Workbench: Disposable? Heirloom in the making?

[Lelandwelds]

I am on the disposable side of this question. I weld jigs to the top of the metal ones and grind them off again. I spill paint, drip oil, drill or cut into the top of the wood ones. I just add another piece of handy plywood on top when it gets bad. I treat mine more like sawhorses but some of the most stable ones I have used were bolted to the wall.

The Roubo and Steevo workbenches are damn compelling. The receiver hitch bench grinders, flipping tool mounts, massive specialized vises with dog holes, electric height adjustments, and tons of special or general purpose storage are all very desirable.

Use and abuse? Wax it on the weekends and work it into your christmas photos?

 

[Done That]

I've definitely changed as I've gotten older. I use the stuff I have, still take care if it, but I'm using it while I'm alive. Plus I have two girls who probably don't value much of my stuff when I'm gone anyway.

 

[banjopete]

A working but rough metal bench is ideal considering how you're using it. Weld to it, grind it off, that sounds functional to me which is all that matters. There are lots of pretty workspaces in here, and some that accomplish a lot, but you can spend a ton of money making things pretty, but to what end? it's a workbench after all. I say form over function.

 

[Lelandwelds]

A working but rough metal bench is ideal considering how you're using it. Weld to it, grind it off, that sounds functional to me which is all that matters. There are lots of pretty workspaces in here, and some that accomplish a lot, but you can spend a ton of money making things pretty, but to what end? it's a workbench after all. I say form over function.

I have a round 5 ft diameter 3/4" plate made into a table. It is an old head out of a heat exchanger with the tubing cut off. Handy for bending bar and mounting jigs.

I have a 3 x 6 table from 1/2" plate with a 4" I beam skirt. I have tacked and ground a thousand times to this one.

I use several 2 x 4 tables from 3/16 and 1/4 plate with 2 x 2 angle skirts and three legs. I move these fairly often for long or wide projects. Handy.

The metal ones are durable. My wood ones have been made out of nearly everything possible. They never stay as built. They're eventually disposable.

 

[Carguy99]

Different benches for different work. I have several. Mostly wood benches but I made them at several heights. Short ones for tall work. Tall ones for short work. My electronic bench is elbow height. Wish it had more knee room.
I have a carpeted bench that I use a lot. Small parts don't bounce or roll away. I can put things on it I don't want scratched up.
Couple of rolling benches one is the height of the table saw... makes a great outfeed table. I have one that's six or so inches shorter than my tailgate on my truck. Nice to unload heavy stuff. Locking casters puts it at the right height to stand on to work under the hood of taller trucks, sit on, or use as a step ladder. I'm thinking about carpeting the top of it.
Stuff works for me. Build the bench you need.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Workbench, what's the question?

 

[Lelandwelds]

Workbench, what's the question?

I am curious if people here use that glued sawdust **** and 2x lumber and dont bother to take it with them.

Or, if the material of choice for workbenches is quarter sawn European beech mortise and tenon pinned with black locust. Built with period correct tools and historic plans, of course.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I am curious if people here use that glued sawdust **** and 2x lumber and dont bother to take it with them.

Or, if the material of choice for workbenches is quarter sawn European beech mortise and tenon pinned with black locust. Built with period correct tools and historic plans, of course.

OK, most of mine use 2X lumber for the frame and top, most is salvaged lumber. To have a flatish, smoothish surface I put a sheet of MDF or paneling on.
Most have a few dings, scratches, saw cuts holes from drilling, nail and screw holes are common, as is pant spatters and dirt either from working or from the previous life.

 

[bczygan]

Use and abuse is my choice. I'm not running a museum. But I still like to put thought into anything I design, and it has to have enough beauty for me to keep using it and not convert it to firewood.

Beautifully made things, one of a kind, and never used, will eventually be in museums.
Examples are an apprentice furniture makers masterpiece, created to gain master status.


Plain utilitarian and crudely made things, used and abused for generations, become collectable eventually.
Examples are country made utility workbenches that are gouged, cut, drilled and covered with misc. spills of paint and glue. These are collected, re-purposed and used as decorative items in upscale homes.

