Workbench ideas, suggestions and thoughts.

[-Stew-]

I don't have a work bench in my garage. I'm doing this to ask questions, get suggestions, and as a diary of sorts to track things and keep notes.

I bought the house a few months ago, and the garage is a large, empty rectangle. I bought one tall wire shelf, built one tall wood shelf. I would like both of those gone forever at some point.

I like this style corner bench with the 45 in the corner.

I would like one of these as a "built in." https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-...-workbench-with-solid-wood-top-red-57779.html

For bench tops I picked up 6 (SIX for $150 and I had less than a mile to drive to get to them!) 36x83 solid core doors. I will most likely rip them down to 28, as I think 36 is too deep. I would also like to build a drop for my miter saw. I don't do a lot of wood working (although I would like to start,) but even so I kept my miter saw on it stand in my basement at my old house, and used it quite often. I don't have a basement now, and built into a workbench is as good of a place as any to have it ready to use, and out of the way at the same time.

 

[Garcky]

You could also leave them at 36" deep and create an 8" tool shelf at the rear of the bench. That can be very handy as a place to put things like cordless tools, chargers, and batteries being charged. If that shelf is raised above the bench, you won't be tempted to pile too much stuff back there. If you do a 28" deep bench, you'll probably still end up with stuff at the back of the bench, so you'll lose some working benchtop area.

 

[MOS3522]

36" is too wide? There's no such thing as a workbench that's too wide. If the width is too much for the room space, you need a bigger room!

 

[MoonRise]

Workbench?

Look up the Chris Schwarz workbench book ... oh heck, with some google-fu here is the link.

The Anarchist's Workbench

Note: You can download a free pdf of this book via this link. By Christopher Schwarz “The Anarchist’s Workbench” is – on the one hand – a detailed plan for a simple workbench that can be built using construction lumber and basic woodworking tools. But it’s also the story of Christopher Schwarz’s...

lostartpress.com

Free PDF available too, or you can spring for the reprocessed tree version (printed on paper! ).

A discussion of ALL things workbenchy. The good, the bad, and the ugly. The how, the what, and the why (and the why not). TONS of info, some pictures, some humor, a GREAT tome of knowledge regarding workbenches and their history and usage and evolution.

Even if you decide to do something else, get the book or PDF and READ IT.

 

[Kuma601]

If I were building into a corner with an angled top like in that video, I'd consider a carousel of full extension drawer type shelf. That deep void becomes inaccessible and PITA to get items.

 

[u2slow]

I very much need to try an arrangement for a few weeks or months before I commit to building out a large mistake. For example, I've moved wall cabinets about 3 times now and I'm ready to burn them if they come off the wall again.

You can rip some plywood to the desired width and support it on sawhorses or an old table saw to test an arrangement. I use a section of 5x10' rolling scaffolding as a large light-use countertop.

FWIW, I built a lot of in-place shelving that is definitely sticking around. I crafted it to use the space above my toolchests, and also to populate a narrow space between the wall and 2post lift column.

 

[u2slow]

I read better on the 2nd pass...

---

I would trying propping up the 36" doors whole/uncut first. See how you like it. Imho, it's about the sweet-spot for depth... I've tried 48" and it catches too much clutter, and being hard to reach.

If your mitre saw is a slider, you can't have it too close to a wall.

 

[qdvuu]

I like toe room at the bottom fronts of cabinets, and the video lacks this. It makes it easier to get up close on projects or for reaching things.

 

[-Stew-]

I like toe room at the bottom fronts of cabinets, and the video lacks this. It makes it easier to get up close on projects or for reaching things.

Pizza Hut and Mt. Dew alleviated my worries of toe room years ago.

 

[MattGarage]

If you're going to make a workbench - seeing the major types and defining actual use is critical.

Everyone who is going to build something should know about:

• Paulk
• Roubo
• Moravian
• Others

I'd be careful about painting into a corner.

I have 3 workbenches and can barely keep one actual "work ready" rather than covered with various items, etc. Mine have wheels for mobility but also storage.

BTW, I absolutely love the little Workmates and setting those up outside is the most common practice despite the 3 benches inside. Use 'em for woodwork, vehicle work and even grinding and welding.

