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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Sturdy workbench needed (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 2/24/2016 2:05:13 PM EDT
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For this next project I am committed to at least doing all of the lower myself. I have watched the videos, have a PDF written instructions and photos file. I have
been making something out of what now seems very easily doable. So here is my deal. I am in the process of purchasing the proper tools but I'm having trouble finding a decent workbench that is sturdy enough to mount a vise. I have tried Lowes, Home Depot, a few major tool companies(can't rember the name) and all I find is junk. I have even started looking in Craigslist. Does anyone have ideas? I stop into junk shops now and then but nothing so far. I wonder, what if I just mounted a simple vise on top of a construction horse? I can't believe finding a non flimsy, non chinese made bench is the hardest part of this sickness. (Well yes I can) lol Any suggestions would be appreciated. |
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I just picked one up at Home Depot a couple of weeks ago for $69.98 and it is a sturdy one, I have my mini mill as well as my mini lathe mounted to it and it is strong enough to handle those with no problem, it is made out of 2 x 4's with a MDF top which I covered with formica, sucker weighs a ton!
This is the one I purchased, looks like it has gone up a small amount since I picked it up, but still for $73.88 you can't go wrong, I placed mine against the wall and drilled 4 screws into the studs behind it. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Signature-Development-72-in-Fold-Out-Wood-Workbench-WKBNCH72X22/203083493 |
| If I could get the clutter of of it and actually use it my simple and hell-a-stout workbench consists of a 6-3/4" x 15 " glulam beam. I took 2 8' lengths of glulam and made an 8' x 30" x 6-3/4" top. I need to do a bit more work on it, but it has fallen victim to the flat surfaces get covered disease. |
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I have a few of these for reloading and general purpose, they really are a great value for the money. My wife uses several of them for her business. She has embroidery machines, sewing machines, heat presses, and several other machines used for her business and they are pretty damn sturdy. I made her a work island out of four of them and it has been great. You would be better off buying them, I priced out the lumber and supplies needed and it was more than the price from Harbor Freight. When putting them together just make sure you use wood glue in addition to the supplied screws.
http://www.harborfreight.com/60-in-4-drawer-hardwood-workbench-69054.html |
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<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Pimpyodapimp/media/F206E63A-5BC4-406F-B4FE-072345FD5F8F_zpssydws3m6.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/Pimpyodapimp/F206E63A-5BC4-406F-B4FE-072345FD5F8F_zpssydws3m6.jpg</a> <a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Pimpyodapimp/media/38A84940-549A-4C21-BB05-3EDFD89BCD91_zpsuriocvgi.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/Pimpyodapimp/38A84940-549A-4C21-BB05-3EDFD89BCD91_zpsuriocvgi.jpg</a> <a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Pimpyodapimp/media/0E30C800-4F18-41FD-9B82-03566B65953B_zpsbjuainx4.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/Pimpyodapimp/0E30C800-4F18-41FD-9B82-03566B65953B_zpsbjuainx4.jpg</a> <a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Pimpyodapimp/media/395E81A5-DA72-4AE3-B51C-3B12B73CAC57_zpsf0dwrudg.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/Pimpyodapimp/395E81A5-DA72-4AE3-B51C-3B12B73CAC57_zpsf0dwrudg.jpg</a> <a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Pimpyodapimp/media/4F4ED7E7-5DE3-4CF5-8592-1ECED1464688_zpsswa4yw6p.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/Pimpyodapimp/4F4ED7E7-5DE3-4CF5-8592-1ECED1464688_zpsswa4yw6p.jpg</a> I like that set up, good job! |
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mine is similar to what is shown in the images, however, I ran a 2X4 on edge at the perimeter of the benchtop (which in one case in my shop, is a section of postform countertop from HD, in another case it's some plastic laminate countertop taken from a job we demolished).
that's a pretty standard design that's illustrated though.. |
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Not sure where you are in TX but here in Houston at Northern Tool they have sets of legs that will support 1000 lbs. You simply decide how big you want your table or bench to be and cut 2x4s to that size and use the pre-drilled holes in the legs to create the frame. Cut plywood to the right size and it offers a top surface, a middle and lower shelf. I added casters to mine and it makes a fantastic workbench I can roll around with ease.
