Workbench length??

[Raven1911]

Sorry if I am hashing out old topics, but I did a search and didn't come up with anything. I want to build a workbench in the garage but not sure how long to make it for general use. I was looking at this one....

http://www.rd.com/familyhandyman/articles/200212/fixit/main.html

I figure with my modifications to it, it would be about 15 feet long. What do you think?? I would like to put a metal top on it too but not sure how to do that. Anyone know how to put a metal top on a bench?

 

[L84ARACE]

That is an excellent link with some great ideas. I plan on building a shorter version of this bench, about 7' long. A friend of mine who works in the HVAC industry, bent up some sheet metal and used construction glue to attach it to his benchtop. It turned out real nice.
I'll hit him up for more details.

 

[PAToyota]

Well, my woodworking bench is 32' long - across the whole one wall... Still a bit small for some things...

 

[kartracer55]

I deal with 8ft, 15 should be excellent.

As for a metal top, some 1/8 sheet should be pefect. Drill and countersink some holes for drywall screws, then cover them up with JBWeld and grind smooth.

Pefect.

 

[Down Under Bloke]

Garage Rule No 2: Your workbench is never long enough.

PS: Rule No 1: Your garage is never big enough.

 

[kbs2244]

Bigger is better.
The only problem is the self displine needed to keep the bench clean. Horizonal surfaces collect stuff.
I have a roll around tool box and two roll around work tables. They park under the workbench with just inchs to clear. I find I do all my work on the roll around tables because the work bench is so cluttered.
I am forced to clean off the tables and park them back under the bench because I can't get the cars into the garage otherwise.

 

[Rrumbler]

Garage Rule No 2: Your workbench is never long enough.

PS: Rule No 1: Your garage is never big enough.

Bigger is better.
The only problem is the self displine needed to keep the bench clean. Horizonal surfaces collect stuff.

All too true! I have two 17 footers, and an 8 footer, and still have to make room to do something.

 

[sndwks]

yes everything I hear is true, mine is 10 foot, and it always seems to collect various junk or just tools I still need to put away, either way, its never long enough.

 

[boiler7904]

I have a bench that's roughly 7' long x 2' deep and another section next to it that is about 3' long x 18" deep to accomodate my toolbox. I wanted to go longer but needed to leave space for either a compressor (yet to be purchased) or a full height cabinet next to the door to the house. My thinking was that if the tool box sat on a full depth bench, there would always be **** in the way of the drawers.

 

[Raven1911]

Garage Rule No 2: Your workbench is never long enough.

PS: Rule No 1: Your garage is never big enough.

That is too funny! But so true! I was thinking that 15 feet was pretty good, but sounds like I might need a mobile tool cart in addition

L8 - If you can get me any info on the metal table I would appreciate it. Thanks!

 

[ZRX61]

The longer the bench actually is, the higher the chance that a good proportion of it will become a "shelf"....

 

[trainer]

My work bench is only 4' long. No space to collect junk. I've got a few portable tool stands to hold things like the mitre saw, drill press and grinder.
For bigger jobs like woodworking and assembly, I have two, 6' long folding tables.