work benches... from scratch

[rdn2blazer]

Here's a couple more showing some of the other details of it. It has a center support bar thats removable for long items. Also has a full length tool tray for small parts and tools.

 

[rartuin270]

Rdn2 that thing is sweet

 

[rdn2blazer]

Thank man. It was totally built on a whim. I love those type builds. I'm also building a fully cnc machined tube rolling machine too, also totally on a whim. Going to try and manufacture them and get them to market to sell them. Prototype is near complete, and the production model has been nead completely designed. Can not wait to have a fully completed production model completed so I can debut it to the masses.

 

[aarondost08]

Here is mine. It's still a work in progress but its getting closer. I designed it around a StrongHand Table.

<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/Max-Flow13/media/photo11_zps8d7bf5fa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/Max-Flow13/photo11_zps8d7bf5fa.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo11_zps8d7bf5fa.jpg"/></a>

 

[ZRX61]

I just threw one together for a friend from lumber I had laying about. Delivered it yesterday, but he is responsible for sorting out a top for it. Told him to buy 3 2x10's, sheet of plywood & a sheet of masonite. Turns out he doesn't have a circular saw so I'll be going back over there to cut the sheets to fit & screwing them & the 2x's down.
He really needed one as we were trying to fabricate aircraft parts over there recently working on the garage floor.
He was surprised that I didn't charge him anything for it (only took a couple of hours)... but I will make up for that generosity when I sell him a pair hefty Columbian vises to mount on it next week (one swivel, one static)

 

[cudastruction]

rartuin270,

Try a hasp or a window bolt...

http://www.lowes.com/Hardware/Door-Hardware/Door-Lock-Hasps-Barrel-Bolts/_/N-1z0zqtz/pl#!

 

[AndrewV]

I've built several out of pallets. Don't own them anymore, so no pics.

 

[NASTYZEN]

Here's a few pictures of my parts washer I built years ago that also double duties as the work bench for my cnc mill now. Here's a few before and after. The water filled pic is my weld check test. ZERO weld leaks first attempt. Was stoked about that. Had it powder coated bright Orange. Has held up superbly to automotive solvent.

Nice parts washer and real sweet mill.
What do you make with it?

 

[rdn2blazer]

Nice parts washer and real sweet mill.
What do you make with it?

Plan is to manufacture pretty much any invention I can conjur up in my brain. For any of the intrests I'm into. Custom tools for machining & fabrication. Fabrication equipment, parts, tools, custom whatever for the off road industry, dirt bike industry, street rods, hot rods muscle cars, drag racing, most any racing I'm into. I have a list of items a mile long that will get made at some point hopefully. My main focus is my design of a tube rolling machine. I have a production unit designed, just need to get it machined and fabricated.

It's a hell of a slow process trying to get a one man machine shop going. Designing and machining and fabricating ALLL parts and get the shop organized and funtioning. I have a partener, but he's been finaicial only for the most up to this point. We will be working together but he needs to get his PhD completed first before he can dedicate time to this his self. I had the daunting mountainous task of rearranging my just 360 sq ft small 2 car garage so we could fit this thing in,
amongst all my shop equipment already filling the garage.

So ever since before the mill came, I've been working my A!! OFF getting the garage ready to accomodate the machine on it's delivery date. Then once here, I quickly realized, I NEEDED to do A LOT more organizing and rearranging. I have 2 18' shipping containder so those got rearranged too to be able to accept the overflow of truck parts, axles, engines, and transmissions I have for the two off road projects I have, that were all in the garage still too. Trucks stay outside under tarps unfortunately. Need a bigger garage.

Only made stuff too help this task along the way so far. Tooling, brackets, shop items only at the moment. I've done all the work 99.999% by myself. I'm just one of those guys that won't ask for help like most I'm sure. I'll mention I did ALLL this work after surviving lung cancer and a brain tumor that should have killed me due to the massive brain swelling it caused. Almost died in my shower on May 5th 2012, Cinco Da Mayo day of all days.

I passed out in the shower from the massive brain swelling cause by the brain tumor. I was getting ready for work on that May 5th Saturday for some overtime. There's at least a few other members here who know me from my main web site, an off road site, that know my story. I survived nearly 8 hours of brain surgery on May 14th 2012, I had 3 hours of biopsy surgery on June 25th, and 7 hours of lung surgery on June 27th and lost 1/2 my right lung at age 44. I only smoked when I was a teen for a couple years but did live under my moms smoke filled roof for 18 years. Docs say unrelated. How the hell they say thay I do not know.