Table Legs |
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I have a few of these for reloading and general purpose, they really are a great value for the money. My wife uses several of them for her business. She has embroidery machines, sewing machines, heat presses, and several other machines used for her business and they are pretty damn sturdy. I made her a work island out of four of them and it has been great. You would be better off buying them, I priced out the lumber and supplies needed and it was more than the price from Harbor Freight. When putting them together just make sure you use wood glue in addition to the supplied screws. http://www.harborfreight.com/60-in-4-drawer-hardwood-workbench-69054.html +1. Very solid bench...excellent value. |
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I have a house but ZERO space for a workbench to mount a vise.
What I ended up doing was mounting the vise to a 3 foot length of 2x6, and then buying some industrial strength C clamps and clamping THAT to a step in my garage... little awkward but got the job done. I've heard of other folks doing the same thing but then driving a car over the 2x6. Look around your place, you probably have SOMETHING you could clamp a 2x6 to, wife depending. |
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Not sure where you are in TX but here in Houston at Northern Tool they have sets of legs that will support 1000 lbs. You simply decide how big you want your table or bench to be and cut 2x4s to that size and use the pre-drilled holes in the legs to create the frame. Cut plywood to the right size and it offers a top surface, a middle and lower shelf. I added casters to mine and it makes a fantastic workbench I can roll around with ease. Table Legs That looks stable as hell. I might have to buy a set |
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Sears sells the Gladiator brand workbenches and they are very nice but kind of pricey unless you get them on sale. Sadly you just missed the sale they had, $77 for a 24inx65in with 1.5in butcher block top.
Costco/ Sams sells a similar workbench as the gladiator for much less. An old desk works very well if you have the room. You can get them on Craigslist cheap. Build one as many have stated. |
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I bought this one from Home Depot. It's inexpensive at $70.00 (I bought mine on sale for $59) but pretty sturdy. I mounted a Bessy 6" Vise on the front right corner and the bench and vise are pretty solid. Built 2 AR's and an upper on it, but also use it constantly for DIY around the house stuff. Probably better one out there but I'm happy based on value for the price.
72" Work Bench |
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I have a few of these for reloading and general purpose, they really are a great value for the money. My wife uses several of them for her business. She has embroidery machines, sewing machines, heat presses, and several other machines used for her business and they are pretty damn sturdy. I made her a work island out of four of them and it has been great. You would be better off buying them, I priced out the lumber and supplies needed and it was more than the price from Harbor Freight. When putting them together just make sure you use wood glue in addition to the supplied screws. http://www.harborfreight.com/60-in-4-drawer-hardwood-workbench-69054.html I have this one from harbor freight and it works great. I have had it a couple years now and no issues and I have one of their big rotating vises attached to it. |
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$20 in materials right here. A sheet of plywood cost $10. You can do this OP http://i62.tinypic.com/vh95ww.jpg Where are you buying plywood for $10? it is almost $40 around me for a 3/4" sheet of plywood. I used 2 layers of 3/4" plywood, glued and screwed for my top. I wanted the butcher block look but was too cheap. I used oak strip flooring I removed from a kitchen. |
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I am a full-time gunsmith, and these are the benches I have used for years:
http://www.garage-organization.com/Product/Seville-Classics-UHD20206B.aspx?f=gb&gclid=COKCgbq9kcsCFQmSaQodWiYMPQ They are very solid and the price is tolerable. You can get them at Sam's Club. |
I use an old kitchen table I got a thrift store for $20. Usually the older the better and sturdier built. I also took an old coffee table and drilled holes to mount a vice. I load it up and take it to the range if I think whatever I'm testing may need some work while there. Portable redneck style workbench
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I bought this one from Home Depot. It's inexpensive at $70.00 (I bought mine on sale for $59) but pretty sturdy. I mounted a Bessy 6" Vise on the front right corner and the bench and vise are pretty solid. Built 2 AR's and an upper on it, but also use it constantly for DIY around the house stuff. Probably better one out there but I'm happy based on value for the price. 72" Work Bench Yup, same one I posted about earlier today, it is a good sturdy bench and I am very pleased with it, it hold my mini mill and mini lathe with no problem at all. |
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Where are you buying plywood for $10? it is almost $40 around me for a 3/4" sheet of plywood. I used 2 layers of 3/4" plywood, glued and screwed for my top. I wanted the butcher block look but was too cheap. I used oak strip flooring I removed from a kitchen. Quoted:
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$20 in materials right here. A sheet of plywood cost $10. You can do this OP http://i62.tinypic.com/vh95ww.jpg Where are you buying plywood for $10? it is almost $40 around me for a 3/4" sheet of plywood. I used 2 layers of 3/4" plywood, glued and screwed for my top. I wanted the butcher block look but was too cheap. I used oak strip flooring I removed from a kitchen. I may have underestimated my plywood cost. I used 3/8 and looks like a sheet is $25 |
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I am a full-time gunsmith, and these are the benches I have used for years: http://www.garage-organization.com/Product/Seville-Classics-UHD20206B.aspx?f=gb&gclid=COKCgbq9kcsCFQmSaQodWiYMPQ They are very solid and the price is tolerable. You can get them at Sam's Club. These are the workbenches I was referring to a few posts up. They are very nice and heavy duty. SAMs every day price is $210 and you can get them on sale 2-3 times a year for considerably less. |
| this is gonna sound crazy i went to my home depot and they have pretty good work benches for 69$ all put together all u have to do is pull out the legs. They are awesome i just redid my whole workroom. I know they don't sound good but they really are awesome. I now have 12ft of workspace. |
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Upon these Legs I built my bench. I cant find the assembly photos I took, but in a nutshell I stuffed the inside of the top beams with plywood strips (Scraps from other projects) glued together cut to a tight fit rubber mallet them in, Sandwiched 2x4 on the outside and used 3/8 bolts through horizontally through the top beams to hold it together (5x Predrilled holes by factory each). Then I put 2x4 HANGERS on 6in centers front to back (held with deck screws) and end glued and screwed (deck screws) 2x4 the width (Left to Right). Top is a 3/4in piece of plywood screwed down along the edges and liquid nails the length of the 2x4 stringers.
To test is out I put over 1500lbs of metal plates in the middle of it and it held no problem. Its so rigid that if you lift a front corner an inch or two off the ground the back leg comes up with it and it weights over 200lb. If I have to guess at a cost I would say less than $200 including the legs. If you really want photos I can dig through a dozen or so SD cards to show the build in progress. |
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I just picked one up at Home Depot a couple of weeks ago for $69.98 and it is a sturdy one, I have my mini mill as well as my mini lathe mounted to it and it is strong enough to handle those with no problem, it is made out of 2 x 4's with a MDF top which I covered with formica, sucker weighs a ton! This is the one I purchased, looks like it has gone up a small amount since I picked it up, but still for $73.88 you can't go wrong, I placed mine against the wall and drilled 4 screws into the studs behind it. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Signature-Development-72-in-Fold-Out-Wood-Workbench-WKBNCH72X22/203083493 +1 I have this one and mounted it to the wall. Its solid. |
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These may be pricey compared to other options offered but it would be hard to beat the quality if you're not into making your own stuff; I highly recommend this:
http://m.uline.com/h5/r/www.uline.com/BL_3853/Industrial-Packing-Tables Just pick the size and flavor of tabletop. We have a couple of the maple top ones at our machine shop and they have served us well. |
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The next time you go to Sam's Club check this bench out. You might just like it. It will work for your needs.