Bill

 

[Lelandwelds]

Examples are country made utility workbenches that are gouged, cut, drilled and covered with misc. spills of paint and glue. These are collected, re-purposed and used as decorative items in upscale homes.

Bill

Oh, thats funny. My stuff is destined for either a chicken coop or some Wall Street actor robber baron's digs. Lol.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I am curious if people here use that glued sawdust **** and 2x lumber and dont bother to take it with them.

Or, if the material of choice for workbenches is quarter sawn European beech mortise and tenon pinned with black locust. Built with period correct tools and historic plans, of course.

You're making some assumptions here...just because someone builds a nice workbench it doesn't mean they aren't using it to do hard and dirty work. Maybe they are, and they're just careful with it and they clean up afterwards.

Even if they are just using it as a show piece, what does it matter to anyone else? It doesn't make them lesser people, they just have different things they like to do.

 

[glider]

I built one out of wood for my son. The way we have always been is beat them up and replace the top, and do it again.

 

[jimreed2160]

It is easy to get confused on this topic. Most workbenches are specific to the task. Yes, I have a European beech cabinetmaker's bench but it is reserved exclusively for woodworking. I have a benchtop for my grinders where I do dirty metal work with grinding wheels, angle grinders, and rotary brushes. I have a fixit bench where I do miscellaneous projects. Then there is the sharpening bench where I sharpen and hone blades but also house my sander. And there is the vise bench with several vises and anvils.

Different work usually requires a different bench.

 

[Bessy]

There are a few factors at play here in my case, quality and workmanship being the first consideration. Dad built a nice solid, heavy woodworkers bench out of maple 25ish years ago. Would I like to inherit that bench one day, yes, because i've worked on it since I was a boy. With that said, it's not treated as though it's going to be around forever, it's still treated as a workbench because that's what it is first and foremost. It's a woodworkers bench primarily, but we've used it to do painting projects, I've torn down a few small engines on it, it's been beaten on and abused, but it still holds up.

My rolling bench that I threw together with 2x4s and 3/4" ply? It's disposable. Now that's not to say that it's of inferior quality. It's held up to all the abuse I've put it through so far, including small engine rebuilds, spilled oil, projects being screwed to the top of it when needed, etc. Yes it's suffered some wear and tear, but it's serving its purpose. That purpose to me in this case is to provide me a place to build projects, fix things and store my tools/junk. My bench also serves as what I would call a "first draft". It's been an evolving project in and of itself since it's conception 5ish years ago. I've built onto it, removed additions, readded things, etc as a means of learning what aspects/criteria I have for a workbench. Ultimately it's destined to be relocated to a storage shed one day, but not after being thoroughly used to build my dream benches in my future shop that I will one day hopefully be able to own myself.

 

[Thumper68]

IMO workbenches no matter the material should have heirloom bases and disposable tops.

The under structure is what makes or breaks a bench, the top should cover the needs of the work.

My main bench is a beast 1200 to 1500 pounds with a 2" steel top, great for anything I care to do, but that top is covered by 16ga that is disposable if I need to make a fixture I have several sheets of 1/4" that I use.

 

[Lelandwelds]

Even if they are just using it as a show piece, what does it matter to anyone else? It doesn't make them lesser people, they just have different things they like to do.

Not making value judgments. Questioning my own workbench history and assumptions. I have always hated the bosses who are in love with their own ideas.

Different work usually requires a different bench.

I hadnt noticed but I do use different benches for specific jobs. Not to your level of refinement but still.

My bench also serves as what I would call a "first draft". It's been an evolving project in and of itself since it's conception 5ish years ago. I've built onto it, removed additions, readded things, etc as a means of learning what aspects/criteria I have for a workbench. Ultimately it's destined to be relocated to a storage shed one day, but not after being thoroughly used to build my dream benches in my future shop that I will one day hopefully be able to own myself.

Huh. I do revise and try different bench ideas. I wouldn't call it a plan or a "project" but I am changing stuff to handle new tasks and still be useful for past work.

IMO workbenches no matter the material should have heirloom bases and disposable tops.

