Work table and shelf suggestions?

[Wade1969]

Hey guys I am trying to figure out what type of workbench and shelves I want. I don’t think I want anything fixed to the wall. I’m thinking have something on casters.
I do mostly automotive work which does include welding, grinding, etc.
I’ve been looking at welding tables on Facebook marketplace but even used they are expensive.
I’m thinking maybe build my own tables out of wood and cover the table with steel?
For shelving I don’t want anything that touches the floor.

What are everyone’s thoughts? Pics would be great.

Thanks
Wade

 

[cvairwerks]

Wade: For a good, basic bench, look at the EAA Chapter 1000 benches. Easy to add wheels, but understand that a wheeled bench really needs some form of taking the load off the wheels for some tasks.

Here's one link to the plans: https://rv10.org/images/9/99/EAA_Chapter_1000_Standardized_Work_Table_Plans.pdf

 

[Shiftless]

Unlike many others, I like open shelving. But I doubt that you can design tall shelving on roll around castors that won’t be dangerously unstable and prone to tipping over. I have 6 foot tall shelving units that I made myself using 2x4s for framing that are screwed to the wall studs.

I have a 2 foot by 4 foot roll around workbench with a shelf underneath for tools in plastic cases. The wheels on that bench are lockable.

 

[Shiftless]

My garage shelves are mostly like this. If you use this much horizontal framing, you don’t need very thick shelving. Particle board would be good enough if you’re trying to save a few bucks over using plywood. If you don’t use horizontal framing, like I did for one of my shelf systems, use 2 by lumber for shelves. I have 2x12s supported every 32 inches. Cylinder heads and transmissions don’t cause any sag at all.

 

[tarmy]

This top pic is of my first welding and plasma cutting table. Worked great for starting out…but wood burns and that was a risk I didn’t want. Always have a good fire extinguisher handy…big enough to save your shop.

I used the first table to build the first real table I still use. Ideas stolen off of the Welding Web site. There are great people there that have a lot of experience and advice.

The last pic is my dead flat welding table that I use when I have oversized projects. Both the steel tables are the same height so I can fixture materials easily.

Good luck OP.

 

[Aaron_W]

I really like this idea. How are the top plates secured to the bolts?

 

[tarmy]

I really like this idea. How are the top plates secured to the bolts?

Welded to bottom of slats. They are adjustable and can be set level or whatever.

 

[Aaron_W]

Welded to bottom of slats. They are adjustable and can be set level or whatever.

I had a feeling that was how. Thanks, when I finish my carport extension so I have a place for it a similar table is going on my project list.

 

[tarmy]

I had a feeling that was how. Thanks, when I finish my carport extension so I have a place for it a similar table is going on my project list.

Go on the web site…lots of good idea there.

 

[bradleydavidgood]

I kept it simple and did this for shelving in the garage and shed same thing.

 

[DBS5Window]

I have an old stainless restaurant kitchen prep table and a small welding table from Northern Tool. The biggest issue with a bench on casters is that you can’t get a lot of leverage with something clamped in the vice. The table wants to tip or move.

 

[Wade1969]

Thanks for all the info and pics guys! I did not even consider the fact that leverage and stability would be an issue with casters! I need to rethink that.
Just to clarify I was only talking about casters for the work bench. The shelving will be permanently attached..
I just want to be able to clean the floors without having a lot of stuff touching the floors. If that makes sense.


I put my wall mounted mud sink in yesterday. Now have to run the waterline from the well and install the filter and mini water heater.

Thanks
Wade

 

[Joemctag]

This top pic is of my first welding and plasma cutting table. Worked great for starting out…but wood burns and that was a risk I didn’t want. Always have a good fire extinguisher handy…big enough to save your shop.

I used the first table to build the first real table I still use. Ideas stolen off of the Welding Web site. There are great people there that have a lot of experience and advice.

The last pic is my dead flat welding table that I use when I have oversized projects. Both the steel tables are the same height so I can fixture materials easily.

Good luck OP.

You’re right to have it move so you can get to all sides and have room to fab stuff. I like to be able to clamp at the edges but you could do that with 6 to 8” “Bessey” or “F” clamps if your edges are thick.
Shelf near bottom for totes and big stuff only.