work benches... from scratch

[burgie]

Greetings...

Thanks for the nice comments about my bench!! Rather than spend a bunch of time posting additional pics and answering questions, please go to my web site and take a look at the blog entries for my Monster bench:

These links talk about the base construction:

http://www.creativelandscapeaccents.com/blog_february_21_2010.htm

http://www.creativelandscapeaccents.com/blog_february_22_2010.htm

These links talk about the lamination and finish of the top:

http://www.creativelandscapeaccents.com/blog_march_27_2010.htm

These links talk about the cabinet construction:

http://www.creativelandscapeaccents.com/blog_april_24_2010.htm

http://www.creativelandscapeaccents.com/blog_may_19_2010.htm

Hope you all enjoy the readings from my blog....

Burgie

 

[OldracerJones]

Here is one of mine built with the 2 x 4 kit from Northern tool.

http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p523/Oldracerjones/f88c512b.jpg

 

[CraigP]

Here's my bench I put together with inspiration from everybody here. Nearly all of it was built from scrap lumber (plywood and 2x4's from my dad's garage, left over cedar from a deck, solid desk top that previous owners left in my house) with the exception of two or three new 2x4s and the lag bolts.

You can also see my mish-mashed shelving (put together using leftovers bits and pieces), a box on the floor that holds about 80 lbs of tile scraps (I need to make a second), and where I store my fold out benches.

 

[PC PaiN]

a bit cluttered right now...

This is exactly what I want to build for the garage. Does anyone have any tips for a guy that doesn't know anything about wood?

 

[mdbeck1]

This is exactly what I want to build for the garage. Does anyone have any tips for a guy that doesn't know anything about wood?

1.Welcome to the forum.

2. That's a pretty open question. There are probably 20-30 threads about workbenches on here. If you use the Search feature on the second banner (just under the GJ marquee) on the right side you can type in "workbench" and get a list. There are some real basic building instructions in some of the threads.

3. Super basic building steps.
- 1. Figure out what features you want in a bench (height/width/depth, no of shelves, doors/no doors, ...)
- 2. Draw a picture (to scale if you can) and try to put your features in.
- 3. Talk to others that have done what you want to do and get their feedback (maybe start a thread)?
- 4. Incorporate the ideas from 3 and go back to step 1. When you feel like you have enough input go to step 5.
- 5. Draw a detailed plan (cut list) and materials list.
- 6. Obtain the necessary materials and tools.
- 7. Execute the plan
- 8. Pop open a cold one and say "it is good". ...and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

 

[PC PaiN]

Thanks for the welcome and I've been reading a lot on bench construction. The one above is pretty much dead on what I'm looking for but don't even have a clue on where to begin.

 

[BPJOOP93]

just a question for those of you who have steel benches that have the tools mounted onto them. when you weld on the bench wont that wreck the electric tools with the amperage? i did this once with my chopsaw and it melted the ground plug and i had smoke roll out of the motor. luckily it still works.

 

[charger891]

here`s my completed workbench

here`s the build: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=135293

 

[brownfoot]

is that a vise-grip garage door lock?

 

[mz3_Sedated]

Thanks for the welcome and I've been reading a lot on bench construction. The one above is pretty much dead on what I'm looking for but don't even have a clue on where to begin.

When I started to design my bench I started with the top. How high did I want it, how wide, and how deep. Then I moved down. How much overhang do I want on all sides (for clamping etc) and how thick would the top be. I actually printed off graph paper from www.printfreegraphpaper.com and started drawing as I was asking myself these questions.

I think it took me half a dozen sheets of paper before I had a good idea of what I needed to do.

Once you have your overall design and dimensions, I started to think about how to join up the different pieces. Because my tools were limited to an old table saw and a drill, I chose to go with lap joints. I also wanted to keep everything flush. My whole bench is lap joints and dato's to keep the plywood panels in place.

I have zero wood working experience (I'm an IT guy) but I spent alot of time on youtube looking for woodworking and joinery videos and tutorials. I'd see something that looks easy enough to try, so I'd head out to the garage and make some dust. I took what I thought was the hardest part of my bench ( where the 2 2x4s met on the 4x4 post) and try to create that using scrap wood. Once I had that, I felt confident that I could stumble my way though it.

I don't know if I'm helping or not, but this is just a little insight as to how I approached my bench with zero experience.

 

[CraigP]

@PC Pain -- I'm with what everybody else has said. Take your time, do your research, draw out your plan, and go to it. Also keep in mind that wood is cheap so if you mess something up, a fresh 2x4 is only about $2. If you can use scrap from around the house or neighbors, that makes it even cheaper. A lot of people have random pieces of wood in the garage.

 

[charger891]

is that a vise-grip garage door lock?

Yep,

 

[R7237]

Here is mine,, built it this weekend with some scrap lumber I had around. 24" top (allowed me to rip 4x8 3/4" plywood), 40" tall.