 

[rharman]

You could also leave them at 36" deep and create an 8" tool shelf at the rear of the bench. That can be very handy as a place to put things like cordless tools, chargers, and batteries being charged. If that shelf is raised above the bench, you won't be tempted to pile too much stuff back there. If you do a 28" deep bench, you'll probably still end up with stuff at the back of the bench, so you'll lose some working benchtop area.

I did something similar - didn't have that much depth though. I did a shelf with a face and flush mounted duplex receptacles on the face and also used it as a chase to run an air line and vacuum line across the bench.

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

I don't have a work bench in my garage. I'm doing this to ask questions, get suggestions, and as a diary of sorts to track things and keep notes.

I bought the house a few months ago, and the garage is a large, empty rectangle. I bought one tall wire shelf, built one tall wood shelf. I would like both of those gone forever at some point.

I like this style corner bench with the 45 in the corner.

I would like one of these as a "built in." https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-...-workbench-with-solid-wood-top-red-57779.html

For bench tops I picked up 6 (SIX for $150 and I had less than a mile to drive to get to them!) 36x83 solid core doors. I will most likely rip them down to 28, as I think 36 is too deep. I would also like to build a drop for my miter saw. I don't do a lot of wood working (although I would like to start,) but even so I kept my miter saw on it stand in my basement at my old house, and used it quite often. I don't have a basement now, and built into a workbench is as good of a place as any to have it ready to use, and out of the way at the same time.

To each their own but there is no way the guy in the video gets my vote at all.Corner builds are always tough yes and at first his 45 in the corner is "hopeful" but his follow through is not. The "45" should have been long enough for a section of workbench with accessible tool storage(with or without wheels to move as an option) as this would most likely be the "goto area" but again YMWV.

Solid core doors are fine for the top. Drawers in various depths preferably on full length slides are the way to go. Anything hidden under and behind those double door cabinets is gone for good just like his breaker box. Might as well leave the space under the top surface an open continuous shelf to see what is down there in the dark.

Shop around for an obsolete steel map or drawing cabinet and incorporate that into your design. The small ones are 28 x40 x 16 and have 5 drawers (find a pair and you have 10 drawers) to store parts widgets, low profile tools. There are threads on the GJ with many folks repurposing cabinets for this. Below is an attach photo of a drawing cabinet - this one is too large for your intended work bend project though. Also below is an old card file cabinet - VERY useful in the garage or man cave when designing a workbench.

Good luck with your project!

Maybe check some of the many other "repurposed or old cabinet" threads on the Garage Journal for more ideas.

 

[ZRX61]

36" is too wide? There's no such thing as a workbench that's too wide. If the width is too much for the room space, you need a bigger room!

There's an unofficial ratio/scale:

6ft long: 24-26in deep

8ft long: 32-36in deep

10ft long: 40in deep, if free standing away from a wall. Otherwise 36in max

12ft long: 4ft wide, if free standing away from a wall. Otherwise 36in max

 

[jmiller_2308]

Shop around for an obsolete steel map or drawing cabinet and incorporate that into your design. The small ones are 28 x40 x 16 and have 5 drawers (find a pair and you have 10 drawers) to store parts widgets, low profile tools. There are threads on the GJ with many folks repurposing cabinets for this. Below is an attach photo of a drawing cabinet - this one is too large for your intended work bend project though. Also below is an old card file cabinet - VERY useful in the garage or man cave when designing a workbench.

...

Maybe check some of the many other "repurposed or old cabinet" threads on the Garage Journal for more ideas.

I like repurposed cabinets as they can often be found cheap on craigslist and other places but a flat file cabinet is my favorite.

I have a flat file cabinet that is part of my shop collection and really love it vs. a traditional tool cabinet. Unfortunately I was unable to find any of the smaller 28x40x16 flat file/archival cabinets that @ArmyVW_GuyInTX talks about used and new they are too expensive to consider vs. a normal tool box. My flat file is on wheels and at the bigger size makes for a very nice large work surface with built in storage. The flat file cabinets hold a good amount of weight, have good extension, drawers are tall enough to hold most tools, and a width that really makes organizing both large and small items a breeze.

I like some work space to be stationary but having a rolling work surface that also does storage is really handy. If possible, I'd consider looking at making some of your new workbench mobile. Doing so will help for projects that might be larger than the depth of your workbench as well as provide full access to a project. If nothing else, a mobile work bench also provides a easy way to clean under and around it.