The under structure is what makes or breaks a bench, the top should cover the needs of the work.

.

Well, that is a ground breaking idea! Disposable top and heirloom base! That deserves some thought.

This is sort of the flip side(subset? Cousin? Corollary? Variation? One of those)of the flip top/receiver hitch/swappable insert work bench idea.

 

[WhiteSSP]

Build it like it's an Heirloom. Treat it like it's disposable.

Character is more important than flawlessness.

 

[Lelandwelds]

Build it like it's an Heirloom. Treat it like it's disposable.

Character is more important than flawlessness.

You mean " Ride it like you stole it?" If I hacked up the dash on a classic car to install some DIN stereo, people would cry foul. I am not going mudding in a mint early Blazer or Bronco with the top off. Put flowers in a Ming vase?

Get real.

 

[AgentZ]

Also depends on space, I would love a workbench for electronics and one for car stuff and one for wood working. At the moment, I have 1 horizontal surface that is COVERED in tools from projects that are underway!

 

[Lelandwelds]

Also depends on space, I would love a workbench for electronics and one for car stuff and one for wood working. At the moment, I have 1 horizontal surface that is COVERED in tools from projects that are underway!

I see your point but what is your opinion on expedient, disposable workbenches vs. serious time and money invested this-will-outlive-my-grandkids workbenches. Are you in the wear it out and kick it to the curb group or in the my workbench is a tool and at least as important as the work I do on it bunch?

One perfect bench you invite people to see or one of quality but still easily overlooked?

 

[BruceMc]

Plain utilitarian and crudely made things, used and abused for generations, become collectable eventually.
Examples are country made utility workbenches that are gouged, cut, drilled and covered with misc. spills of paint and glue. These are collected, re-purposed and used as decorative items in upscale homes.

Bill

I had to part with the workbench I grew up with when clearing out my parent's place, but I just couldn't justify shipping it 4000 miles. It was built by my grandfather and around 100 years old. It broke my heart when the person running our estate sale explained that to me - that these were 'trendy'. That was the only value she saw in it.

 

[OH_Varmntr]

I wouldn't spend the time building a so-called "heirloom" bench to a standard which includes options which I don't intend to rely upon.

I tend to build what I need, and use what I build. I see the attraction to having a bench with every option available (just to look at I guess) but if I don't use them what's the point?

Besides, an "heirloom" piece needs to be considered such by those who receive it. "One man's junk is another man's treasure" applies here.

I built my son a wagon out of oak for his 1st birthday with the intention of it being an heirloom. I have every intention of raising him in the mindset of appreciating history and historical items, hoping he would see the meaning behind the wagon as he grows.

 

[SRX]

Also depends on space, I would love a workbench for electronics and one for car stuff and one for wood working. At the moment, I have 1 horizontal surface that is COVERED in tools from projects that are underway!

Hear hear!

 

[Lelandwelds]

I had to part with the workbench I grew up with when clearing out my parent's place, but I just couldn't justify shipping it 4000 miles. It was built by my grandfather and around 100 years old. It broke my heart when the person running our estate sale explained that to me - that these were 'trendy'. That was the only value she saw in it.

I wouldn't spend the time building a so-called "heirloom" bench to a standard which includes options which I don't intend to rely upon.

I tend to build what I need, and use what I build. I see the attraction to having a bench with every option available (just to look at I guess) but if I don't use them what's the point?

Besides, an "heirloom" piece needs to be considered such by those who receive it. "One man's junk is another man's treasure" applies here.

I built my son a wagon out of oak for his 1st birthday with the intention of it being an heirloom. I have every intention of raising him in the mindset of appreciating history and historical items, hoping he would see the meaning behind the wagon as he grows.

I remember how I felt when my grandfather's skillsaw, Estwing, and Stanley plane were stolen.

I always have been on the disposable and quick n dirty side of this question. I look at the pretty pictures and wonder if I am missing something. I wondered if the heirloom workbench guys look at theirs like the Snap on guys look at ratchets and screwdrivers.

