Workbench!

[B7510HSD]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Beltzington]

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.

 

[forgeblast]

A buddy of mine made one from a chunck of laminate from HD/Lowes it was slighly scratched he got a great deal on it.

 

[RxRatedZ71]

I agree with the surplus ideas. I bought 3 construction solid-core doors like the use on residential home builds; their 8' in length and heavy duty. Cost me only $10 each.

 

[Johnp33]

A friend of mine worked for an exclusive gentlemen's club, They were moving to a new site and had an auction, many things were not bought, one was a stainless steel bench with two deep sinks and a slightly sloping top it will be my solvent wash station. I got a bakers table it has 14 inch square swing out tubs. I use it for sorb-all, sawdust, packing foam chips, and one has my come-alongs in it it has drawers in one end and shelves in the back. they took the cutting board top off before I got there. I mounted a large solid core door on it. I got a 2 ft square sink The wife uses that for a wash tub for the fruit stand, it was going to be my solvent wash tub. I got all kinds of steel. I had a customer that was going broke pay me in 2 x 6 HD channel iron that was used for shelving, 30 pieces. I am always looking for stuff people throw out or are willing to trade for. I have a dump trailer and rent it out to haul garbage, it is a goose neck and I do the trip to the dump, many things are found.
I got a lot of steel in trade for work done at a steel yard. I was taught that lots of people can make stuff when they buy it, the real fabricator makes stuff with what you have.

 

[crbr]

Good thread. thanks for the pictures.

 

[dgbentz]

here is a well built bench with security system,

 

[brewdog]

here is a well built bench with security system,

NICE ONE !! Very clever and NEAT !!!

 

[ETpilot]

I made an island workbench that works for me. See my little drawing below.The top is 2 sheets 4x8x3/4 plywood topped with tempered hardboard. The hardboard gets replaced when worn. The drawers are one piece and pull from either side. The red line is a pull out board for drawing, writing and planning projects. The blue line is pegboard where I hang some tools. Each side has 3 outlets for electrical power on a GFCI. It rolls on concrete on 6 3" steel casters. For its size and weight it rolls quite easily.

Here is a set of plans for a simple work table/workbench. The only change I would make is overhang the top a few inches so that you have an area for clamping work pieces.

Workbench

 

[brewdog]

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

this is to nice for me to use as a workbench. great work!

 

[65fl]

Something you might want to consider is two benches of varying height, this way when you want a high bench for comfort you got it and when you need a lower bench for leverage or just working on a larger item you got it too. I have 4 benches in my shop and made them all myself.

 

[Gizmo2]

Just bought two for the wife with adjustable legs and Maple Butcher Block Safety Edge. The shipping is what gets ya.
Open Leg Work Bench | Adjustable Height | Adjustable Height Work Benches - GlobalIndustrial.com

We also added the Power Riser on one of the units.
Bench Tops & Components | Risers/Back & End Stops | 60"W Power Riser | 254753B - GlobalIndustrial.com

 

[ultrarunner]

I've made a few work benches using old hospital beds...

The frame and castor's are plenty strong and the height is power adjustable.

They were tossing them at work and were paying to get rid of them.