Workbench Layout Input Please

[Micommando]

Hello GJ!

As you can see I am a newb to the site. I just recently completed a complete house remodel (Gut job) and now have a blank slate to work on in the garage. I have a 6x6 section of the attached wall to the house on the left side and looking to build my first official work bench. I considered buying a used industrial bench, build my own, etc. but have now gotten myself into a bit of analysis paralysis (Engineer by Trade so this is typical for me) given all the searching and googling.

With that in mind, I was hoping you guys might be able to help me put some thoughts out there of what worked for you and help me get this from dream to reality.

some background if you are still reading. The bench will be laid out with the main bench on the attached wall, and the leg coming down on the left side. It will be the do everything bench as I plan to use the bench for repairing/rebuilding carbs and other automotive parts so need a place to sit. I also plan to buy a USA last forever vise, plan to do some light electrical work solder etc., space for hand tools, battery op tool recharge station and a place to put my little compressor.

Any thoughts or like to haves if you could do it again are appreciated. Thanks for any input!

 

[Bessy]

I built a mobile bench about two years back, four locking swivel casters, 2'×6', plywood and 2×4s. Cost me all of about $50 I think. One option for you would be to build along one leg of the L, a solid, beat on things in a vice, it will never move, bench. On the other leg, at least consider making part or the whole of the leg into a mobile work station that you can pull away from the wall and get at all sides. Use casters that are at least 3", all swivel, at least two that lock and put them along the long side rather than on an end so you can push it against the wall and lock two wheels out front.

Given your 6',6' area, I'd say a 2×6 main leg solid bench and a 4'×30" rolling table with some sort of storage Incorporated underneath.

Play with it. I could probably write a whole thread about just the changes I've made/wished I'd made to my benches over the last few years.

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[Micommando]

Awesome Idea! THANK YOU!

 

[Bessy]

Anytime!
You should also think about documenting your build (garage primarily, but bench also) in a thread of your own in the gallery if you haven't already. We love pics obviously! Congrats on the blank slate!

 

[bdbecker]

...have now gotten myself into a bit of analysis paralysis...

I too suffer from the same affliction (must be an engineer thing), but I'm getting better at dealing with it. The two things I have to remind myself of is that perfection is the enemy of progress, and that everything is temporary. My suggestion would be to build or buy whatever you think is the best solution and start using it. Only then, like Bessy mentioned, will you find ways to improve it.

 

[Falcon67]

I'll just through this in - it's not going to matter in the long run. I have 34 sq/ft of wall mouned work bench and I play hell finding 12 square inches in the clear to do some work.

 

[DFB]

Allright I got this all figured out for ya

Well if you do a bench 6 ft long and nominally 2 ft deep and also do a lower shelve then make the ell piece more like a desk so you can get your legs under when you sit. No lower shelf there just a lower stretcher for brace across the back and you could get away with one piece of 3/4" 4x8 sheet good.

Maybe its just me but I always work towards the most efficient way to cut material

That was something I'll never forget when I was young the final test at the carpenters local for those chosen to apprentice was they gave you 3 small projects to build, some simple plans and a pile of lumber, but only one piece was long enough to get two correct cuts out of it, minimal waste and get your projects done under the clock. Nothing sweeter than having a pile of end cuts smaller than you can do anything with.

Over the past season or two I have had to build numerous display tables, counter areas for the farm's new store and even a 12ft workbench for the barn, and all on the cheap Boss's orders so everything was done with construction grade material. Nuthin fancy or expensive here.

Finally got around to making up a new 6 footer for myself a couple of weeks back too. All the sheet goods were leftover scrap nothing more than 2'x4' or smaller pcs of some OSB I had.

But I did need to buy 6pcs of 2x4x8' cost me $20

So I figure you'll need 9 pcs of 2x and one 4x8 piece of sheet good of your choice. Go with 10 pcs if you want the desk with four legs so you could maybe move it (just a thought you may find a permanently fixed ell shape a bit confining )

That's a good budget right and should have nothing leftover because any final pieces can be used to brace the center your 6 ft bench and double up the attachment point of your ell.

Oh and get a box of screws too

Put the vise where it works best for you

And don't forget to take pictures when your done...we love pictures here.

 

[taumac]

I myself learned that you need benches verses bench. It always seem you have bench full of stuff and need a empty workspace. I also really prefer my benches mobile. A bench is really a personal choice and is tailored to fit space, needs, and personal taste of the owner. What I might like someone else might say WTF. This is where internet is your best friend. Do a search for benches and select images and browse the net. Take ideas you like and try to incorporate them into your design.

Me if I had a 6x6 area to work with I would have twin 6 foot benches one mobile and maybe one anchored to the wall so when cranking on the vise it doesn't tip over. That's if the bench itself not heavy enough.

 

[astroracer]

I've got one solid, wall mounted bench and 5 roll-a-round work centers. I use the work centers MUCH more then I do the bench.
I use a few trash picked vanities and kitchen cabinets. I have abot 60 bucks into this one with the casters and steel top.

