Finished my workbench.

HMP

Well-Known Member
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Supporting Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2016
Messages
39,371
Location
TRIAD
Rating - 100%
28   0   0
I posted a while back (about a month ago?) a picture of a worktable frame I did one Saturday night...yeah, im that exciting, I spend my Saturday nights building something haha

Anyway, busy with work, not having a few things I needed (like a certain sized drill bit etc), I finally wrapped up this DIY project this evening...about 20 minutes ago.

The finishing touch, before I move it out to the garage, was my grandfather's old Sears vice. I will probably take it back off and clean it up real good, oil it up too even though it operates pretty smooth as is.

In the future I'll do a shelf about shin height - that way I can put things like the scroll saw down there when not in use, clearing up space on the top.
I built this primarily for power tools. I have another work table already, but I wanted something dedicated to my belt sander and grinder etc.

Might do a back on it out of pegboard, so I can hang some stuff up.

Here are a few pictures and then I'll continue commentary in a few



uKw2dfd.jpg



y4ilhbm.jpg





pOjGJEm.jpg
 
So a few notes from this basic build:
-Im SO stoked on it. I had looked up plans on making workbenches (even a thread here), and ended up not looking at them, just started winging it one night. So the fact that it turned out like how I hoped = awesome!

-I put adjustable feet on it, cause sometimes floors arent perfectly flat or level.
I tossed the cheap plastic inserts that came with the feet, using, instead, some T nuts (that was what put me on hold the first time, not having the drill bit needed to bore out the hole for the T nut).

-Basic pine 2x4 frame, painted flour white. I had a quart I got for a Christmas gift project, decided to stick with it.

-Top is Birch ply. I used minwax Early American stain on it.

-Because of the top, I decided to 'upgrade' my screws to some SPAX because of the goldish color to them. I know, its very superficial. I dont care, it looks cool. Then I used grade-8 bolts when mounting the vice to keep that goldish 'theme' going. Again, I thought it looked cool and only cost me a few extra cents over zinc bolts.

-When building, I had my idea based around 2'x4' top, since it was readily available at Home Depot. But then when I put it together I didnt take into account the 2x4s on the side...so it was 3" short (width).
So, my idea, which serves two purposes, was to add 2x2s on the sides.
A) it covers the gap
B) it created a lip above the plywood so that things cant roll off the sides.
Yes, I know that still leaves the back - as I mentioned before, I plan, in the near future, to do pegboard. It'd help get some tools, like my squares, out of the tool chest.

-I have a piece of 1/2" plywood, also 2' x 4', that I will use for a shelf underneath. I will just cut out 'notches' for the 2x4 legs and drop it in.


Overall, Im very pleased. Its SLIGHTLY out of square. not by much.
So it's not perfect, but guess what - Neither am I and I still rule hard. So all is well.
 
Looks great !

1 critique , next time put the lower braces on the inside of the legs. Then you'll just have to cut your shelf square ( no notches). And your shins will thank you if you ever sit on a stool there.
 
Last edited:
I built this primarily for power tools. I have another work table already, but I wanted something dedicated to my belt sander and grinder etc.
I take it you're moving the bench somewhere else so you can operate a belt sander, grinder, etc.?

That nice birch top is going to get beat up if you're using the bench a lot. Some guys will use a piece of 1/8" hardboard as a sacrificial top - you can beat the crap out of it, spill oil, grease, acid, paint, etc. on it, and you won't GAF. Replace as needed.
 
Last edited:
Looks good, you want constructive criticism?

If you mount the vise so that the fixed jaw is even with the front of the bench, basically so you can clamp a board and have it hang down in front of the bench if you need it to, you’ll be happier in the long run. Easy tweak.

Cut a piece of plywood 1’ or more wide and long enough to span the rear legs. Bolt it solidly to the rear legs just above the lower braces using at least 4 screws at the corners. It will keep stuff from falling off the back of the shelf, and it will add a lot of strength, preventing the bench from wracking side to sides when you’re working on something in the vise.
 
Yes, it's going to the garage tomorrow.
I built it in the heated area because, well, it was heated.

My first attempt, I appreciate the comments and suggestions and will keep them in mind going forward!
 
My first attempt, I appreciate the comments and suggestions and will keep them in mind going forward!
Every man's homemade workbench is unique! And the first is rarely the last...

You showed considerable foresight while building it; no doubt using it will give you further insights for the next one or modifications to this one. Screws and bolts are great because you can unscrew them!!

Don't fergit to post pics of something you build on it.
 
Last edited:
Nice. My install technician built us a 4x8 table Wednesday like that in less than 2 hours. Man is a wizard and made the legs removable so it can be taken down and set next to the wall.
 
Every man's homemade workbench is unique! And the first is rarely the last...

You showed considerable foresight while building it; no doubt using it will give you further insights for the next one or modifications to this one. Screws and bolts are great because you can unscrew them!!

