Workbenches and Workshops

[IAmGary]

I have a very, very small garage but have enough room for a 64" max. work bench. I'm not sure if a tool chest with wood top is the way to go, or just a work surface with underneath storage and a peg board for tools.

I've looked at the garage thread, but it seems most folks are using chests or built-in cabinets. What is available for purchase that would be awesome? I've looked at Home Depot, I've thought about a custom Elfa set up (they usually do closet organizers) but I'm looking for something more compelling.

Show me what you bought!

[blunttech]

I dont have pics but I got bowling lanes cut up in 8' lengths from a local bowling alley redoing their lanes. Its 3" thick hardwood and I made benches out of it. Its ok but i think we need a metal workbench if youre going to get serious.

[Shangsta]

I am going to be building a few custom ones for my garage based off of this design. I will be changing a few things to make them take some serious abuse.

http://www.familyhandyman.com/workshop/workbench/folding-workbench/view-all

[jaywood]

I think it depends on what you're going to use it for. I have one workbench which is a 2 door cabinet with 2 pull out drawers (from Sears) with a plywood top. I store portable belt sanders/palm sanders underneath and misc drills/bigger tools. If you're just storing tools, I'd use a tool chest w/ a wooden top....or even steel depending on what you're going to use it for.

[Eric]

OP, I don't have the space constraints, but I just did exactly what your thinking.

I stuck a birch countertop from Ikea on a toolbox. Cost about $120 I believe, and If I don't like the overhangs, I can just trim down the top to just the width of the box. Pretty solid wood, but adding resin like those cool restaurant countertops would really make a solid workbench.

[BobombETA]

I dont have pics but I got bowling lanes cut up in 8' lengths from a local bowling alley redoing their lanes. Its 3" thick hardwood and I made benches out of it. Its ok but i think we need a metal workbench if youre going to get serious.

Got any pics? That sounds awesome!

OP:

Check out this link, seems like a pretty cost effective DIY for any dimensions you need.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200226224_200226224

[AndrewBird]

My bench is framed out of 2x4's with a piece of 1/2" chip board and then 1/8" hardboard on top. Hardboard is very durable and can be replaced when it gets too beat up. I built it on top of an old drawer cabinet that I got for cheap at a garage sale. Gives me 6 drawers below and the top of the cabinet give me a shelf under the bench.

If you use 2x4's for the frame, lay them flat on their face so the bench is only 1.5" thick. This makes it a lot easier to clamp things down to it if need be.

[M-technik-3]

My bench is framed out of 2x4's with a piece of 1/2" chip board and then 1/8" hardboard on top. Hardboard is very durable and can be replaced when it gets too beat up. I built it on top of an old drawer cabinet that I got for cheap at a garage sale. Gives me 6 drawers below and the top of the cabinet give me a shelf under the bench.

If you use 2x4's for the frame, lay them flat on their face so the bench is only 1.5" thick. This makes it a lot easier to clamp things down to it if need be.

Did something like this but I used Advantech fiber board Since I had a spare sheet after remodeling the house. I got a simpson tie kit with just for the simple metal jigs. Work great they are on Amazon and available from most big box lumber companies.

[ParsedOut]

Got any pics? That sounds awesome!

I'm not a great reader, but I think the answer is in the first 4 words of his post.

[ZekeTheSneak]

Google steevo workbench on garagejournal.com. I took his idea for a metal top. I did plywood then had a counter made from 10 guage steel. Treated it with sheila shine. I can abuse it and it still looks great.

[BobombETA]

I'm not a great reader, but I think the answer is in the first 4 words of his post.

I suck at math too.

[nrubenstein]

Another option is to get a metal supply shop to cut you a top out of steel plate. We've got half inch steel plate and it is fantastic.

[blunttech]

Another option is to get a metal supply shop to cut you a top out of steel plate. We've got half inch steel plate and it is fantastic.

This what I need... I have all the makings for a great bench.. Beefy 4x4 framing and 3 inch thick hardwood. It looks cool but you need metal to beat on and mount vices to.

[cavpilot]

Something that I've done a couple of times is using an old solid door, surrounding it with 2x4s then topping it with plywood. This design has 3 advantages:
1. You can cut the door to any size you wish.
2. You can swap out the plywood top if it gets torn up or nasty.
3. It's strong as hell!

Here's a picture. (ignore the mess)

[nando]

Another option is to get a metal supply shop to cut you a top out of steel plate. We've got half inch steel plate and it is fantastic.

half inch steel plate? damn, are you building a tank or something?

a 1sq ft piece of 1/2" steel weighs 20.45lbs. that sucker's got to be heavy!

a relatively thin sheet of steel on top of plywood would be more than adequate and much lighter.

I have two "workbenches" - one is a set of those Costco shelves with the solid panels, the other is a walmart rolling cart with a piece of 5/8" plywood slapped on top (leftover from when a buddy re-sided his house). I don't do heavy duty stuff, mostly wiring and soldering. works perfect for me. 3/4" plywood would be even better and I have a sheet but that would mean moving everything around..