Workbench plans... need input

[gtivr4]

So I am designing a simple 2x4 and MDF (top) workbench, and need some input on the design.

Primarily, do you think it would be necessary to have center supports in a 7 to 8 foot long table? I can't tell if it would be significantly overbuilt or not.

Attached are a couple of sketchup drawings I did.

 

[east_tn_emc]

I guess it really depends on what you are going to be doing with the workbench. If you are going to be working it hard, then I would consider putting one or two front-to-back supports on it. If you are going to turn the occasional screwdriver on it to adjust something, then it might not be necessary.

 

[Ign]

primarily, do you think it would be necessary to have center supports in a 7 to 8 foot long table?

yes

........

 

[Professur]

How wide is the table, and how thick is the MDF?

 

[sirsloop]

If you box in the bottom like this it'll add some good rigidity to it. If you don't plan on going with a center support I would suggest using something like 2x8's for the top. I would also recommend against using plain old MDF, unless its got some sort of countertop material on it. Thats stuff breaks apart real easy, especially after its gotten wet or oiled. I suggest getting a sheet of 23/32 fir plywood and doubling up the top. Alternatively, At least Lowes sells really nice looking hardwood butcher block style countertops. Its in the aisle with all of the small size white wood and project boards.

 

[georgiadave]

I would have 6 legs and center supports for the top. It adds a lot of strength to the bench and only costs a few dollars. Why use MDF? Use 2 pieces of 3/4 plywood glued together for the top.

 

[sirsloop]

I dont think you have to glue them... i guess it cant hurt tho. I just drilled a pilot hole through the pieces, then put long wood screws into the frame. The screw head holds both sheets to the frame, and the thread on the screw does not engage the plywood (much).

 

[strnge]

You will need the center legs for support if you only go half way accross with your shelf. I went the entire length and did not need them. Here is the link to my build:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=59438

 

[HemiRambler]

I made my work bench mobile - with one of those industrial floor brakes that you step on. I use it for near eveything including as a welding table - I built in a seat as well as tubes to store welding rod. This way I ALWAYS have a place to sit on and am NEVER searching/reaching far for a piece of TIG rod. I keep adding more features to it over the years and it had enough from the beginning that my buddy named it my Swiss Army Bench. It took a little effort to make but was worth every second.

Lately I've been drilling & tapping the top for 1/2-13 threads - makes it handy for clamping welding projects in place. To this day I think having the built in seat was the best feature.

 

[Scout Driver]

Your plan looks good. Put the center posts in like you intend. If you ever decide to build in some drawers or cabinet doors later on, you will have a better structure to build on.

Scott

 

[DHCrocks]

I have a work bench with a mdf top, it's been holding up great. I would suggets a double layer of 3/4" mdf for a total thickness of 1-1/2" and seal it with 3-4 coats of polyurethane finish. What's good about mdf is that it's super flat and smooth, it doesn't warp or splinter like plywood. The poly will seal and protect it, so water won't affect the top. I've had all kinds of liquids on the top and it's holding up fine.

 

[Jettback50]

I would use a center leg to support the lower half shelf. To save on lumber you could just run a single thickness leg and screw in your cross supports.

 

[evintho]

Yours looks surprisingly like mine! Mine's a little over 6' long and holds up quite well! I used the double 2 x 4 style with a hardboard top also. After 10 years the hardboard top looked pretty torn up so I replaced it in a half hour. If you've got a fax I've got a blueprint and cutting diagram. Sorry, no scanner.

 

[mmhouse]

Use 2 pieces of 3/4 plywood glued together for the top.

Or a piece of 1-1/8". This stuff is made for subfloor so it's touch sanded and there are no voids under the top ply like there can be in many plywoods.

 

[regguy1]

So I am designing a simple 2x4 and MDF (top) workbench, and need some input on the design.

Primarily, do you think it would be necessary to have center supports in a 7 to 8 foot long table? I can't tell if it would be significantly overbuilt or not.

Attached are a couple of sketchup drawings I did.

If you want something a bit less simple but alot more useful, see my post No. 259 on this thread: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=835111#post835111

Homemade Bench, 2 x 4's and 1/2" plywood all dado cut and glued together.
8' x 30" top with 1 1/2" flakeboard under it. 6 upright 2 x 4 legs everything else is plywood.

 

[R6 Racer]

I made my work bench mobile - with one of those industrial floor brakes that you step on. I use it for near eveything including as a welding table - I built in a seat as well as tubes to store welding rod. This way I ALWAYS have a place to sit on and am NEVER searching/reaching far for a piece of TIG rod. I keep adding more features to it over the years and it had enough from the beginning that my buddy named it my Swiss Army Bench. It took a little effort to make but was worth every second.

Lately I've been drilling & tapping the top for 1/2-13 threads - makes it handy for clamping welding projects in place. To this day I think having the built in seat was the best feature.

This I would like to see... a built in seat?

Pics please!

 

[mjozefow]

Here is what I did:

If you cut two pieces of 3/4 at 32" then you can get a triple thick piece with no waste. I put a sacrificial luan top on mine. I would not do MDF. It is a great material for some things, and is dead flat, however it does not take moisture well, nor does it fare well with repeated hammer blows.

 

[commonut]

This I would like to see... a built in seat?

Pics please!

Definately agree. Pics please.