work benches... from scratch

[28HopUp]

Beautiful workbench, HopUp, Have you seen any warpage with the masonite doors?

I built the Family Handyman wall cabinets and used 1/8" plywood (door skin) and even fully painted, the doors are warping. I love your workbench and those doors may just solve my problem.

Nothing yet, but I just built them. I figure if I see any flex that I will glue a diagonal backer strip to the sliding doors to keep them true.

I appreciate the tip on Johnson's wax. I tested some scrap with Rem Oil, and the stuff just soaked in without any color change.

Also, I have a steel bench bolted to the wall in the opposite corner with a stainless top. That bench will be used harder than the new bench. I would have changed my design to a stainless top if I wanted the bench surface to be more durable. It's all about having a flexible design to meet your expected needs.

 

[OklahomaHotRod]

If you like to weld or are like me and melt metal together... Checkout http://http://www.weldingweb.com

Search under Projects and Pictures...

 

[digdug18]

Damn, I need to get started on my work benches. All great ideas on this thread so far.

 

[GreenGooey]

Well I guess I better throw my hat in the ring. The table is 2" square tubing and the top is 3/4" MDF. The chair is from a 1st gen Rx-7.

 

[scott_one]

Here's mine built last summer.

 

[thomfr]

After several months of cleaning, pitching, organizing, and building, I am now at a point where I can contribute to this thread and show you some pictures of the bench I just built in my basement workshop. Before I get to the bench itself, here is the entrance to my basement workshop, through the Scooby-Doo door I built -

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Interesting feature this Scooby Doo door. Never heard of it. How is it castored etc.?

Thom

 

[28HopUp]

Interesting feature this Scooby Doo door. Never heard of it. How is it castored etc.?

Thom

Hi Thom!

I found some "hidden doors" listed on the internet, but the prices were high, so I made my own door. I would have preferred that the door/shelves swivel like a revolving door, but that would have made the opening too small. So I built the shelves and used an industrial piano hinge rated for 600# after framing out the wall for the opening.

Here is a lousy, blurred picture where you can see the fasteners inside the shelve, with the door closed -

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And here is a shot of the hinge -

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The door locks from outside the shop by putting a 1" dowel through the left edge of the shelf, and into the jam. You can see the dowel in the above picture, and the hole under the bottom shelf in the picture. It is designed so you can push the dowel out from inside the shop to prevent yourself from being locked inside the room.

 

[chief ben]

Put it on wheels, And a Good Dog to Watch over the Tools,
Jerry lea is the Best,

 

[chief ben]

This is Jerry & I new small Maching shop, the big 26 X 50 shop is to big to cool and heat, so Jerry & I are building a new smaller shop, and we mean Small, 11.5 X 15.5 inside, we can cool it and heat it easy,
Jerry Calls it A Big Dog House, I Call it The Chiefs Quarters,
Anyway it is looking Good,

 

[mp23]

Just finished it. 8 foot long 30 inches wide. 100 dollars.

 

[DvlDgSoldier]

Built a rolling project/work bench this weekend.
It is 3x6x3, made of 2x4s, with 1/2" MDF shelf and 3/4" MDF top (for now).
Took about six hours of labor, and cost about $160.

 

[bczygan]

I would bypass the glue for the hardboard layer and screw that down. If you glue it- its NOT coming off. Ever.

Afterward, apply several coats of Johnsons paste wax to the hardboard. It will give it a nice sheen and keep stuff from soaking in. The first couple coats will soak in and look like nothing happened, but keep adding a couple more and it will look really nice, as well as very functional, and cheap, and easy.

Instead of hardboard how would MDF work for a disposable top? Thicker for screwing down...or hardboard glued to MDF and screwed down.....the whole assembly disposable???

 

[cj7jeep187]

 

[nkachur]

mdf works great for tops that will not be exposed to liquids

 

[Vicegrip]

Came into some free scrap 1/8 thick rectangle tubing already had some EWT that is no longer legal for roll bars so I figured it was time to retire the old rolling work platform. Free pile O scrap metal, fabrication gland spazzing and a plausible “need” = new rolling table. The old one was slapped together from a Delta table saw base and some scrap plywood for a particular project over 20 years ago. Like a bad houseguest it came for a weekend but never left. Unlike a bad guest it has proved to be useful time and again. Extra F.S.A., saw horse, motor and transmission platform, rolling tool pile, you name it. It was a bit too short and not quite large enough in one axis for Porsche motor and trans assemblies for my comfort but worked when pressed into service.
For the new table I chose to bond rather than weld the stainless top. I used some uber strong 3M 2 part automotive panel adhesive. I wanted the top to be flat and smooth so it can be use for small part Tig work and also easily and completely cleaned for a clean zone during motor builds. I set the top, weighted it down until the adhesive was almost set and then took a straight edge to it checking for flatness. I had to slightly jack up one small low spot before the adhesive hardened. Added a handle and it is ready to get dirty and chipped up.