I gotta admit when I have had the opportunity, I did not use three different vises and the dog holes. I pretty much just petted it like somebody's dog and wondered what three species of wood he used and if that was oil or wax on the finish.

 

[Michigan Mike]

I have my Grandfathers workbench that he made to be a knock down transportable to different jobs. Its eight feet long and about twenty inches deep. The legs are hinged to be able to be folded up. At some time in its life Grandpa built a set of drawers and installed them. That pretty much negated the knock down part of the design. My point is this bench was not made to be an heirloom it was made to use. Very much like a saw horse. It has however become an heirloom to me. I do use it like it was made to be used. It has holes drilled on both ends for mounting a vise its got paint stains and oil stains on it. Build your bench to use . Build as craftsmanlike as you can. Use it. If it survives your grandson may use it some day. I can think of no better tribute to my Grandpa that this bench is one of the many things he made that I still use.

 

[RWorth]

Years ago I saw an article, might have been in Popular Mechanics, not sure, it was a guy that spent 40 years building his retirement woodworking shop. I believe he had a shop that he worked out of and the Retirement shop he worked on. It was absolutely beautiful. They did the article before he did his first retirement project in it. I have a lot of respect for someone who can do that. BUT, it aint me. I've always been a pack rat, if I had a 200x200 space building to work out of it would have enough clean space to do 1 project at a time. I have 2 steel workbenches that I beat on . I built them well about 30 years ago and they look pretty good still. My wood benches come and go. Usually based on the needs at the time. Right now my wood bench is 4'x8' and only 30" high. I've had that one for about 10 years now it's on 4x4 legs, framed with 2x4's and has a 3/4" cdx top. if I am woodworking on it I will add another clean new top to it, for everything else it just gets abused.

 

[OH_Varmntr]

I have my Grandfathers workbench that he made to be a knock down transportable to different jobs. Its eight feet long and about twenty inches deep. The legs are hinged to be able to be folded up. At some time in its life Grandpa built a set of drawers and installed them. That pretty much negated the knock down part of the design. My point is this bench was not made to be an heirloom it was made to use. Very much like a saw horse. It has however become an heirloom to me. I do use it like it was made to be used. It has holes drilled on both ends for mounting a vise its got paint stains and oil stains on it. Build your bench to use . Build as craftsmanlike as you can. Use it. If it survives your grandson may use it some day. I can think of no better tribute to my Grandpa that this bench is one of the many things he made that I still use.

Perfect example of why I don't see labeling something as an "heirloom" just because it may be of higher build quality/condition. If the next guy who gets it throws it out, then it's not much of an heirloom now, is it?

Awesome story Michigan Mike, greetings from your southerly neighbor!

 

[Jon_E]

My grandfather used a couple of old doors as workbenches, with 1x pine stock screwed to the face, legs were 1-1/2" black iron pipe with pipe flanges top and bottom. They were abused, wobbly and heavy. Needless to say, neither one would be considered an heirloom. Both of them were 'recycled' a few years ago. My current workbenches consist of a hollow-core luan door on a 2x4 base (basically just a spot to collect ****) and a 1/2 sheet of 3/4" plywood on a couple of antique sawhorses. I don't have any thing decent.

I believe in function over form, which is why I will probably never have a workbench that will be in someone's dining room or in a museum someday. I'm working off of sawhorses in my garage, and eventually will put heavy timber workbenches along the walls with replaceable tops. I do have a nice stash of 8/4 white oak that will become a cabinetmaker's bench, but I am not going to baby it either.

 

[Lelandwelds]

I have my Grandfathers workbench that he made to be a knock down transportable to different jobs. Its eight feet long and about twenty inches deep. The legs are hinged to be able to be folded up.


.

Portable? Interesting! I dont know how I have missed those. I googled a bit. Lots of designs out there. Thanks!

I have 2 steel workbenches that I beat on . I built them well about 30 years ago and they look pretty good still. My wood benches come and go. Usually based on the needs at the time.

if I am woodworking on it I will add another clean new top to it, for everything else it just gets abused.

Thats what I have always done and will probably continue. The shiny pictures are pretty but I think I am as likely to build a supercar as a cabinet makers bench. I dont think I am missing much.

(basically just a spot to collect ****) and a 1/2 sheet of 3/4" plywood on a couple of antique sawhorses. I don't have any thing decent.

I believe in function over form, which is why I will probably never have a workbench that will be in someone's dining room or in a museum someday.

I am not going to baby it either.

I suspect all wall mounted benches are just **** collectors.

Would you say your sawhorse base is far better than the top?

 

[WhiteSSP]

You mean " Ride it like you stole it?" If I hacked up the dash on a classic car to install some DIN stereo, people would cry foul. I am not going mudding in a mint early Blazer or Bronco with the top off. Put flowers in a Ming vase?

Get real.

Then don't hack it up or trash it. But if those are your two go to modes, Then build whatever you want...

And what's the point of owning a fun car to sit and stare at and take to car shows to talk to old boring people that are afraid of scratching the paint.

Cars are meant to be driven. Workbenches are meant to be worked on. Art is for galleries, not garages.

 

[Michigan Mike]

Thanks OH Varmntr .Lelandwelds perhaps I should have been more explicit when I said it was portable. The top is made out of three old time full size 2x8's. The legs are full size 2x3's. They are attached to the top with four strap hinges. The legs are cross braced and a removable stringer runs full length on the front and back about eight inches from the floor. When Grandpa built and installed the drawers that pretty much stops the legs from folding. However I believe the drawers are removable as a unit. I just have never seen the need to break the bench down. It has been moved by me about three times always fully assembled.

 

[Lelandwelds]

2

Then don't hack it up or trash it. But if those are your two go to modes, Then build whatever you want...

And what's the point of owning a fun car to sit and stare at and take to car shows to talk to old boring people that are afraid of scratching the paint.

Cars are meant to be driven. Workbenches are meant to be worked on. Art is for galleries, not garages.

I have known too many "numbers matching" car guys and spent too many years in my aunt's house full of antiques.

All the artists I know believe art is all around you and part of our daily lives.

This is off topic. My question is: Build it from CDX, 2 x 4, and tree trunks if needed. Trash it in a heartbeat. Vs. Careful construction with premium material and time expensive methods to last decades. As in "Does the pretty one get you anything I didnt think of?"

Thanks OH Varmntr .Lelandwelds perhaps I should have been more explicit when I said it was portable. The top is made out of three old time full size 2x8's. The legs are full size 2x3's. They are attached to the top with four strap hinges. The legs are cross braced and a removable stringer runs full length on the front and back about eight inches from the floor. When Grandpa built and installed the drawers that pretty much stops the legs from folding. However I believe the drawers are removable as a unit. I just have never seen the need to break the bench down. It has been moved by me about three times always fully assembled.

Thats heavier than I pictured. I never considered anything portable except plywood on two sawhorses and my tailgate. I found some cool ones with just 3 minutes of searching.

 

[Capt J-rod]

All of my benches are "topped" with something. Wood working/shop benches are 3/4 in plywood topped with 1/4" masonite fiber board. I beat the hell out of them and once they get too bad I peel up the masonite and fire up the air stapler and pop down a new surface. It usually requires a fancy new project to make this happen. The other bench is topped with a 1/4" steel plate for welding and grinding. It gets the grinder and wire brush every now and again to get the spatter off. It's all in what you do I suppose.

 

[Michigan Mike]

The bench was portable for the time it was built. Grandpa was a carpenter and in the 50's or possibly 40's when the bench was built they were on a job longer than today. Power tools were not as prevalent. Cutting with a handsaw and driving every nail by hand takes longer. To put it a little more in context before he moved to Michigan Grandpa and his brother ran a portable sawmill in Minnesota . It was powered by a steam engine. Still he considered it portable.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I built my workbenches to work on but not abuse. However, if they get beat up in the process, they get beat up. I believe both work benches will stay with the garage as they are fastened to the wall.

My work table is portable but the top would have to come off to get it out of the garage. I don't think either daughter would want it but the grand daughter might. She's 6 and getting a tool box for Christmas because she wants to be in the garage with pop pop.