Don't fergit to post pics of something you build on it.

I will post various projects as I do them.
Which might start tonight, with a small key project. Nothing special or fancy, and IF I start tonight it wont be exactly what Im wanting in the end, but it'll be a start till I get the drill press over here.
 
I will post various projects as I do them.
Which might start tonight, with a small key project. Nothing special or fancy, and IF I start tonight it wont be exactly what Im wanting in the end, but it'll be a start till I get the drill press over here.
"A journey of a thousand projects begins with the first workbench" or something like that!
 
Someone 'liked' a post here (thanks!) and it was good timing
I actually added a small shelf tonight under the top level so I could store some things on it but not on working area.
Cleared up about 3 square feet instantly, as I had my great grandfathers two tool boxes up there.
 
Someone 'liked' a post here (thanks!) and it was good timing
I actually added a small shelf tonight under the top level so I could store some things on it but not on working area.
Cleared up about 3 square feet instantly, as I had my great grandfathers two tool boxes up there.
I'm interested in seeing the tool boxes. I'm a vintage tool fan.
 
It's a good first effort. You'll see all kinds of improvements to be made once you start using it.

Drawers are more useful than shelves. Bending down and digging around in the backs of shelves is for the birds. Drawers... drawers are the way.
 
Last edited:
It's a good first effort. You'll see all kinds of improvements to be made once you start using it.

Drawers are more useful than shelves. Bending down and digging around in the backs of shelves is for the birds. Drawers... drawers are the way.
Maybe on the next one I do at some point
Im more likely to move this one out to the building and build someone wider in the future and then, maybe, I can try to work on some drawers
 
So a few notes from this basic build:
-Im SO stoked on it. I had looked up plans on making workbenches (even a thread here), and ended up not looking at them, just started winging it one night. So the fact that it turned out like how I hoped = awesome!

-I put adjustable feet on it, cause sometimes floors arent perfectly flat or level.
I tossed the cheap plastic inserts that came with the feet, using, instead, some T nuts (that was what put me on hold the first time, not having the drill bit needed to bore out the hole for the T nut).

-Basic pine 2x4 frame, painted flour white. I had a quart I got for a Christmas gift project, decided to stick with it.

-Top is Birch ply. I used minwax Early American stain on it.

-Because of the top, I decided to 'upgrade' my screws to some SPAX because of the goldish color to them. I know, its very superficial. I dont care, it looks cool. Then I used grade-8 bolts when mounting the vice to keep that goldish 'theme' going. Again, I thought it looked cool and only cost me a few extra cents over zinc bolts.

-When building, I had my idea based around 2'x4' top, since it was readily available at Home Depot. But then when I put it together I didnt take into account the 2x4s on the side...so it was 3" short (width).
So, my idea, which serves two purposes, was to add 2x2s on the sides.
A) it covers the gap
B) it created a lip above the plywood so that things cant roll off the sides.
Yes, I know that still leaves the back - as I mentioned before, I plan, in the near future, to do pegboard. It'd help get some tools, like my squares, out of the tool chest.

-I have a piece of 1/2" plywood, also 2' x 4', that I will use for a shelf underneath. I will just cut out 'notches' for the 2x4 legs and drop it in.


Overall, Im very pleased. Its SLIGHTLY out of square. not by much.
So it's not perfect, but guess what - Neither am I and I still rule hard. So all is well.
If you are planning on hanging anything heavier than a roll of masking tape on the pegboard. use steel or aluminum pegboard
 
That bench is Way too good looking to make it here. Beat the crap outta it with a hammer or something. Makes our work area look Old...…..like me!
 
That bench is Way too good looking to make it here. Beat the crap outta it with a hammer or something. Makes our work area look Old...…..like me!
Hate to break it to you, that’s not a work bench. That’s a piece of furniture. Looks good.

I assure you it's not as pretty and not furniture.
I made it in my home as, well, Id rather work in climate controlled area vs a really hot or chilly garage.
It's made it to the garage the night I finished it (maybe it was the next day lol) and now holds my belt sander and scroll saw.
Ive done several little projects on it and it's getting a power strip screwed to it today (I couldnt find any screws that would work last night)

It aint for show and gets used often
 
@Coltdefender1911 @BatteryOaksBilly

I just snapped this pic about 5 minutes ago as I came back in the house. Again, I assure you that it gets used, it gets dirty

Oh, and I had an idea this evening, Im going to put some braces up and put a narrower shelf about 16" above the base one I put down last night (it's real basic).
Again, nothing fancy, just to get more storage and keep the top free of clutter.
I'd like to be able to store the sander and scroll saw below if needed etc
Plus, Im wanting to add more power stuff, like maybe a small table saw, so if I can keep other implements stored away but close by that'd be cool


ALSO, I ended up building another one in the same style (almost exactly the same, but taller) that I put in the location where the top pics were taken.
That one stays inside to do little things on. Hell, I wrap my Christmas gifts on it, some soldering, cut my wrench slots in that neoprene (I dont know if yall saw what I did with the wrench organization or not) etc - just as another workbench in a climate controlled place for when it's cold or hot in garage.
Basic, but, again, it works.