Dealing with, but got good news just last Monday about a second brain tumor I had show up on an MRI about 4 1/2 months ago. Appears to be dead. Also dealing with a swollen brain from the rediation I had after the first tumor was removed. It's caused some issues now. Swelling has gone down some, so more great news. And the best of all was hearing NO NEW TUMORS. THANK GOD! Sorry such a long reply.

 

[rdn2blazer]

If my avatar pic is too graphic let me know. It's the brain surgery incision scar with the staples still in my head. Now back to tool discussion.

 

[vagabondmidget]

rdn2blazer - didn't want to take away from your post or go too far off topic but just wanted to say props and keep at it sir. much respect

I can't relate to the skill or depth of your injuries but I've had small taste of the surgeon's signature.
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/angryshortbloke/10809335676" title="image by Rob Boynton, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7416/10809335676_fed764e981_q.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="image"></a>

 

[metalmagpie]

Couldn't see a way to edit my post to this thread. Anyway, the URL to the pic moved, here it is again. Coupla details - there are adjustable feet so I can level out the benches and make them very close to exactly the same height. Also, there is space beneath for all the toolboxes, chain saws, floor jacks etc. that had been clogging up my shop. It's nice to see this old pic again, these benches will never be this clean again! - metalmagpie

 

[BearsFan315]

Lot of Nice benches,,, need to post a pict of mine, nothing fancy came with house, but works...

getting tons of ideas from all the great pictures

 

[92GreenYJ]

I'll play. My workbench wall. The main back piece is 2x6 lag bolted and screwed straight to every single stud running the whole length of the wall. Rest is 2x4 framing with metal corner joists at every corner. Also below the tops and supporting the outriggers I cut 2x4 angle trusses that run from the frame diagonally down to the studs and diagonally across below the top. Tops are all 3/4" MDF except for the welding table at the end. That's a sheet of 3/16" cold rolled steel. The dividers are 2x2 with pegboard both sides. Gladiator cabinets above with LED strip lighting on the bottoms to light each section of bench. Each is independently controlled so I can light only the sections I am working at. Also have a 12 outlet power strip on each section. Basically each section of bench is dedicated to a different thing. Further out and closest to the wife's area (washer and dryer) is my electronics/electrical bench, next one down is my firearms cleaning, servicing, smithing, and reloading bench. Big wood bench is my general all projects bench, and of course the metal top is my metal fab and welding table.

And you will also notice air hoses between each section. Ran a loop down from my rapid air main loop that runs around the entire garage and ran a drop off to each section divider so I have easy air access wherever I'm working.

 

[BearsFan315]

92GreenYJ

Very Nice, looks like you thought & planned that one out !! I like the independent stations with all you will need for that task, as well as the General Purpose Bench. Looks like no Shortage of Air, Power, or Light at ANY Bench !!

 

[BearsFan315]

bentpushrod

Very nice, would be scared to sue that piece of Art !!

 

[Outlander]

These benches should make you guys with real skills feel good. All were made with wood left over from projects at home the lake. Previous owner of the lake house left tons of wood.

Section on the left was there when I bought the place, I built the section of the right as I needed more place to work and it was kind of a dead area.

View media item 21481
The sliding doors on this free from Kijiji cabinet were a pain, so I used them to make a shelf under the workbench pictured above.

View media item 22627
Not the most recent pictures, but you get the idea.

 

[92GreenYJ]

92GreenYJ

Very Nice, looks like you thought & planned that one out !! I like the independent stations with all you will need for that task, as well as the General Purpose Bench. Looks like no Shortage of Air, Power, or Light at ANY Bench !!

Thanks. I had several months to plan and dream up my ideal garage set up while we were house hunting. My old workbench was small and was always cluttered as I used it to do absolutely everything. It was a mess. I knew I wanted to go big and the cubicle idea just hit me one day. Makes it far more organized and easier to keep projects from spilling over onto each other. I actually installed a 100 amp 20 circuit sub panel strictly to power the garage. There's power everywhere in there. I ran the bench outlets on their own independent circuit from the lights too so they won't dim when running high draw power tools.

