Rock Crawler
New member
- Joined
- Dec 21, 2014
- Messages
- 3
I've been lurking on this board, gleaming info, ideas, and inspiration . Very cool place, this is. Time to contribute something and join the conversation with my first post.
Recently moved my family into a new-to-us house. Most likely this will be our 'forever house', on this site of eternity. Naturally there's a long list of renovation projects for a house built in the 50's that needs updating and customizing to our tastes. What better place to start then the centerpiece of the garage?
Thought I'd put my own twist on a bench that was initially inspired by Steevo (thanks!). Started out with a plan for an 8ft bench with a tool box built in and space for seated work. Framed with antiqued wood instead of steel. Wanted the distressed wood contrasted with a metal work surface. Drooled over stainless steel top but settled on a more budget minded maple. Then my old man visited for a think tank session, and of course the bench doubled in size! Added in a 4'x3' steel plate to scratch the metal work surface itch. I'm very pleased with both the journey of building this and the nearly finished end product. This is my first carpentry type project, so be kind.
4"x6" posts, with 2"x4" supports tied together with simpson strong ties.
2"x2" angle iron spans across the 16ft front for some over built strength.
URL=http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/blitzkriegk9/media/20150302_105607_zpsb313ea9d.jpg.html]
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Hid the angle iron with wood to keep the look I was going for.
Threw some plywood on the back for some rigidity
The front of the bench is bolted together for more of an old school look
URL=http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/blitzkriegk9/media/20150302_105731_zpse1a5a5d0.jpg.html]
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The top is 2 layers of 3/4", and one of 3/8" particle board, topped with 1/4" maple hardboard.
Capped the front with 2"x2" aluminum angle to hide the ugly layers of particle board.
Picked up a Kobalt 41" wide box in ss. It was the best priced ss box I could find with 99lb rated drawers. My idea was a hybrid theme, matching the look of century old weather worn wood with the newer/cleaner look of SS. I wanted a bench that'd remind me of my Grandpas who have passed on. They were part of the greatest generation, both WWII vets. One a CAT diesel mechanic for a decade, and later a maintenence supervisor. He was my first boss who instilled in me a hard work ethic. The other was a sheet metal worker in the Navy, Pearl Harbor survivor, and hobby carpenter. I hope they'd give their stamp of approval.
Still on the to do list: Add a 27" 5 draw ss box to fill in the left side so the other box isn't lonely. Coat the maple top with polyurethane, and attach to particle board. Attach top to the wall via a 2"x4" stringer that runs the entire 16th length. Cap the left end of the work surface with aluminum flat bar. Add a backsplash. Trying to decide between aluminum, maple hardboard (which I already have), or a combo. Bolt to the floor.
Recently moved my family into a new-to-us house. Most likely this will be our 'forever house', on this site of eternity. Naturally there's a long list of renovation projects for a house built in the 50's that needs updating and customizing to our tastes. What better place to start then the centerpiece of the garage?
Thought I'd put my own twist on a bench that was initially inspired by Steevo (thanks!). Started out with a plan for an 8ft bench with a tool box built in and space for seated work. Framed with antiqued wood instead of steel. Wanted the distressed wood contrasted with a metal work surface. Drooled over stainless steel top but settled on a more budget minded maple. Then my old man visited for a think tank session, and of course the bench doubled in size! Added in a 4'x3' steel plate to scratch the metal work surface itch. I'm very pleased with both the journey of building this and the nearly finished end product. This is my first carpentry type project, so be kind.
4"x6" posts, with 2"x4" supports tied together with simpson strong ties.
2"x2" angle iron spans across the 16ft front for some over built strength.
URL=http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/blitzkriegk9/media/20150302_105607_zpsb313ea9d.jpg.html]
Hid the angle iron with wood to keep the look I was going for.
Threw some plywood on the back for some rigidity
The front of the bench is bolted together for more of an old school look
URL=http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/blitzkriegk9/media/20150302_105731_zpse1a5a5d0.jpg.html]
The top is 2 layers of 3/4", and one of 3/8" particle board, topped with 1/4" maple hardboard.
Capped the front with 2"x2" aluminum angle to hide the ugly layers of particle board.
Picked up a Kobalt 41" wide box in ss. It was the best priced ss box I could find with 99lb rated drawers. My idea was a hybrid theme, matching the look of century old weather worn wood with the newer/cleaner look of SS. I wanted a bench that'd remind me of my Grandpas who have passed on. They were part of the greatest generation, both WWII vets. One a CAT diesel mechanic for a decade, and later a maintenence supervisor. He was my first boss who instilled in me a hard work ethic. The other was a sheet metal worker in the Navy, Pearl Harbor survivor, and hobby carpenter. I hope they'd give their stamp of approval.
Still on the to do list: Add a 27" 5 draw ss box to fill in the left side so the other box isn't lonely. Coat the maple top with polyurethane, and attach to particle board. Attach top to the wall via a 2"x4" stringer that runs the entire 16th length. Cap the left end of the work surface with aluminum flat bar. Add a backsplash. Trying to decide between aluminum, maple hardboard (which I already have), or a combo. Bolt to the floor.