0fcbrS2.jpg
 
Still using it, it's getting banged up from time to time. Im still pretty happy with it, though I do think I'll be adding that pegboard soon. While I wont put a ton of weight on it, it'll be nice to get some of the things I use at that box close to hand - pens and pencils for marking, safety glasses for...well, safety, tape measure etc. Get them off the table and out of the way when working. Also, with the scrollsaw I need something to go between the saw and the wall - as you press on the blade it slowly works it's way back. That's another reason the pegboard would be a good addition.
Vice has come in handy when doing the suspension work on the 2 recently.

I picked up a saw from Qball a while back, used it this weekend. Also on it is my scroll saw and belt sander. Only power tools I have right now that arent battery powered. The lower shelf fits the second and third item listed well even with an additional shelf I put on it.

So the lower shelf contains the power tools, upper has one of great-grandfathers tool boxes and my clamp storage.



TplFHWn.jpg
 
Pull the saw or sander to the front edge and put a quick clamp or two on em. They won't budge under normal conditions.

I do my bench grinder like that as it's rarely used.

Good looking setup BTW.
 
  • Like
Reactions: HMP
Just gettin' broken in!

I don't know how your scroll saw legs are configured, but if a light weight saw suffers from vibration, weight is an excellent countermeasure. Open legged stands can someties be rigged with a low shelf, and you can put any heavy thing that'll fit on it. (Bag of sand, car battery, paint cans, your lead collection, etc.) Mass absorbs vibration, and it also lowers the center of gravity. That helps resist movement when you're pushing laterally nto a blade.

If you're on concrete or some other smooth floor, rubber feet can add friction. In my experience, however, rubber feet are rarely enough to stop "wandering" by themselves.
 
Last edited:
Just gettin' broken in!

I don't know how your scroll saw legs are configured, but if a light weight saw suffers from vibration, weight is an excellent countermeasure. Open legged stands can someties be rigged with a low shelf, and you can put any heavy thing that'll fit on it. (Bag of sand, car battery, paint cans, your lead collection, etc.) Mass absorbs vibration, and it also lowers the center of gravity. That helps resist movement when you're pushing laterally nto a blade.

If you're on concrete or some other smooth floor, rubber feet can add friction. In my experience, however, rubber feet are rarely enough to stop "wandering" by themselves.
Saw is a table-top style (pictured above).
The 'feet' on it are short with holes to mount...but I dont want to mount it because it gets stored away more than used.
I dont know that I could get a clamp on it, but the sandbag idea might work
 
That’s not a WORK bench. That’s a dining room table.
All it takes is a few 2x4s and 3/4 inch plywood
 
I posted a while back (about a month ago?) a picture of a worktable frame I did one Saturday night...yeah, im that exciting, I spend my Saturday nights building something haha

Anyway, busy with work, not having a few things I needed (like a certain sized drill bit etc), I finally wrapped up this DIY project this evening...about 20 minutes ago.

The finishing touch, before I move it out to the garage, was my grandfather's old Sears vice. I will probably take it back off and clean it up real good, oil it up too even though it operates pretty smooth as is.

In the future I'll do a shelf about shin height - that way I can put things like the scroll saw down there when not in use, clearing up space on the top.
I built this primarily for power tools. I have another work table already, but I wanted something dedicated to my belt sander and grinder etc.

Might do a back on it out of pegboard, so I can hang some stuff up.

Here are a few pictures and then I'll continue commentary in a few



uKw2dfd.jpg



y4ilhbm.jpg





pOjGJEm.jpg
Nice!!
 
That’s not a WORK bench. That’s a dining room table.
All it takes is a few 2x4s and 3/4 inch plywood
Oh, youre right, I only eat on it, I totally forgot.
 
Saw is a table-top style (pictured above).
The 'feet' on it are short with holes to mount...but I dont want to mount it because it gets stored away more than used.
I dont know that I could get a clamp on it, but the sandbag idea might work
Use the mounting holes on the saw to screw a small board onto the saw. That board will hang off the front of the bench in use, preventing the saw from sliding back. Not familiar with the saw, but assume you’ll need a tweak to make it level, but you get the idea.
 
  • Like
Reactions: HMP
I think it’s great. A simple piece of hvac sheetmetal glued and screwed will make it bullet proof and very easy to clean. Oil and grease will never be an issue again. Cost is about $48 with material left over. Before Biden $22.
 
  • Like
Reactions: HMP
Back
Top Bottom