Workbench question: Steel or wood?

[ajchien]

I've been wanting to redo the workbench in my garage for sometime now, it was made by the previous owner to the home as was built with 2x4s, tied into the drywall of the garage (yeah, he was able to miss all the wall studs). It's also got really wimpy 1/2 in compressed wood as a top.

Nevertheless, I saw this stuff on craigslist:

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/tls/2504099855.html

It's really inexpensive. But Im thinking that making myself a wood workbench with 3/4" plywood tops would easily be stronger. Im not too familiar with the rivet type steel workbench though. in other words, the steel workbenches look just like odrinary shelves to me.

 

[wolflrv]

You can easily build a super sturdy bench for less than $50. Using 2x4's or 2x6's build a rectangular box or two if you want a shelf below and then bolt on some 4x4 legs. Add 3/4" plywood or double it even for the top.

Here's one I built that's 3'x7'. Very easy and rock solid! I also added a woodworking vice down on the left end and the top is drilled for bench dogs.

 

[lilredex]

Here is a real work bench, but too far away for you.....

http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-...ORK-BENCH-COMMERCIAL-GRADE-W0QQAdIdZ304663310



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[csp]

Those in the link look really flimsy.

With any work done on them they would probably get very loose and wobbly. Yes, they are shelves and meant to have things stored on them, not work done on them.

 

[ajchien]

Here is a real work bench, but too far away for you.....

http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-...ORK-BENCH-COMMERCIAL-GRADE-W0QQAdIdZ304663310

LOL. Yeah, there is an Ontario, CA which is just a few minnutes away from me. Too bad that's a slightly different locale from Ontario, Canada.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

I could build a better workbench out of my kid's erector set then what is shown in your CL link. In fact, that might be what they used, based on the legs.

My first workbench I built 25 years ago, and still use it everyday, and it was built with 4X4 legs, 2X4 framing (just like the previous response). I used 3/4" plywood for the top. After 24 years, it was pretty beat up, so I glued some 1/4 maple plywood over the top of that, and hope to get 25 more years out of it.

Mine is freestanding on casters. I attached the legs with bolts and nuts so I can knock it down and move it (this is the 3rd house it's been in). The only downside of that is when I use the vise, and really tug on something, I have to brace myself against the bench or it will move. Still...if it wasn't mobile...I wouldn't still have it. Some other shmoe in the house-before-the-house-before-the-house I live in now would be storing his beer on it.

Phil

 

[WHITE_WOLFE]

Never had steel, so not sure about that. I did just build a 10' bench on one side of my garage. I used a kitchen counter top that I got for $30.

Its still a little messy, but I work out there a little every evening. Its just been so hot here.

Nasty floor is on work list.

I work on a lot of firearms so it suits me.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Mine are both particle board and in bad shape (Craftsman benches), I am thinking about getting some plywood to put over top so I have a 'like new' work surface.

 

[HVAC Phil]

I built my own out of wood too. It doesn't have any legs, lagged to wall with 2- 2x10 floor joists at each end cut to a 45, lagged to stud. All framed in with 2x6's. Top is 3/4 particle board coated it fiberglass resin, then painted. It's pretty tough, i can stand on it, never flexes at all. I prefer to build my own. Perfect size i want, and height.

 

[LeonardY]

Im not too familiar with the rivet type steel workbench though. in other words, the steel workbenches look just like odrinary shelves to me.

That's exactly what they are.

I would go with building my own.
Here one of my benches.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1489073#post1489073

This one's on casters but you could easily build one that was attached to the wall. Instead of 2x for the frame and top you could use LVL.

Best.
Leonard

 

[GirlnAgarage]

If you are not doing regular metalwork, go for the wood bench. It will be cheaper to build and can be very sturdy. Will probably be lighter than a metal bench (I'm thinking square tubing frame and plate metal top).

 

[dittle fart around]

View media item 10146I've got to go with metal, if you've got a welder it's a good time to practice. Home made is the way to go. I built my first bench when I was 19 used it till last year when I built this metal bench. For more ideas and pictures check out this thread What's your workbench look like?

 

[PeteMoore]

Having just finished a wooden bench due to costs I would still prefer to go with a metal bench similar to DFA's above. However, I would always choose a wooden top over a metal one due to my location and the fact in the winter, metal would be very cold to lean/sleep/work on.

Until I can afford to buy the stock to build my steel one, ill stick with the wood and skin it in alloy for the surgical room look

 

[ajchien]

Thanks for the input. I've got a 2 car garage. The "workshop" shares the garage with 2 cars, a washer/dryer and random storage of "stuff that doesnt belong inside the house" according to the wife.