 

[rdn2blazer]

rdn2blazer - didn't want to take away from your post or go too far off topic but just wanted to say props and keep at it sir. much respect

I can't relate to the skill or depth of your injuries but I've had small taste of the surgeon's signature.
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/angryshortbloke/10809335676" title="image by Rob Boynton, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7416/10809335676_fed764e981_q.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="image"></a>

Crazy man! Thank god you're alive brother! And Thank you. Very much appreciate the kind words .

 

[c.schulz]

Here is mine. It's still a work in progress but its getting closer. I designed it around a StrongHand Table.

<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/user/Max-Flow13/media/photo11_zps8d7bf5fa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/Max-Flow13/photo11_zps8d7bf5fa.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo11_zps8d7bf5fa.jpg"/></a>

Looks awesome! How did you go about getting/fabbing the top plates with all the holes? And will the holes work with the Stronghand clamps, etc?

Chris

 

[JonnyMac]

Im in the process of building a strong hand type table, all because I had some 5mm wall pipe left over from something else. Using it for the legs.
Im getting a 1200mm x 600mm top lazer cut with 16mm holes. Mine is only 1/4" thick, lazer cutting holes was just over $120, when you step up to 1/2" material the cutting cost triples so that was a bit expensive for what I need it for.
As for the clamps, Im just going to get a few lengths of 16mm bar and fit the clamps to it then have a few pegs machined up. The cost of the stronghand accessories is a bit much in my opinion. .

The frame top is 100x50mm at 4mm wall with 1/2" pads on each corner for the legs.
Im just debating how to join the top to the frame, might well use the blocks method stronghand uses but depending on how flat the frame lies when its up I might just bolt directly on the frame.

 

[ezriderga]

Nothing fancy (but good for storage..I've got to get busy on eBay). Solid door (free) and some 2x4's assembled with self-tapping screws (best thing since sliced bread IMHO). Sturdy and ideal for my outbuilding.

 

[BearsFan315]

Tons of Ideas ...

Will post what I have when I get home this weekend. not the best but making it work for me

 

[deezee]

2x4's laminated on top of a mixture of metal kitchen cabinets, metal cabinets from the university anatomy dept and ikea.

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[Siggy87]

I built this workbench from scratch a few years ago and recently decided to add the peg board and also the spray can holder racks on the side. A few afternoons putting it all together has made a lot more space in my garage so I'm thrilled.

 

[BearsFan315]

Ok, as promised here is my workbench, definitely not anything to write home about, but it came with the house and works for now.

long shot of entire bench partially cleaned !!

needed room to store parts -n- pieces for the 29, so threw up some shelves and bins

Extra shelf for the boombox and 8v battery tender & 12v ion charger

Has open area under the left side, where I store mower & pressure washer, middle section has shelves, where I store gas cans & vac accessories, right side has doors w/ shelves where I store some equipment and supplies.

 

[hallboyone]

That was a well spent hour.

 

[Tigervuu]

Here's my workbench that is still a work in progress. The major parts that I wanted on there were the table and chop saws. Not sure what I want to do with the rest. Probably add some storage shelves. Any ideas or suggestions would be very welcomed. The finished product will be on casters so that I can move it around.

<a href="http://s65.photobucket.com/user/tigervuu/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140718_160831_zpsiryiuv6d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h218/tigervuu/Mobile%20Uploads/20140718_160831_zpsiryiuv6d.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20140718_160831_zpsiryiuv6d.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s65.photobucket.com/user/tigervuu/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140718_160852_zpssjkm5wed.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h218/tigervuu/Mobile%20Uploads/20140718_160852_zpssjkm5wed.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20140718_160852_zpssjkm5wed.jpg"/></a>

 

[mdbeck1]

It looks like if you are getting ready to cut a sheet of plywood you will need to remove your miter box. It would be useful if you had a place to store it when this happened. I've seen other tables that had revolving sections of the top that hold one or more tools. This might be good for storage of your miter box.

Also you might want to look at putting a router in the table. You could use the same fence system as the table saw. ...also to "store" it you just move the bit lower than the top.

Drawers to hold saw blades, router bits, clamps, lots of clamps of different types. A precision fence system is nice as well. I have an Incra jig and you can do some real interesting things with it. There are several others out there. Take a look.

