Need help putting formica on my workbench

[sixdogs]

I've got to get working on my bench too (moved recently) I like the idea of work tables on wheels, even though they will be shoved up against the wall most of the time. Makes it easier to clean underneath too.

I built two 2 x 4 and one 4 x 8 rolling tables and it has been one of the better things I have done. The 4x8 handles everything and can be moved to the job or cleaned underneath, easily. One of the 2x4's doubles as a welding table and one is for when I spray paint things. I can roll it out to the doors or wherever I want. All work great. Make sure you use high quality wheels and get the height right.

The tables are out of 2x4 square tubing and are easy do . One sheet of plywood covered the tops and the bottom shelves. I have melamine waiting to go on the top of one of them. I'll take pictures tomorrow if anyone wants.

 

[RedNeckGeek]

I like the idea of work tables on wheels, even though they will be shoved up against the wall most of the time. Makes it easier to clean underneath too.

Yeah, but how do you keep a rolling table in place when you're trying to bend or loosen something held in the vise? Maybe you still need one big heavy bench that's lagged to the floor and wall for that? :laughing:

 

[Otto Syracuse]

Yes take a picture. I'm not a welder, I was going to make it out of wood.

 

[sixdogs]

Yeah, but how do you keep a rolling table in place when you're trying to bend or loosen something held in the vise? Maybe you still need one big heavy bench that's lagged to the floor and wall for that? :laughing:

Maybe, but my vise is on the 4x8 table made of 2" square tubing with a bottom shelf and 3/4" plywood top. I haven't had a really difficult project in a while but the table is plenty heavy enough and doesn't roll anywhere. It's actually a little hard to move.

 

[sixdogs]

Here are the pics of my rolling tables. All are 2"square tubing and I forgot how thick. The tops are 3/4" plywood that I painted Deere green. Last year I put a piece of 4' x 8' melamine on it and lightly glued it down with 3M contact cement. It should peel off easily when I need to replace. The one 2' x 4' table will soon get a melamine top while the other has a 1/4"piece of steel on it and I use it for a welding table. It works for me.

The tubing is just welded together and the 4 x8 table has a couple brace pieces to support the top and keep it from sagging. The tables are heavy so no Harbor Freight wheels but rather heavy duty USA made. I have four swivel wheels per table.

 

[Otto Syracuse]

Thanks for the pictures. Those look great, clean, simple and sturdy. Maybe I can find someone local that can weld up the base for me and I can take it from there.

 

[sixdogs]

Yes take a picture. I'm not a welder, I was going to make it out of wood.

Thanks for the pictures. Those look great, clean, simple and sturdy. Maybe I can find someone local that can weld up the base for me and I can take it from there.

Here's a thought. You could take a welding class at a local tech school and do it yourself. Even a pilgrim with a wire feed MIG welder would do a nice job. If not, it can't cost very much for those simple welds. Just get it straight and square first.

Wood is not an option. You would not be happy with wood.

 

[Otto Syracuse]

If I only had time for that! Maybe someday.
In the meantime, I have some steel brackets I salvaged from a restaurant sitting around. They were used as the brakets to hold up the table tops at a booth. They are made on 2" square tubing and are very sturdy. I think a base could be made out of those and I can easily add the shelf and top out of wood. I just need to locate a shop that can take my material and weld it up for me.

I love your idea and will see if I can use my salvage materials to duplicate it.