The current workbench is about 78 x 24".

I'm actually thinking about making two 40 x 24" wood benches on casters with locks. Therefore, when the cars are moved out of the garage for a project, the bench could be long and straight, L shaped, or a bigger box shape. Do you guys think this idea would be useful?

 

[RivennHewn]

These might be a good option for you.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000DD362/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[sscustom]

hey bro check out my workbench im so far bout $45 into it

 

[dittle fart around]

I'm actually thinking about making two 40 x 24" wood benches on casters with locks. Therefore, when the cars are moved out of the garage for a project, the bench could be long and straight, L shaped, or a bigger box shape. Do you guys think this idea would be useful?

I'm putting everything on wheels. I'm sharing my garage with 3 cats who think they own the place. Every morning a new puddle. All I have to do is roll stuff out of the way and hose it down.
View media item 10576

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Thanks for the input. I've got a 2 car garage. The "workshop" shares the garage with 2 cars, a washer/dryer and random storage of "stuff that doesnt belong inside the house" according to the wife.

The current workbench is about 78 x 24".

I'm actually thinking about making two 40 x 24" wood benches on casters with locks. Therefore, when the cars are moved out of the garage for a project, the bench could be long and straight, L shaped, or a bigger box shape. Do you guys think this idea would be useful?

A very useful idea. I'm in a similar boat and I've found myself dragging the 48x24" bench around from the wall to the middle for larger materials/projects. Since it has a lower shelf it gets heavy from gathering stuff. Because of this I plan to put casters on that bench and also on the next bench I plan to build. Your idea certainly can add flexibility to your workspace.

 

[Ign]

Steel. Bolted to floor. Then you can clamp to it, lever off it, jump on it and anything else.

I put a 14' cheater on a D60 kingpin and pushed with all I had. Hard for wood to hold up to that kind of leverage, much less support a D60 front hanging off the front of it.

 

[Flatland Dave]

Pallet racking, cut it down to fit your needs. Simple and darn sturdy.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I'm actually thinking about making two 40 x 24" wood benches on casters with locks. Therefore, when the cars are moved out of the garage for a project, the bench could be long and straight, L shaped, or a bigger box shape. Do you guys think this idea would be useful?

One other option is having your work surfaces swing down from the wall. Pull the car out and go to work.

I don't know why, but I've never liked benches on casters. It's a personal thing, I guess. I like to be able to pound, push or twist and not have the table move on me. (Still, I see how it's a great solution for a lot of guys.)

And on the 'wood or steel' question, I'll say this. I've got eight working surfaces in my garage. Four are steel and four are wood. Most of the time, I tend to prefer working on the one...



...with the best work lighting above it.

 

[softailgarage]

I'd stay away from the particle board ****, first time something spills on it, it will be coming apart. I prefer 1" plywood. it's strong and will last a lifetime. the metal benches are strong, but loud. If your thinking about tinkering at night forget it, you'll keep the whole house up .

 

[ajchien]

Hm. Now that I'm thinking about it, I wonder if a 40x24 wood bench on casters would be too light to handle bolting a vise to it?

 

[Bronson]

I built two wooden benches out of 2x4, 2x 12, 4x4 , and some 3/4 ply for the bottom shelf. Less than $100 for both heavy benches, about 3 years ago, built them both in 4 hours. Quick and easy and not noisy to work on.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Wanted to revisit this in regards to the casters. Just installed casters on my 24x48. Makes moving it a breeze. BUT, if I were to be pulling or pushing on this, maybe have items in a vise, I would not put casters on. It'll still move around.

Anther idea to still have casters and a firm table, install a lever type system with fold down casters. I've seen them on metal work tables and it looks like the best of both worlds.


Bronson that is a nice bench you have there. The color is great and I like all the decal name plates on the front.

 

[bczygan]

I like the idea of a movable bench on casters, but you have to have a way to not just lock them, but to let the mass of the bench rest on the floor so you can put loads on the structure rather than the bearings. So some kind of lever arrangement is necessary.
As far as two small benches.......workbenches need mass, and mass down low and a wide stance. This is especially true if you want to mount a vise. They need a beefy top you can pound on that can be dead flat as well.
A sturdy shelf or drawer down low can provide some mass when filled.
Wood is a material you can more easily work with.
Triangulate the sides and back with plywood panels screwed and glued to the framework. If you need a small very movable table build an additional one.
I almost think the workbench and vise should be large and heavy and fixed in position and lighter weight service or layout or supply carts on casters can move about the shop.

One way to think about this is to think of the tasks you will do and design work stations around these tasks. Make an orderly progression from assembly of materials and tools through each step to the final product or job completion.