Workbenches

[weerez935]

I was considering this bench:
http://m.globalindustrial.com/m/p/w...gclid=CL39nc-A5L8CFStk7AodQV8AxQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

Do you think that would be a good route or should I build one? By the time I bought a decent miter saw and lumber it would probably cost more to build one.


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[neophyte]

Once you bought materials and extra tools you might need it probably would cost the same or ore to build one yourself. If you have other uses for the tools after you're finished building the bench, than building it yourself may be worthwhile. The price on that bench doesn't seem bad though, and it looks like it could be modified later without too much difficulty if you later wanted to change the size. I'm not completely sure about the top material, but the cost is likely mostly the leg steel base. An 8' x 4' piece of quality plywood could later be laminated and used to replace the top at a later date if the original material didn't hold up well.

 

[KEH]

The cost is in the butcher block top, as pictured. Check prices of those counter tops at Lowes of Home depot. That workbench and top is probably from China and the top is probably asian hardwood. It should give you satisfactory service.

You would need a jointer, a planer, and clamps to glue up and true a hardwood top, plus buying some expensive hardwood. A miter saw would not be necessary.

KEH

 

[harvero]

Did you check the shipping on these benches from global? It was more than half the cost of bench.

 

[dittle fart around]

The pride of building your own workbench, even if you have to learn new skills, should over ride your ability to make an online purchase.

 

[neophyte]

The cost is in the butcher block top, as pictured. Check prices of those counter tops at Lowes of Home depot. That workbench and top is probably from China and the top is probably asian hardwood. It should give you satisfactory service.

You would need a jointer, a planer, and clamps to glue up and true a hardwood top, plus buying some expensive hardwood. A miter saw would not be necessary.

KEH

The bench the OP linked to doesn't come with a butcher block top; it comes with a fiberboard top. For some reason the butcher block top was pictured but it was a mistake. The same bench can be purchased with a butcher block top but csts at least a couple hundred more.

 

[weerez935]

How difficult / expensive would it be to build a decent workbench? In all honesty the only workbench I've built was with my dad and not only was it long ago but it was just a basic frame with 2x6. He used it for storage mostly so he didn't need a top. I don't need a fancy top but I would like it to be solid so I can get a vise and bench grinder. As well it would be nice to have a spot to clean / fix parts like alternators and distributors.


I've also considered the 6ft gladiator bench with maple top.

Another thought was using a door as the top lol. I've done this as a desk before.

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[GTA Matt]

I built these 2 for about $60 each. Of course I already had saws, nails, lag bolts, etc. I would have liked to have a nice hardwood top for them, and may do so in the future, but for now they are 2x10's, the straightest, nicest ones I could find at home depot lol. Corner legs and rear middle legs are 4x4's, its very sturdy. I spent a few days going thru the workbench thread here combining different ideas that I saw.

 

[weerez935]

I like it. What all did you have to use.

I watched this video:

And they used miter saw, table saw, router, bench top planer, clamps and sander.

I'm not sure what they used the table saw for but it turned out nice. I'd love to learn to make my own but it looks like 1000 in tools or so.


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[GTA Matt]

I just used a circular saw. I am not a woodworker by any means, just wanted a nice 'custom' bench. I know some guys on here have some real nice equipment and make some fantastic looking benches and tops. I just used what I had. Its all 4x4's, 2x4's and 3 2x10's for the top. Again, I would just surf through the "post your workbench" thread, many examples far better then mine!

 

[rick carpenter]

A door for a top is a good idea. My benchtop is an interior industrial(?) 1-3/4" particle-wood door with a sacrificial 1/2" mdf top surface. Nothing fancy, just sturdy.

 

[moonley]

I have this bench and really like it, a good option if you have a Sam's Club:
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/ultra-heavy-duty-workbench/prod1490086.ip

 

[bob_the_builder]

GTA Matt - Are you still able to pull out your toolbox or did you build the bench around the toolbox.

Bob

 

[Waggoner72]

A door for a top is a good idea. My benchtop is an interior industrial(?) 1-3/4" particle-wood door with a sacrificial 1/2" mdf top surface. Nothing fancy, just sturdy.

I used a door for a wood top on my toolbox.

 

[ez-duzit]

You don't need a chop saw to build a workbench--certainly not $1,000 worth of tools. A simple hand saw or Skilsaw would do it. A solid core door works fine for a top. And you can set it on saw horses, to start. I like using rollaway base cabinets to support the top.

 

[katotter]

Better built than bought I always say. I buy nothing, build it, if I cant, I try till I get it right.

 

[GTA Matt]

GTA Matt - Are you still able to pull out your toolbox or did you build the bench around the toolbox.

Bob

Yeah, toolbox pulls right out, about an inch of space all the way around it.