 

[PeteMoore]

^^ thats lovely

 

[heathkiks]

Came into some free scrap 1/8 thick rectangle tubing already had some EWT that is no longer legal for roll bars so I figured it was time to retire the old rolling work platform. Free pile O scrap metal, fabrication gland spazzing and a plausible “need” = new rolling table. The old one was slapped together from a Delta table saw base and some scrap plywood for a particular project over 20 years ago. Like a bad houseguest it came for a weekend but never left. Unlike a bad guest it has proved to be useful time and again. Extra F.S.A., saw horse, motor and transmission platform, rolling tool pile, you name it. It was a bit too short and not quite large enough in one axis for Porsche motor and trans assemblies for my comfort but worked when pressed into service.
For the new table I chose to bond rather than weld the stainless top. I used some uber strong 3M 2 part automotive panel adhesive. I wanted the top to be flat and smooth so it can be use for small part Tig work and also easily and completely cleaned for a clean zone during motor builds. I set the top, weighted it down until the adhesive was almost set and then took a straight edge to it checking for flatness. I had to slightly jack up one small low spot before the adhesive hardened. Added a handle and it is ready to get dirty and chipped up.

Fantastic!

 

[ZRX61]

I need to beef up & brace the bench I built out of an old WWII Hamilton Standard propellor stand. Might try to get that done next week when it stops raining. I'll take pics.

 

[Krokodil]

@Vicegrip, that table looks sweet!

 

[Scuderia-F1]

Came into some free scrap 1/8 thick rectangle tubing already had some EWT that is no longer legal for roll bars so I figured it was time to retire the old rolling work platform. Free pile O scrap metal, fabrication gland spazzing and a plausible “need” = new rolling table. The old one was slapped together from a Delta table saw base and some scrap plywood for a particular project over 20 years ago. Like a bad houseguest it came for a weekend but never left. Unlike a bad guest it has proved to be useful time and again. Extra F.S.A., saw horse, motor and transmission platform, rolling tool pile, you name it. It was a bit too short and not quite large enough in one axis for Porsche motor and trans assemblies for my comfort but worked when pressed into service.
For the new table I chose to bond rather than weld the stainless top. I used some uber strong 3M 2 part automotive panel adhesive. I wanted the top to be flat and smooth so it can be use for small part Tig work and also easily and completely cleaned for a clean zone during motor builds. I set the top, weighted it down until the adhesive was almost set and then took a straight edge to it checking for flatness. I had to slightly jack up one small low spot before the adhesive hardened. Added a handle and it is ready to get dirty and chipped up.

That´s a very nice table you fabricated!

 

[peelman]

Instead of hardboard how would MDF work for a disposable top? Thicker for screwing down...or hardboard glued to MDF and screwed down.....the whole assembly disposable???

I just view MDF as too soft, dense though it may be. Once you chip it, or a hole starts to form, that's the ballgame, like rust on a crappy piece of steel.

I found some 6'x30"x1" (i think that's right at least) laminated oak bench tops in Menards the other day on sale for $72ea. Talk about stout and gorgeous. They'd be too pretty to do any work on If i had room for the ****** thing I probably would have picked up one, along with a couple of 4x4s and 2x6s...

 

[kms254]

I built one in an alcove in my garage. 2x4 frame screwed to the studs in the wall with a 2x6 going across the front. Its all attached with 3.5" screws. I then used 2x6's and a 2x4 as a top and I finished off the top shelf with a 1/2 piece of plywood.

 

[peelman]

I would want at least a single drop leg to the floor, (2x4, 2x6, 4x4, whatever) under that vise at least, to take some of the sheer stress off those fasteners...then again, not everybody beats on stuff in their vise...

 

[W650Mike]

Nice alcove bench!
Add a couple of wall shelves around the clock and pegboard on the side walls - then put that bottle opener to use.

 

[kms254]

I would want at least a single drop leg to the floor, (2x4, 2x6, 4x4, whatever) under that vise at least, to take some of the sheer stress off those fasteners...then again, not everybody beats on stuff in their vise...

That vise is not attached yet. I have had it sitting there as a test to see if that is where I want it. It was my grandfathers. I do think your idea of a support leg under the vice is a good idea. I know right now the bench can hold a 6'2" 200lb person standing on it .

Nice alcove bench!
Add a couple of wall shelves around the clock and pegboard on the side walls - then put that bottle opener to use.

In that picture you can see the upper shelf I am working on. I just put some plywood up this weekend to finish it off. I might frame it in and put doors on it as well. It just a place to store coolers and seasonal items. I was thinking pegboard on the back wall where the clock is. and run the wires for the speakers and light behind it.

I am thinking of getting some small pvc sections for drill holders.

 

[peelman]

Good to know Re-reading that, my comment sounded kinda ****-ish; my apologies, was only trying to help Its a sweet build and a great use of the space. I just have a tendency to over-think/over-engineer things quite a bit...

Oh, and are those Gladiator bins stacked up back there?