 

[Garcky]

I did something similar - didn't have that much depth though. I did a shelf with a face and flush mounted duplex receptacles on the face and also used it as a chase to run an air line and vacuum line across the bench.

Excellent ideas.

 

[tulowd]

In My humble opinion:

1st step: Make a decent scale drawing of your space, including the doors, and anything that will be in there; cars (with doors open and walk around space), toolboxes, etc. as separate cutouts so you can move things around to get a flavor. I used to do some neighborhood garage renovations and have built a couple of decent workspaces in small garages and if it taught me anything is that every square and cubic inch is valuable. Also, the intended usage; ie) are you tearing down transmissions or fixing the kids toys on the bench?

Proper tool storage and easy access is also highly under rated. Think of a garage like a kitchen; the more efficient and effective, the better and faster you will be able to do things.

My go to work bench tops have been 3/4 or 1" mdf panels (cut to size at Home Depot for $1 / cut) or 2" Bamboo countertops with some damage so they can be had for less than half cost. I built a fold up 36x72" bench that could hold an engine, yet is only 4" off the wall when folded up.

The plan should be based on need, the execution can be budget driven with the right compromises and patience in waiting for the correct pricing or parts / materials opportunities. Also now is the time to consider lighting, electrical, flooring, compressed air and dust collection, even if you aren't going to be doing any of them until later or never.

Storage shelving above head, on walls; use same sized containers and movable items for versatility and easy re-configuration.

Everything possible should be off the floor, except those things on wheels. Gardening etc. stuff should be in a shed, lol.
The plan matters way more than the specifics at this stage. When you build or renovate a house you don't only worry about the kitchen countertop or how to build it.

One of the best motivators and examples of clear planning and versatility is the 12 gage garage. The spirit and thinking behind this should be present in every single garage renovation. Better results, better value and a much better job. This is a short video, there is plenty online and on this forum explaining in great detail what the thinking and execution were.

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

I have a flat file cabinet that is part of my shop collection and really love it vs. a traditional tool cabinet. Unfortunately I was unable to find any of the smaller 28x40x16 flat file/archival cabinets

The 28x40 is for a standard 24x36 sheet size of paper. The more popular size is approx 36x47, then the one in my photo above is 47x53. Most are 5 drawer, but there are a few variations out there. New they are only affordable by governments with our tax money. On rare occasions 3 drawer flat files can be found. I have a few sets of cabinets on wheels at work with 60"x60" baltic birch plywood tops. great work tables.

 

[Michigan Mike]

I would be somewhat cautious about cutting the door down widthwise. The door may be filled with partical board which is fairly solid or if it is a fire rated door it can be filled with gypsum like sheet rock. Messy to cut.

 

[-Stew-]

The 28x40 is for a standard 24x36 sheet size of paper. The more popular size is approx 36x47, then the one in my photo above is 47x53. Most are 5 drawer, but there are a few variations out there. New they are only affordable by governments with our tax money. On rare occasions 3 drawer flat files can be found. I have a few sets of cabinets on wheels at work with 60"x60" baltic birch plywood tops. great work tables.

The flat files are cool, but from the ones I've seen they are expensive. Two for sale local to me, on seems spendy at $1000, the other is for sale by a crazy person:

"Email your phone number and we will call you back. Emails are checked twice a week. No phone #, no reply
* * As we choose not to be around other people, we figure you could look at it in the back of our truck and just pay on the windshield. Sounds crazy, but it looks like this is our new life.

You will still need two people to move this as we can't help.
Exact CASH please at time of pickup as we have no change."

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

The flat files are cool, but from the ones I've seen they are expensive. Two for sale local to me, on seems spendy at $1000, the other is for sale by a crazy person:

Usually about $100 to $150 each around here unless it is a really clean set, but never 1k (Crazy)

 

[-Stew-]

One is $800, the other is $1000. **** ain't that cool.

 

[ZRX61]

Used Blueprint Cabinets - 5 Drawers | American Surplus

Used Blueprint Cabinets, 5 drawers with the dimensions of 32.5" Deep X 15.25" High X 43-3/8" Wide for sale. Call or visit our website today!

www.americansurplus.com

 

[-Stew-]

2,571 miles away. Hard pass.