 

[royalton10]

Courtney - I am looking at post #677 on this thread. Is your bench frame out of 2x4's with the legs 2x6? Just curious.

Doug

Thanks!!

 

[ME87]

Started assembly on a kit I got from Lowe's this morning. About 1/2 done with major construction.

 

[fireman164]

Built my30x40 shop had some scrap left over so i built this workbench its 8' long 30'' deep 36'' tall , I also put a 10 guage steel top.

 

[c0rey]

That bench looks good fireman. where did you source the top from?

Im waiting to see what options i have for a stainless top before i start the build on mine.

 

[fireman164]

I went to a local steel yard and they let me dig through their scrap, found a galvanized piece that had been cut but was still big enough to make my top, they even cut it to size for me no charge , they are realy proud of stainless 240.00, got this for free figured it wont rust and its sturdy.

 

[c0rey]

sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

 

[one]

I built this bench this past weekend. I thought about the use of each space in my small 2 car garage for a long time, and spent the whole time i was renovating/finishing the garage planning this bench.

-I wanted something very strong and durable to mount a vise on, (I plan to have 2 benches, this one has to be bolted down, the other will be on wheels)

-I wanted something 24" deep as i only have a 20'x20' garage and wont have much room once my subaru is parked in there. Plus ive read that anything deeper results in things being left on the table/in the way at the back. Which can be useful in some cases, but not something i want in my case. Also since a standard sheet of plywood is 4'x8' i can rip it in half and double up my table top.

-I wanted something off the ground. This helps keep the garage clean as its easier to sweep, and i can roll an engine under it if needed ect. Plus since i didnt get a chance to epoxy my floor before winter hit, i can still epoxy without removing legs ect.

Anyways, pics will do the talking.

as you can see, i used the bench before it was even complete. Had to slap that winch back together and regrease it.

I glued the 2nd top on so that theres no screw holes, and since i dont own much for wood working tools i just piled anything heavy i had ontop to "clamp" it together:

Then while it was drying i was cleaning up and slapped on a 2nd leg... this was actually a messed peice.I had cut it when i was dialing in the angle/cuts for the leg. The outside peice needs to be about 3.5" shorter so i trimmed it and screw it in.

Materials used:

-1 sheet of 3/4" plywood ripped in half by home depot
-4 8ft 2x4's
-6 4" long lag bolts
-4 6" long lag bolts
-some 3" screws
-some 2" screws
-some 1-5/8" screws
-a bottle of wood glue

Tools used:

-Cordless circular saw
-mitre saw
-jig saw
-impact drill with nut driver for lag bolts (could be done with a ratchet/socket and standard drill if needed )
-standard drill

 

[greenenvy1]

needs more pics.....lol
no looks good, wise use of space and I agree with not making it to wide as stuff gets left on it forever.

 

[Mr.Mix]

After reading through all these homemade work benches I want it to warm up outside so I can start making my own! Thanks to everyone for sharing.

 

[ME87]

Finished most of mine up today. Still have to sand, paint, and handles and a few little things here and there. I'm definitely not a cabinet maker, but this will work for the garage.


This

to this

I'm going to color match it to the walls with the gray, red, and black.

 

[gp_frk]

I have a single car garage so space is something that always has to be taken into account so I thought WAY out of the box on my work bench.
I have a welding table that sees most of my heavy duty work, but for the smaller work its noce to have a place that's not covered in an oily film.

In the next week I hope to cut and bend up a new "top" for it as right now its got the embossed back side of the Jeep logo on it and years of abuse etched into it.
The runners are 2x4 and the uprights are 2x6 its screwed into the studs with 18 3" coarse thread drywall screws.
The gate pivots on 2 pieces of 1.5" threaded plumbing pipe (you can see the cap on the left of the 1st photo). Whole bench cost less than 20.00

 

[Scuderia-F1]

I have a single car garage so space is something that always has to be taken into account so I thought WAY out of the box on my work bench.
I have a welding table that sees most of my heavy duty work, but for the smaller work its noce to have a place that's not covered in an oily film.

In the next week I hope to cut and bend up a new "top" for it as right now its got the embossed back side of the Jeep logo on it and years of abuse etched into it.
The runners are 2x4 and the uprights are 2x6 its screwed into the studs with 18 3" coarse thread drywall screws.
The gate pivots on 2 pieces of 1.5" threaded plumbing pipe (you can see the cap on the left of the 1st photo). Whole bench cost less than 20.00

That bench must be one of the coolest I´ve ever seen!

 

[gp_frk]

That bench must be one of the coolest I´ve ever seen!

Thanks, the only thing that would make it cooler is to make the latch system function. It's on the long list. Mainly since I don't have all the truck side parts to make it work.

 

[PECVD2]

GP FRK,

Best fold down bench on GJ "tailgate down".

But you gotta move that light switch...or cap it and install remote or proximity sensors for your lights.