 

[kms254]

Yes they are, Good Eye. I got them + some slat wall at a "Couples Bridal Shower" from my parents. My mother did not realize the slat wall was 8 feet long and would not fit in the car so I am going to pick it up next time I am down there.

 

[peelman]

lol, nice. I've spent many moons studying that stuff at the local Lowes and Menards. I just put a bunch of their hangers up on some custom rails (1x3 pine, with a 3/8" groove cut on the top with a circular saw). ~$1/ft instead of $3/ft for the gladiator rail. "Couples Bridal Shower" eh? I need to float that idea past my parents and future in-laws, be nice if i could get some tools out of this deal...

 

[muddy8jeep8]

Just finished this one. Not sure what I want to do with the bottom shelf so that board is temporary. Trying to make the most out of my one car garage.

One I built a little while ago

 

[peelman]

Put together a small bench the other night that I can tuck away when not in use. Since i'm stuck in a two car garage, and we keep our cars in there, I can't get too crazy.

Measures 2' by just under 4', 2x4's for the base and frame, 1/2" allthread for the adjustable feet on the front. The top is a piece of 1/2" OSB, a piece of 3/4" OSB, topped with 1/4" hardboard. All told there's all of $40 in materials since both Menards and Home Depot were having big lumber sales. Props to wbrian63 for posting his awesome shop and the adjustable leg idea. I never would have gotten it square enough to not wobble otherwise.

Under Construction (click for (much) bigger copies):








In this one you can kind of see the nook in the Gorllia rack where i'll be stuffing this thing when not needed.




Hopefully in the next few months we'll be moving and I'll be able to have a bigger space to tinker in. Then I'll build the "real" version that's 8' by 30" with notched 4x4 legs and 2x6 main beams

 

[ramtuff]

Since there's no such thing as having too much work space, I decided to make a new workbench. It's not quite done yet, but here's the gist of it...

The two base units are old Craftsman work stations. They were in pretty sad shape, so I stripped them down, fixed/cleaned/greased the slides, and repainted them with brown Hammerite paint. I still have to paint the drawers for the one base yet, so that's why they're not installed. The top is made from 3/4" MDF topped by three 2x10x10s with a coat of tung oil (need to apply a second coat tomorrow). I installed a piece of 2x2x1/4" steel angle across the front, and stuck a vise at the end.

 

[bgblue]

Just finished my work bench this past weekend. I ordered the metal brackets from diybench.com and followed the instructions on the website.

The trailer floor decking is very strong and looks nice too.

 

[billcole]

Figured I would contribute a 3' by 4' roll around with a butcher block top I built this weekend. Still need to coat it with urethane.

 

[ed_v]

Figured I would contribute a 3' by 4' roll around with a butcher block top I built this weekend. Still need to coat it with urethane.

That looks way too nice to use in a shop! Great job.

Ed

 

[ed_v]

I can see from the gorilla racks and green tool chest that someone is a fan of Menards besides me. Those gorilla racks are great except for that ugly brown color. Im gonna paint mine.

Ed

 

[billcole]

Thanks Ed, yeah probably is a little to nice, wife decided she needs one for a kitchen island. It did not cost a whole lot, around $70 of wood and hardware. I love creating on the fly and sometimes I get a little carried away.

 

[ssathre]

I won’t be starting work on my garage until the thaw, but here are a few pics of my corner workbench that I made this winter. It’s located in my basement under the stairs and until I got around to doing this, it was just wasted space.

The lower bench to the left will be my reloading bench sporting a Hornaday progressive press with shell and bullet feeder. The taller bench to the right is multipurpose but mainly for tinkering around with various electronic projects and working on guitars. Of course it’s not done yet... I just have to get around to wraping the face in 1x's to protect the counter top and seal it. However, like most of my projects my lack of patience takes over and I moved in prematurley. Once the garage is finished most of the tools will be moved out to the shop. The plan is to make all the shelving, benches and cabniets myself with my new Trax Saw and Kreg jig.

 

[peelman]

I can see from the gorilla racks and green tool chest that someone is a fan of Menards besides me. Those gorilla racks are great except for that ugly brown color. Im gonna paint mine.

Ed

Meh, I'm fine with a neutral taupe. I've heard (somewhere) that you save big money at Menards. Plus I can look out my bedroom window and see the damned thing (I can get a wifi signal from my router sitting in their parking lot. Its that close.)

And I wouldn't trade that Masterforce chest for half a dozen Craftsman chests. China-boat or not, the quality is astounding at the prices. Can't wait to pick up the matching rollaway, then once we get a proper shop up (or buy a place that has one already) i'll be getting a 56" for Christmas; the fiance (wife in June) has already approved that.

 

[brianh]

I made this one a while back out of spruce 2x6, the top was 2x6 ripped in half and face glued

 

[milner351]

A friend dropped this off last night for free - I've already spent 20 minutes grinding on the top in hopes of getting it down to nice shiney steel - so far I've knocked off the worst of the grease paint and rust - but I have a long way to go.

Any recomendations on grinding discs for this task?

sorry for the low quality cell phone pic: