Workbench help

[xxtreem11]

I'm going to rebuild my workbench. The particleboard over 2x4s has worked well for me over the past 15 years, but it's time to upgrade. I've been drooling over the woodworking workbenches, but I know I don't have the room in my garage to do a freestanding bench, it's got to be against the wall. Another thing is that I've built some rolling tool stands (33" tall) that store right under the workbench so I would like to get rid of the 2x4 legs in the front.
So... here's where I need some help.
I want to do a butcher block top. I'm not sure whether to do the 2x4 butcher block on the edge or on the flat side. The main difference is going to be the bench height, 36" vs 38". I don't think that will be an issue, but wanted to probe and see what you guys think is better for strength. I'm going to be doing both fine woodworking and automotive resto work. I'm also thinking maple for the species, but thinking douglas fir too just on price.
On to the really hard question.... My bench spans 7 feet. I'd like to eliminate the front legs and go with angled supports. I'm afraid that the stability won't be there. What do you guys think? Right now I can stand on my workbench and it's stable... it sags a little.. but it's stable. I *MIGHT* be able to have an additional angle brace in the middle of the bench.

<pic whoring>
My workbench currently:

The angled design that I'm thinking:

Below... I'd make 'Q' a 2x4 instead of a 1x2.

What do you guys think?
-X-

 

[icecactus]

2x4 on the edge will be stronger in the downward force direction which for a bench will be key.

I personally don't see the advantage of angled supports. Your not really gaining much storage space by using them...i ugess if you had some small stuff that wasnt very high or odd shaped that you could fit under the brackets...

 

[kbs2244]

I have used angled supports with slide in and out work tables.
The main advantage is they let you be a little out of alignment when you are pushing the table in. They are kind of self aligning.
I just use a 2x4 on the flat from the bottom wall plate up to the apron of the work bench.
I don’t like spans much over 36 inches, so at 84 inches one brace in the middle would work fine.
Build the bench first and put the angle support in last, cut to fit.

I think you are over doing the top.
Unless your are going for the look, 2 x’s on the flat overlaid with some type of smooth paneling will be plenty strong.
I use white finished Masonite paneling meant for cheap bathrooms.
I consider it sacrificial.
I my use it lasts about 4 to 5 years and then gets replaced.
It is white for easy working and cheap. (I get the dog eared panels at the back of the store for less than $5.00 They can’t sell them and I don’t need the full 4x8 size.)

 

[chickenfarmer]

I dont think I will ever buy a workbench, I built mine a few years ago and love it. It is just over 38''. Most people prefer a little shorter but I do all my work on a bar stool and it is just the right height. it has two legs and one angled 2x in the middle. 2x's on edge would be much stronger but I would consider a coat of poly on it to make the benchtop smoother and cleaner looking

 

[xxtreem11]

I think you are over doing the top.
Unless your are going for the look, 2 x’s on the flat overlaid with some type of smooth paneling will be plenty strong.

Hence my screen (and nickname) Xtreem. If it can be done, I'll overdo it!

I am going for look just a bit... and I definitely don't want to overlay. I'll seal it with a bunch of poly.

 

[daveroy]

I think the biggest advantage to the angled supports comes at clean up time! No legs to work around. Just wheel everything out, sweep, put it all back. easy-peasy!

 

[sscustom]

do you just put your mite saw ontop and cut ?

 

[dittle fart around]

It shouldn't cost that much to weld up some angle bracket. Get some U channeled stock, makes it easy to bolt through. If you don't have a welder someone in the neighborhood's got one. There are 3 guys on my block with welders that I know of and the guy who's a welder professionally doesn't have one at home.

 

[rogsmart]

@hybox

Buy a workbench?? Oh for shame sir, how could you even suggest such an egregious violation of the Do It Yourself ethic. To build your own workbench is a classic rite of passage in personalizing your garage workspace. A man in his garage working on a bench that he built with his own hands... sniff sniff... it's heartwarming I tell you, I get all choked up just thinking about it. It's a life experience not to be missed.

Of course if the homebuilt bench turns out to be a piece of ****... well then you can cut it up for firewood and buy the Hybox.

 

[brslk]

This post can be deleted.

 

[xxtreem11]

do you just put your mite saw ontop and cut ?

Actually the top of the saw stand comes off and the mitre saw sits at the same height as my table saw and a collapsible table I built. It's a pretty cool system.

 

[ibedayank]

xxtreem11


2x4s on edge are stronger and wont cup if the warp
use hardboard as a disposable work surface when it gets torn up toss and put down a new piece
use bolts or long screws for a workbench not nails

 

[icecactus]

I think the biggest advantage to the angled supports comes at clean up time! No legs to work around. Just wheel everything out, sweep, put it all back. easy-peasy!

There we go! Didn't think about that one.

 

[daveroy]

xxtreem11


2x4s on edge are stronger and wont cup if the warp
use hardboard as a disposable work surface when it gets torn up toss and put down a new piece
use bolts or long screws for a workbench not nails

If your going to cover it with hardboard, then why bother with 2X4... Just double up some 3/4" ply or MDF... trim the edge with hardwood and leave the edging proud by 3/8", cut hardboard and drop it in place. Then as you said, replace hardboard as needed for aesthetics.

 

[Climb On!]

If your going to cover it with hardboard, then why bother with 2X4... Just double up some 3/4" ply or MDF... trim the edge with hardwood and leave the edging proud by 3/8", cut hardboard and drop it in place. Then as you said, replace hardboard as needed for aesthetics.

That's what I did. Here's mine with no front supports and it's solid as a rock.

 

[John in OH]

That's what I did. Here's mine with no front supports and it's solid as a rock.

Looks nice! I can't tell from the photo, but how did you attach the front, top, horizontal 2x4 to the front legs? Can you post a close-up photo of that joint?

 

[Climb On!]

Looks nice! I can't tell from the photo, but how did you attach the front, top, horizontal 2x4 to the front legs? Can you post a close-up photo of that joint?

It is two 2x4s glued and screwed together. They bolted to the two 2x4s in the side support. I drilled, then chiseled and area in the front 2x4 for the washer and nut to attached to the bolt which was recessed to be flush.

 

[ibedayank]

That's what I did. Here's mine with no front supports and it's solid as a rock.

let me drop a 300 pound cycle motor on your bench and see if the mdf holds up to it. A bench made out of 2x4s on edge will not even flinch.

 

[Climb On!]

let me drop a 300 pound cycle motor on your bench and see if the mdf holds up to it. A bench made out of 2x4s on edge will not even flinch.

No doubt about that, this guys pretty stout though...I've got 2x4 cross supports spaced every foot or so. I don't plan to do much 300lb jobs on this bench...mostly a general purpose work surface. I'm planning on a smaller bench with a steel top for my auto projects and tool chest.

 

[ibedayank]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=107993&d=1301809091


2x6 doubled up framing 2x8 hardwood top and shelf just over 10 foot long can be picked up and moved with pallet jack and forklift

 

[ibedayank]

Climbon
My boss collects old semis and firetrucks plus everything else so I HAVE to have one hell of a heavy bench because I never know what will need to be on it.