Sam's Club Work Bench - $209.98 |
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Upon these Legs I built my bench. I cant find the assembly photos I took, but in a nutshell I stuffed the inside of the top beams with plywood strips (Scraps from other projects) glued together cut to a tight fit rubber mallet them in, Sandwiched 2x4 on the outside and used 3/8 bolts through horizontally through the top beams to hold it together (5x Predrilled holes by factory each). Then I put 2x4 HANGERS on 6in centers front to back (held with deck screws) and end glued and screwed (deck screws) 2x4 the width (Left to Right). Top is a 3/4in piece of plywood screwed down along the edges and liquid nails the length of the 2x4 stringers. To test is out I put over 1500lbs of metal plates in the middle of it and it held no problem. Its so rigid that if you lift a front corner an inch or two off the ground the back leg comes up with it and it weights over 200lb. If I have to guess at a cost I would say less than $200 including the legs. If you really want photos I can dig through a dozen or so SD cards to show the build in progress. Cap, these look great! thanks for sharing that info. |
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Yup, same one I posted about earlier today, it is a good sturdy bench and I am very pleased with it, it hold my mini mill and mini lathe with no problem at all. Quoted:
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I bought this one from Home Depot. It's inexpensive at $70.00 (I bought mine on sale for $59) but pretty sturdy. I mounted a Bessy 6" Vise on the front right corner and the bench and vise are pretty solid. Built 2 AR's and an upper on it, but also use it constantly for DIY around the house stuff. Probably better one out there but I'm happy based on value for the price. 72" Work Bench Yup, same one I posted about earlier today, it is a good sturdy bench and I am very pleased with it, it hold my mini mill and mini lathe with no problem at all. These are quick, easy and affordable. I put some locking wheels under mine and can roll it all over the shop. These are a great place to start. I have 2 of them. Both on wheels, one is open workbench, the other has a bandsaw, drill press and grinder mounted with machine bolts and wingnuts. I can roll them out of the way or into my more open floor space. They are as good as costco shelves, which also provide affordable, moveable storage. |
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Where are you buying plywood for $10? it is almost $40 around me for a 3/4" sheet of plywood. I used 2 layers of 3/4" plywood, glued and screwed for my top. I wanted the butcher block look but was too cheap. I used oak strip flooring I removed from a kitchen. Quoted:
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$20 in materials right here. A sheet of plywood cost $10. You can do this OP http://i62.tinypic.com/vh95ww.jpg Where are you buying plywood for $10? it is almost $40 around me for a 3/4" sheet of plywood. I used 2 layers of 3/4" plywood, glued and screwed for my top. I wanted the butcher block look but was too cheap. I used oak strip flooring I removed from a kitchen. ? I just purchased 2 sheets of FRT (Fire Resistant Treated) 3/4" plywood for $38/ea. Around here, AC Plywood costs about $18/sheet (while not $10, certainly not $40). If you are making a 2'X4' counter top that has multiple laminated sheets, buy 1 full sheet of BC plywood and 1 sheet of 2'X4' cut AC plywood for the top. There are a TON of options out there, it's going to be a workbench, it's going to get messed up, it's going to be ok ;-) my framing more closely resembles THIS photo... (except I screwed the rear of the top frame to the wall with 3-3"screws in 4 locations and eliminated the rear legs) 
I used dowels on my "Scandinavian style" workbench I made in Highschool (25ish years ago) |
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I have one of these in my garage. It's sturdy as hell and you will be hard pressed to get a top for that kind of money. I would prefer it if it were a little deeper though.
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Not sure where you are in TX but here in Houston at Northern Tool they have sets of legs that will support 1000 lbs. You simply decide how big you want your table or bench to be and cut 2x4s to that size and use the pre-drilled holes in the legs to create the frame. Cut plywood to the right size and it offers a top surface, a middle and lower shelf. I added casters to mine and it makes a fantastic workbench I can roll around with ease. Table Legs This...called the Hopkins 2X4 Basics Any Size Bench. My Father built one for electrical work he does and that thing is solid as all get out. Plus with using the 2X4's you can make the bench any size you want. I helped him put it together and it was real easy. Legs just screw right in. |
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This...called the Hopkins 2X4 Basics Any Size Bench. My Father built one for electrical work he does and that thing is solid as all get out. Plus with using the 2X4's you can make the bench any size you want. I helped him put it together and it was real easy. Legs just screw right in. Quoted:
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Not sure where you are in TX but here in Houston at Northern Tool they have sets of legs that will support 1000 lbs. You simply decide how big you want your table or bench to be and cut 2x4s to that size and use the pre-drilled holes in the legs to create the frame. Cut plywood to the right size and it offers a top surface, a middle and lower shelf. I added casters to mine and it makes a fantastic workbench I can roll around with ease. Table Legs This...called the Hopkins 2X4 Basics Any Size Bench. My Father built one for electrical work he does and that thing is solid as all get out. Plus with using the 2X4's you can make the bench any size you want. I helped him put it together and it was real easy. Legs just screw right in. I never could understand why someone would pay $50 for 4 legs that can be made out of 2X4s for less than $8 |
Is this now the official work bench pic thread?
