Workbench!

B7510HSD · Dec 22, 2011

brewdog said:
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.

Hey how did you get my bike o there?? :thumbsup:

F250DSLPWR · Dec 23, 2011

I built some work benches several years ago with 3"x3" steel tubing and 2"x2" steel tubing. I made the legs where they had 2.5"x2.5" steel tubing that slide inside, so that it's height is adjustable. I have casters on the legs. I used 2 layers of 3/4" plywood for the top and covered it with formica. The two I build have worked great. Now I see almost the same type of work bench at Costco. Theirs have a butcher block top and the back come up above bench with a cabinet and light. Very nice, with similar height adjustable legs. I have been temped to buy one, about $300.
It is made by whalen and sold at Costco. The part number is 999960

donb2 · Dec 23, 2011

brewdog said:
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.

Sure, I'll build one like that right after I perform my first heart transplant!

donb2 · Dec 23, 2011

F250DSLPWR said:
I built some work benches several years ago with 3"x3" steel tubing and 2"x2" steel tubing. I made the legs where they had 2.5"x2.5" steel tubing that slide inside, so that it's height is adjustable. I have casters on the legs. I used 2 layers of 3/4" plywood for the top and covered it with formica. The two I build have worked great. Now I see almost the same type of work bench at Costco. Theirs have a butcher block top and the back come up above bench with a cabinet and light. Very nice, with similar height adjustable legs. I have been temped to buy one, about $300.
It is made by whalen and sold at Costco. The part number is 999960

A workbench like yours would make my truck look like crap! Can't do it!

donb2 · Dec 23, 2011

nickel plate said:
My work bench is 15'+ long. The bench top is made of three staggered layers of 2'x8'x3/4" BCX plywood laminated together with water based exterior glue. I used duplex nails for temporary clenching on each of the two seperate laminations while the glue dried overnight. The final working surface layer is two pieces of 2'x8'x1/4" tempered masonite and countersunk wood screwed (no glue so it can be changed out) into the plywood. Total thickness is 2-1/2". Exposed edge trim is varnished 1/2"x3" clear KD pine. The masonite overlaps the edge trim.
The base is made from two Sears 48" black metal work stations each with two top drawers and two lower open spaces. These are near each end of the top creating a 16" cantilever and a 60" open center area.

Sounds nice, but I got tired just reading about the work you put into it!

donb2 · Dec 23, 2011

Johnp33 said:
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.

If I could make one of those, it could double as a bomb shelter!

Johnp33 · Dec 23, 2011

I worked in shops all my life and a good work bench is very important. Right now the shop is a mess I am in the process of insulating the walls, R30. When it all comes together it will be great.
The bench without the shelves and back is the one I use the most and it was my first. It still has the original press board top, and I have rebuilt a lot of engines with it.

crbr · Dec 23, 2011

Lot ofs nice looking benches here. Thanks for the pics...

Beltzington · Dec 23, 2011

For the top, find a solid wood door at a salvage outlet. Not a residential door but a big commercial fire door like you see in office buildings. I paid about $20 bucks for one and it has held up well for 15+ years of abuse. The only negative is the wood will soak up spilled liquids and permanently stain. I say it adds character but you could easily attach hardboard laminate if you are so inclined. Door can be supported by wooden legs or metal pipe or angle iron depending on what you are comfortable working with.