 

[Tigervuu]

Thanks for the suggestions mdbeck, I haven't ever even used a router, I think I may have to give it a try. Been wanting to but not a serious craftsman yet, only a weekend small projects kinda guy. I was wanting to somehow put a hinge on the back of the miter saw table so that it can just fold down when not in use. I may have to reconfigure that workspace, this is what happens when I start on projects that I visually see in my head but not have it planned out on paper lol.

 

[mdbeck1]

Thanks for the suggestions mdbeck, I haven't ever even used a router, I think I may have to give it a try. Been wanting to but not a serious craftsman yet, only a weekend small projects kinda guy. I was wanting to somehow put a hinge on the back of the miter saw table so that it can just fold down when not in use. I may have to reconfigure that workspace, this is what happens when I start on projects that I visually see in my head but not have it planned out on paper lol.

Routers are useful and speed up a lot of operations. In fact there are a lot of operations that they are the only tool that will work (well unless you want to do it all by hand). Pick one up but be careful. They spin real fast and can be uncontrollable. that's one reason mine is mounted in a table with a fence system. ...and pick up a "pattern bit" for use in the router table. Then you can build a pattern out of hardboard or scrap lumber, tack it to the top of a board and use the router to make a duplicate. The bit will have a bearing on the top or bottom.

As far as your work station take a look at the pictures on this site: http://www.woodstore.net/flwoce.html. There are lots of woodworking ideas on the internet. Look around and add your own twist. I've had loads of fun building things in the wood shop.

 

[BearsFan315]

never thought of building IN my chop saw, but I have seen a lot of posts & pictures on here where everyone is doing just that !!

so now I am rethinking my NEW workbench(es) I want to build, also looking at making a special place to put my small drill press, may have to think about my bench grinder as well

 

[56vette461]

never thought of building IN my chop saw, but I have seen a lot of posts & pictures on here where everyone is doing just that !!

so now I am rethinking my NEW workbench(es) I want to build, also looking at making a special place to put my small drill press, may have to think about my bench grinder as well

BearsFan,
That is a nice looking start to a work station table. That is the nice thing about GJ, There are always some great new ideas that members have seen, tried, developed, thought about or seen go by the way side just because they don't do what we want.

Workbench evolution is a wonderful thing. If you look at places that specialize in woodworking tools you can always find things that will work for you. Only restriction is imagination and space. We can always find ways to adapt expensive ideas to the more affordable things we find.

IMHO, You might consider keeping your work surface just slightly lower than the table saw top if your not setup in a permanent spot. It really hurts when you catch the board your cutting on the edge of the extension and it twists into the blade and then back into the operator. Been there, Done that! Once it is set in a permanent location so the edges don't change, your good to go

 

[Killinger]

Here is one I built. All the lumber was found in an old barn. Only thing I bought was the 3/4 plywood for under the oak hardwood flooring for the top and the bolts and nuts to put it all together. Its 38''x84''x40''? Thing is very strudy and heavy. I still have a couple of things to do to it but i have been putting it to good use for a wile now. I might lower it a bit. I wanted it to be tall but I think it mite be just a little bit too tall.

 

[mdbeck1]

BearsFan,
...
IMHO, You might consider keeping your work surface just slightly lower than the table saw top if your not setup in a permanent spot. It really hurts when you catch the board your cutting on the edge of the extension and it twists into the blade and then back into the operator. Been there, Done that! Once it is set in a permanent location so the edges don't change, your good to go

You might also sand/round the edges of the table that the plywood might hit when sliding plywood forward.

...also think about wings (detachable?) to the sides of the blades that will support plywood when cutting it. I end up cutting a LOT of plywood by myself and a wide surface lets you slide the plywood instead of having to hold it up while sliding. It makes for a more accurate cut.

 

[yeldogt]

Killinger: Like those walls!

 

[Killinger]

Killinger: Like those walls!

Ya they ate pretty cool. Only downside is you can't mount anything to them.

 

[mdbeck1]

Ya they ate pretty cool. Only downside is you can't mount anything to them.

The walls look like tile. They DO make drill bits for that. However you can always connect upper shelving to the rafters and put posts to the floor. You can also put free standing cabinets in.

 

[BearsFan315]

Killinger... great use of old Hardwood Floor !!

remember you can always make the bench SHORTER, take a little of the legs, making it longer becomes the FUN part

 

[Killinger]

Killinger... great use of old Hardwood Floor !!

remember you can always make the bench SHORTER, take a little of the legs, making it longer becomes the FUN part

Thanks and agreed!