4x4 legs 2x4 frame 2x6 top Secured the framework & top with deck screws. Secured the legs to the framework with carriage bolts. Slathered some dark walnut stain on it. Not practical, but I like the way it looks. I don't like how hard it is to find small parts, springs, pins, etc laying on the bench. Never have gotten around to finishing the lower shelf. Just have some boards laid across it, and they seem to be working alright. Perfect? Hell no. But I did it myself, and I'm happy with it for now. Building this gave me ideas about how do some things differently on the next one. Whatever you do, don't go to Garage Journal. That bench, the vises sitting on it, many of the tools hanging over it, and the garage lighting are all a direct result of that fuckin website. 
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I never could understand why someone would pay $50 for 4 legs that can be made out of 2X4s for less than $8 Quoted:
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Not sure where you are in TX but here in Houston at Northern Tool they have sets of legs that will support 1000 lbs. You simply decide how big you want your table or bench to be and cut 2x4s to that size and use the pre-drilled holes in the legs to create the frame. Cut plywood to the right size and it offers a top surface, a middle and lower shelf. I added casters to mine and it makes a fantastic workbench I can roll around with ease. Table Legs This...called the Hopkins 2X4 Basics Any Size Bench. My Father built one for electrical work he does and that thing is solid as all get out. Plus with using the 2X4's you can make the bench any size you want. I helped him put it together and it was real easy. Legs just screw right in. I never could understand why someone would pay $50 for 4 legs that can be made out of 2X4s for less than $8 Yah, T-P I get it. But it gives quality and flexibility and reproduciblity and accessibility for those who don't have the time or resources to do it with 2x4s. We all need nice things. You have a great tag line. Big smile. Rick |
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Get a 1 inch slab of plywood that's ripped down to 4x2 feet(home depot has this in stock), screw 2x4's all the way around the edge, put a 4 foot long 4x4 in each corner and attach with 3/8 carriage bolts and washers. Scale up or down as needed. http://s21.postimg.org/jigypi5lj/IMG_0132.jpg I have finally had time to get back on. These are outstanding ideas and I'm going to go with this basic concept, only a little wider and going to go with upper and lower frames. I built a truck rack out of PVC for my kayaks and also basic frames for firewood etc so I do have some skills, just need to get back into this. Im going to pickup a decent drill as I have always been a hammer and nail guy. I'm slowly modernizing. Lol. |
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$20 in materials right here. A sheet of plywood cost $10. You can do this OP http://i62.tinypic.com/vh95ww.jpg This is really what I am going to do. Only I'm thinking of two top frames and using 4x4's for the legs. I know you wanted to leave some leg room but I will possibly go w overhang for tabletop. What size screws did you use gor the frame cross slats? |
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To the OP -- presumably you plan to install a barrel into an upper? Because if not, you don't need a vice or a workbench at all. Really just a kitchen table and an hour or two to completely build one, even if it's your first. Yes that's right. But I also have other non gun projects and I need this as the steel frame glass top patio table is just not cutting it anymore. Lol. As far as my AR sickness glad to share I have moved well beyond the shoot, clean n lube stage. At the same time I'm with you in that I don't need every last tool the manuals say you can't live without. I can justify this because it has non gun practicality, it's inexpensive, and I'm going to feel great when it's finished. Not to mention it gives me a bonofide "hun I'm busy" the next time I get nagged. 
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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Sturdy workbench needed (Page 1 of 2)
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