 

[u2slow]

2,571 miles away. Hard pass.

I feel that. Lots of great ideas that simply aren't available locally, or cost prohibitive for freight.

 

[JCQuick]

You can't go wrong with the steve O work bench idea

HF Toolboxes Workbench - Phase 3

Continued from this thread: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=120386 ---------------------------------- Well, I got started on the next phase of the HF tool cabinet workbenches today. First I finished uncrating the tool boxes. All were in good shape and no missing or...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[tarmy]

Here…

 

[-Stew-]

I feel that. Lots of great ideas that simply aren't available locally, or cost prohibitive for freight.

Or time. I'd love to have everything be vintage and repurposed industrial items, but I need a bench soon. And money, I don't like those flat files enough to drop a jihad on some, or even $350 for one section of the grey ones I posted. Like I said, **** ain't that cool. Maybe that's what that stuff goes for; but it doesn't have that much value to me.

 

[BombShelter]

I lined my shop with Menards.com Xtreme Garage "a la carte" Racking. You pick the depth with the side posts and the width with the support beams. They have all kinds of add-ons for workbenches and cabinets, the post holes seem to match many other USA Brands (Muscle Rack, Edsal) so you can splice brands together. One of my sections only has the top shelf, I've placed a Lista and rolling cabinet under it, you don't need shelves going all the way to the floor. It's probably the best semi-industrial shelving you'll find for the price, it's just an ugly color, feel free to paint before installation.

The nice thing is when you find a road-side cabinet, it's pretty easy to move things around, plus you only need 3 posts forevery two sections so adding on to it is cheap.

 

[-Stew-]

This followed me home yesterday. $150. It was perfect timing as my plan for this weekend was to build my workbench. Now I gotta do a bunch of thinking on how to configure them into the underside of the bench. I don't think I like them stacked.

 

[marak]

For flat files, of which I have 4 sets with 5 drawers each, I like to line the drawer bottoms with this: Corrugated Rubber Mats or something similar so tools and such won't slide around so much. The mats in the link use cheap fillers so they have a pretty strong rubber smell. This is a bonus for me as I love the smell of rubber.

 

[MOS3522]

This followed me home yesterday. $150. It was perfect timing as my plan for this weekend was to build my workbench. Now I gotta do a bunch of thinking on how to configure them into the underside of the bench. I don't think I like them stacked.

I've been going bananas trying to find a set of blueprint files like your set, but they are all too far or too much $$$. They are ideal for storing so many thing.

 

[-Stew-]

I've been going bananas trying to find a set of blueprint files like your set, but they are all too far or too much $$$. They are ideal for storing so many thing.

Like with most things, you have to be ready to buy right now and check for sale listings often. I open with "I want to buy your widget, when is the soonest I can come get it?"

 

[Jayman17]

Nice you found what you wanted when you needed it. Good luck with your build and don’t forget to post a photo of the finished bench

 

[jmiller_2308]

This followed me home yesterday. $150. It was perfect timing as my plan for this weekend was to build my workbench. Now I gotta do a bunch of thinking on how to configure them into the underside of the bench. I don't think I like them stacked.

What a great find for you. As for your configuration I'll share this picture of how I used my larger flat file. Mine is configured as a rolling work surface with storage underneath. The top has both metal and wood to facilitate different uses. The wood portion has square cut outs that sit in place for a flat top or pop out so that I can place tools like my wire wheel in them. In addition to the small vise attached on top there is also a small wood vise that goes in the side and is barely visible under the wire wheel. I hope that gives you some ideas.

 

[Kuma601]

I personally like typical cabinet set-up's yet in mine the bench is on 4x4's so that the floor can be hosed down. The stuff on the floor is placed in plastic containers for that ease too. One can wet mop too.

 

[-Stew-]

Still work to do, but The hard work is done.

 

[My Old Tools]

Do a search on this site for Steevo benches. I love mine and a whole bunch of folks on here built them.

 

[jmiller_2308]

I like where you are going.

What will you do for power? I would have a hard time with just the 2 4-gang outlets especially at the back of a deep bench. Have you thought about sneaking some power strips under the doors on the front of the bench?

 

[-Stew-]

If power becomes an issue, I will add more. There are two more 4 plex outlets just out of frame.

 

[bauschracing]

Nice C-5