 

[rockchucker]

TAILGATE BENCH!!!!!! One of the coolest things I have seen. Good show.


Here are some of my Workbench that I built from Scratch with some leftover Beams and some new Lumber also...


The shop from the alley...

Inside

Building the bench...

I think that should hold at least a ton.....(A little overbuilt!)

Shelves up above head height for storage of heavy objects...(Yes you could throw an engine block or ****** up there!)

Finished bench. Finally got rid of some old 4 x 6 beams that I had been carrying around for years. The supports were from my other house I just remodeled. The bracket in the center was for another house I remodeled but rejected as soon as I saw the weld. Was supposed to be seamless for aesthetics, they sent me new ones but didn't want to pay for shipping the old ones back.lol

The other side and shelves too...and my buddy trying to make sense of Paxtons 8-10 hour install for the supercharger....HAHAHAHAHAHA...yeah right.

 

[cgv69]

I love a well made workbench and building them is a ton of fun. Here's one I built last year for my gun room.

It's still a work in progress and I sorry to say I do not have any construction pics. One neat thing about it is the top is a piece of an old bowling alley lane. (you can kind of make out the red dots used to line up you shot by the base of the vice)

I will be building a new bench for the garage once I find the right base cabinet for it. I'm make sure to document that one better

 

[marktheshark]

^ That BFL was the first thing that caught my eye!

 

[cgv69]

^ That BFL was the first thing that caught my eye!

- I'm airgunner over there

 

[BB767]

I don't get to cruise through the forums as often as I'd like so I am just now finding this thread. For those reading about the Restored 1930's Auto Shop in the Garage Gallery forum, you've already seen this in greater detail. For those who haven't dropped by for a visit and like work benches, here's one I built... from scratch. Take a quick look at the bench I built for my barn:

#1 This the drawing I started with, and then...

#2...which lead to the base...

#3...which lead to drawers installed...

#4...which lead to end panels and stringers...

#5...which lead to the lower cabinet done...

#6...which lead to staining and finishing.

Still waiting for the last coat on the top to harden before I do the final sanding and polishing. The top construction is 3" thick maple butcher block 12' on the main surface and a 5 1/2' "L". The top, base, doors and drawers, legs and posts is all 100% hard maple. For those wanting more detailed information on it, it starts on page 147, post #2931:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51567&page=147

of the thread and continues for several pages after.

Thomas

 

[JMartel]

Is that maple ply on the doors or is it solid that's been resawed down thin? That must have cost a pretty penny to build.

 

[BB767]

Is that maple ply on the doors or is it solid that's been resawed down thin? That must have cost a pretty penny to build.

JMartel the doors are maple ply which I thought would be more stable than solid material.

This is the door material before assembly...

...and this is during assembly. As for the cost.........well, it was't cheap....... but what price for glory? Seriously it was a very rewarding and fun project to do. Thanks for your interest.

Thomas

 

[V-10 Killer]

Thomas

Well done sir!
Those are the really fun projects.

 

[peelman]

Jealous doesn't even begin to describe how I feel. That is a phenomenal piece of work, you should be very proud. Hopefully one day my wood-fu will be strong enough to undertake such a job. Right now, I'd **** up twice that amount of lumber just trying to make one door.

 

[JMartel]

Looks great. Any particular reason for using dowels for the joints rather than a miter, biscuit, or mortise/tenon? I'm just starting to get into woodworking so I'm curious about such things.

 

[BB767]

Jealous doesn't even begin to describe how I feel. That is a phenomenal piece of work, you should be very proud. Hopefully one day my wood-fu will be strong enough to undertake such a job. Right now, I'd **** up twice that amount of lumber just trying to make one door.

Thank you so very much peelman. I had in my minds eye what I wanted this bench to look like when finished and I'm happy to say it looks as good if not better than I had envisioned. That's not always the case when you start on such a project but I'm quite happy with the outcome. I owe much to my father's tutelage over the years and wish he'd lived long enough to see this project.

Stick with your wood-fu as you put it. It's well worth the effort.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Looks great. Any particular reason for using dowels for the joints rather than a miter, biscuit, or mortise/tenon? I'm just starting to get into woodworking so I'm curious about such things.

Your question made me think back just why dowels were used. Hmmm....first off I don't have a biscuit jointer but did have access to a dowel jig. If you look at the total glue area those dowels provide, it gives the corner a lot of strength. The dowel jig set up was easily done and once ready ...

...production of all the machining work proceeded quickly. Faster than squaring up and cleaning out a mortise...

...as I had several corners to construct. Other joints would work but for cabinet doors I didn't want mitered corners, I thought the lines of the bench...

... harmonized with a square corner better. In the end I suppose ease of set up, the resulting strength and the visual appearance determined that particular construction technique. Good question.

Thomas

 

[02wrx]

Your bench is absolutely beautiful. Just curious how you attached the legs to bottom.
Thank You