Workbench!

[KennyG]

I've built lots of benches over the years and generally just used scrap parts and it's worked fine. Use 2x4 or 2x6 for legs with a diagonal front to back brace at each end and it will be strong enough that you can jump up and down on it.

My latest one that I really like was made from a steel entry door off my pole barn. The frame rusted out but the door was fine, so I built a bench frame, put a couple of screws up through the frame into the door and I've got a smooth metal top bench.

I've also used thick MDF as a benchtop, laminated scrap 2x4s and used kitchen counters. All worked well. Right now I've got a pile of used hardware flooring that will make the next bench top. Just get creative, have fun and spend your money on tractor stuff and tools, not workbenches. It makes me sick when I see $1,000s spent on benches and cabinets in a garage and then it's never used.

 

[scgargoyle]

I make the legs out of a 2X4, with a wider piece of plywood glued and screwed on the two outer surfaces. I make the plywood about 8" wide at the top, tapering down to 4" at the bottom. I glue and screw everything together. The top frame is 2X4's, as is an intermediate shelf partway down. The top is a solid-core door. The key is the glue. This construction makes one of the few wobble-free benches I have ever seen. Even store-bought steel benches want to wobble with enough weight on them. Maybe I'll try to add a sketch in the next few days.

 

[Johnp33]

I have made many a work bench, I use steel 1/4 x 2 angle iron frame with three 1/4 x 2 angle cross ribs. I used 2 inch tubing as legs with a pedestal. The legs are welded with the cross rids 18 inches from the ends, and 2x4 boards bolted to them. I have a back splash 1/4 x 2 angle standing up to the 8 ft height. I have a shelf 14 inches, up about to the 6 ft level and the top shelf, it is about 18 inches.
I have 1/4 x 2 flat bar up the side supporting the shelves, on an angle. The Right side I have a piece of 1/4 inch plate cut, with 1 ft sides, in a 45 degree angle welded to the base angle Iron I use 2 x 6 fir planks they are wedged in and bolted. the right front corner has anouther plate to support the vise bolted in tight then welded.
I have the vise positioned so the inner jaw is flat with the edge. I have 3 x 3 tubing welded in inside of the cross brace that way when I have a long piece I slide a 3 x 3 board out and support it. I am going to add one more tube in the middle.
I have a self 1 ft from the floor the bench top is at the 33 inch level. I have peg board on the back splash and boards on the shelves.
I am a mechanic most of the steel, I got as trades for doing work.
The steel is painted with white Tremclad three coats, before adding the wood the top is 1/4 inch press board. The bench is 4 ft x 8 ft x 8
I made three of them, with shelves, one just flat. It takes some time But it is permanent.

 

[Sutol]

In my garage at home I built a workbench from railway sleepers and brick supports, its been fine for the last 20 odd years.

use my brothers garage now though because its bigger

 

[scgargoyle]

Here's the bench I was talking about. The plywood can be anything around 1/2"; the framing is 2X4's. I only drew the top frame, but you can put a similar frame partway down as a shelf, and for further strength. Build the legs first- glue and screw with drywall screws. The height can be whatever you want for a working height. The other dimensions are made to allow a solid core door to fit with an inch or so overhang on the sides and front. I used to assemble 1600 lb. plastic injection molds on one of these! I like to make a bench cover out of 1/4" Masonite to go over the nice wood top. When it gets beat up, remove it and replace it.

 

[donb2]

Thanks!!

I'm going to build one.

Thanks Again!

Don

 

[PILOON]

When I expanded an electronics business I needed about 6 new benches.
Techs all wanted the $$ types but my budget was tight.
Found a surplus lot of thick commercial desk tops (36 x 72) with a nice tan arborite finish that was easy on the eyes.
A stock of 2 x 2 tubing and a new welder soon had me some nice solid bases
Long and short is old desk tops make for great work benches.

 

[brewdog]

Here's my work bench. I built it from 2x2x1/4" angle. I bought the hydraulic package on ebay along with the motor starter and switches. Its a lift for my Harley and doubles as a welding / work bench. I have a 6" vice mounted on it most of the time. The adjustable height is really handy depending on what you are working on.

 

[brokenknee]

Thanks!!

I'm going to build one.

Thanks Again!

Don

It's a long thread, but some good ideas here.

Lets see your workbench - The Garage Journal Board

 

[ToadHill]

My dad made one out of an old bowling alley. That was over 60 years ago and it still looks great. It is a "put it in one place and leave it" kind of bench.