for top and support, a bench need to be bang on, hammer on, beat on, cut, painted, oil spills, burnt, it doesnt need to be pretty or a cabinet or formica top. the work bench is a manly tool, abuse the hell out of it. mine are simple but over thirty years old. build it heavy with scrap wood and abuse it, a good work bench should be under $25

 

[BFalfa]

my dad built my workbench for me when I moved out to my own place..that was 10+ years ago, still using it to this day. metal frame with wood top.

 

[DangerousDan55]

Brownbagg, your right on! I use the hell out of my benches. As for my newest bench, it Will not stay new for long. I already have a old rolling table with a 6" vise & drill press.. I do most of my dirty work there. I also removed the wheels to make it stationary.

I'm retired now. And after spending 34 years working with some real sloppy dirty workers, I swore that I will not live in retirement like those people. I want to slow down & enjoy my rebuilds, & general work. I want a fairly clean Working shop. Not only for Show. However, I want to include my memories.
I plan to be somewhere between a "working shop" , storage area & my memories included.
Defently not a dealership show room.

 

[Jeff]

x3812 Build One!

 

[cbccadet2002]

This is what ive ran into in most machine shops. But honestly fab ur own. You will take more pride in using it.

http://www.chdist.com/product/reliu...a&keyw=&kwmatch=&source=google_pla&origin=pla

 

[CNGsaves]

If you watch CL enough, you'll get plenty of options to pick up HEAVY workbench as people virtually give them away when moving.

. . . . and, unless bench has been sprayed by skunk, there should not be need to de-scent the bench, as it likely is DECENT bench just like it is !!

. . . . or if you're worried of the Origin of wood made to build bench, then research Derivation of Ancestor (ie descent), maybe Oak, Pine or Ash trees ??#!?

 

[Justanoldguy]

de·scent
noun
1.
the act, process, or fact of moving from a higher to a lower position. Synonyms: falling, sinking; fall, drop.

Sorry, could find any decent bench plans.

 

[cheechi]

Sorry, could find any decent bench plans.

Failure. Glass houses and all that. Contributing and making a joke is one thing, but I guess I missed the contribution part.

Given the choice between the 2x4 basics & the simpson kit, I think the 2x4 basics is easier to work with. It's also more forgiving if your wood isn't exactly straight than the simpson kit is.

Dan, that top picture is that a finish or veneer or is that the raw wood? I think that looks amazing.

 

[bayoubengal]

Will be working on my 2x4 basics bench this weekend. Jeff....where did you get the top for your's, and what dimension is that?

I'm gonna probaly do a 7x2 dimension, and use the shelves to build a top shelf and room to put pegboard, probably only a 4 ft section, leaving me space to put my tool chest on side.

I'm thinking about painting the 2x4s also before I put it together.

 

[Justanoldguy]

Contributing and making a joke is one thing, but I guess I missed the contribution part.

So you are making the rules for posting on this forum now....
Hmmmmmmmmm

 

[greg9719]

I ordered and just received the 2x4 Basics kit from the hot deals section.

I had a custom bench my dad had built but wanted something an little nicer after seeing many here. I highly recommend the 2x4 basics kit. I went 6' x 2' because I was thinking of doing the IKEA butcher block but now I think I'm going to do plywood covered with hardwood maple flooring.

I'll post pictures when completed.

 

[Lkdelta]

I really like this one. It is built strong and has some storage.

http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-P...rkbenches/simple-workbench-plans/Step-By-Step

^^^^^^(post #13)^^^^^^^^
and you don't have to build it exactly like the plan either
I used the plan guidance but with a few mods I needed

 

[RatchetMan]

Build one !!!!!

+1. We are not talking rocket science here. And I am willing to bet that anything you build will be much stouter than any kits you buy. I built my own bench and could host a rock concert on top of it. I over built it but there is nothing more frustrating than a wobbly work bench.

People go nuts over their favorite brand of bench vise but if your bench is not sturdy there isn't much point in having a vise at all.

 

[lucky.expert]

gotta love the grammar police. I know better, guess I was in a hurry when I posted. Figured a picture and some input would outweigh the potential spelling mistakes...

 

[ARCTIC_RAGTOP]

Build one!! I built mine using 4x4 for legs, 2x6 across the top as a base, covered that with 3/4" MDF topped with 3/4" maple, then built a rolling workbench to fit underneath when not in use. Cost me $100 in materials. Get er done!