Workbench Support

[CHuDWah]

I'm going to build a workbench like this:



It will be 2' x 8' built of 2x4 with 3/4 plywood or MDF for top and shelf - joints will e glued as well screwed. I won't be doing any really heavy-duty pounding, etc and it probably will never see more than 200#. So can I get by without a support (like another leg) in the middle of the 8' span?

 

[snickers muncher]

Mine in the woodshop is 5 foot long with no center support and only screws. I do bang on it and have had no issues. If you want to stiffen it up turn the top into a torsion box. Build an internal frame out of whatever is handy and glue a panel on the bottom. Cheaper and quicker is just double up the front 2x4 and screw the back one to the wall studs. I found using a 2x6 makes clamping harder.

 

[Sighss]

If it were me I'd probably just run some 2x4 for bracing.

 

[Plump]

Definitely can do without the support. Your top will stiffen it up plenty and I've had zero problems with mine for 16 years of pounding. I do have it connected to the back wall, mainly to keep **** from falling behind it!

 

[CHuDWah]

Thanks, all.

Mine in the woodshop is 5 foot long with no center support and only screws. I do bang on it and have had no issues. If you want to stiffen it up turn the top into a torsion box. Build an internal frame out of whatever is handy and glue a panel on the bottom. Cheaper and quicker is just double up the front 2x4 and screw the back one to the wall studs. I found using a 2x6 makes clamping harder.

If it were me I'd probably just run some 2x4 for bracing.

Forgot to mention I will have a 2' piece of 2x4 left over that I plan to run front to back under the middle of the top for a little additional bracing. It also would be easy to put plywood/MDF on the underside of the top frame to make a torsion box - may do that. I really don't want to screw it to the wall. The garage is concrete block and no matter what fasteners I use, they make huge holes and I've never had much luck getting them to hold. It also has a concrete "baseboard" an inch or so thick that would complicate attaching it to the wall.

Definitely can do without the support. Your top will stiffen it up plenty and I've had zero problems with mine for 16 years of pounding. I do have it connected to the back wall, mainly to keep **** from falling behind it!

Been there, done that with stuff falling behind! The pegboard should keep stuff from falling off the top and keep some tools handy - I love the it for that! I plan to attach the shelf to the underside of the bottom 2x4 frame, so it will be more of a tray than a shelf - that should keep stuff from falling off.

 

[Joemctag]

Always best to do all your pounding over top of a post. Even on a very heavy steel work table.

 

[rustedgoat]

I'd put the brace in there. You will eventually load up the shelf and it will sag in the middle. You could also put short legs on the lower 2x4 to support the shelf and then if needed add a support from the shelf to the work top if needed.

 

[Jackfre]

I built this one as a stand alone bench. Steel 3x3, 2x2 and a 1” cross brace in the middle of the top span. 3 pieces of 3/4 ply for the top. I ran a piece of all thread up to the top across the center. I am building a true woodworking bench on it now and always pull strings on diagonals to ensure that it is flat and use AL angle iron to sight down for twist. I’ve been using this bench for a bout 2.5 yrs. It has been stable for the most part requiring only very minor adjustments. I would suggest that you use a top center stretcher similar to what I have so you have some better center support

 

[JM6]

I've been very happy with my 2 x 4 basics workbench. It's easy to make as all the cuts are straight and you can make it any size up to 4 x 8 and add shelfs. It's rated up to 1,000 #'s per shelf. They're set up to run a 2 x 4 diagonally to add support.

Universal Work Bench Leg Kit, 36'' High - Workbenches - Amazon.com

Universal Work Bench Leg Kit, 36'' High - Workbenches - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com