Same here, got dropped while unloading the truck at Lowes. 500 dollar cabinet for 80 bucks.

I got two of these cheapo craftsman rollers and added storage tops to them.

Free vanity from a yard sale, added the drawer, power and hangers for just about everything. This pic was taken before the 3/8ths steel top was added.

These benches go wherever I need them to. Inside, outside, wherever.
Mark

 

[egnorant]

A workbench will evolve. But a few items built in will make life easier.

I was not sure where I would mount a vise so I made sure I had good support along the entire front with a 2x12 set flat under the plywood top so I had a solid mount for vise, grinder or just a place that can handle a bit of hammering. Plan on NOTHING actually sitting on the surface (you will fail, but try hard). Mount the vise so that you can clamp something sitting on the floor. I have pans and trays that get a lot of project work to keep from scattering parts and holding fluids from carb rebuilds.

Lighting and electrical, because I am old and like my light, has good general lighting and 2 cantilever lights. Outlets on top and underneath are a good idea.

Just make a list of what you want. Permanent, movable, mobile, foldable...pick and go!

Is it a sitting bench or a standing bench or maybe both with stools. Pick how tall!
How deep? Might be different when you find yoursef working on a crew cab or 72 Cougar rather than the normal Escorts and Miatas. Plus too deep gets clutter along the back.
Pick how deep.

Should you use the whole width or will make a corner useless or block access to the door?
Pick a width!

If you start with just a few boards on sawhorse to test your layout you will jump out of the paralysis and start answering questions.

I worked for a long time with the bench on the right. Answered a lot of my questions! Since this picture I have moved it away from the door, mounted a vise, Got a drill press on one end, put some angle iron along the front edge, added an overhead light (not mounted to the bench) and 2 cantilever lights for close work, a shelf for my electrical junk and radio, couple of dowels on one end to hang extension cords, 12 volt power supply, pencil sharpener, my grinder now lives in some of the space near the door and a shelf under the right side for my collection of baking pans that I use for project containment. Still evolving how to use all the space underneath. Currently it is full of toolboxes with extra screwdrivers, wrenches and misc. tools.

Bruce

 

[JasonMcElroy]

I know from years of lurking here that members run the gamut from having a foam cut-out board for every single tool they own to guys with job boxes and paint buckets full of random tools.

I've built four pretty serious workspaces over they years and learned (for me at least) that trying to master plan stations and tool locations in advance can be hit-or-miss.

Tried a new approach for the last two spots that worked out well in the end. I just built my bench and started using it. I left the tools in the general vicinity of where I'd last used them. I do all different kinds of work from everyday motorcycle maintenance to fixing the kids toys to engine blueprint jobs.

A pattern emerged with the tools. Turns out there's a rather small collection of tools I use constantly. So I built a little shelf right at shoulder level right above the bench and put them there permanently. Couple most favorite screw drivers, hex key set, rubber hammer, small socket tray and ratchet with 10 most common SAE sizes, couple picks, couple pliers. You get the idea.

I then made a shelf arm's reach away for keeping the most frequently used chemicals/adhesives/lubricants.

Work outward from there. Most common is closest. Specialty tools tucked away. Messy stations like grinder and presses away from the main bench (where I do clean assembly work).

Takes a bit to go this way but it has REALLY improved my efficiency and enjoyment of my shop time.

Jason

 

[Micommando]

Great Input guys! Really appreciate it all. From the brainstorming I think I am going to start implementing some actions this weekend and see where it takes me.

 

[-Brent-]

This is a pretty broad query. There's a wealth of information (and pics) on workbenches here on the GJ. Even typing in workbench and Garage Journal into a google image search will keep you scrolling for an hour.

This is a great thread to start looking.

 

[Bessy]

Like I mentioned before, be sure to take pics and keep us updated! I think it could be cool to have an "evolution of my workbench" thread where you showcase the things you add/remove or modify as they happen.

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[DFB]

Yup lots of good suggestions in this thread

I'm really liking the different style rolling workbenches I'm seeing here...especially those storage risers.

I'll have to see what I can come up with sometime.

I also have repurposed several cheap storage cabinets like kitchen/microwave style carts once destined for the rubbish for use in my garage. One has a benchtop parts washer on it now and accessory stuff below. If I give it little red and black paint and that'll match my rollaways


Years ago long before the popularity of steel job boxes I had built a huge plywood job box from 3/4 ply on huge swivel wheels, I actually still have it. Big T-hinges on the lid with lockable hasp, all one way tamper proof screws, chest style side grab handles. All heavy duty and was pretty heavy even without tools. Still lots of different tools stored in it and on top of it too

Sadly nobody really has too build much anything anymore being that so much manufactured tool storage stuff is readily available but I have also held on to a plan for rolling tool storage cabinet and attached folding work table all made from plywood. Has lower doors shelf storage, a pegboard riser, was pretty cool at the time. Was originally plan from the American Plywood Association (APA)

Still might make a good project for someone yet...who knows.