Inexpensive Workbenches

[i386]

After reading an article on building some inexpensive work benches out of 2x4's and OSB I decided to take a stab at it.

I decided to go with plywood instead of OSB. To make a nicer surface to work on, a tempered hardboard top was set into the top. If the hardboard will flatten out, double sided tape will be used to secure it. Otherwise, I'll countersink some brass screws in it.


This is a 2'x2' square stand for the drill press.

This is a 3'x5' workbench.

The two of these cost about $100 to build plus a little more when I add the shelves to the bottom. I will apply the same principal to make a miter saw station and whatever else I need.


As you may have read in some of my other posts, I've been itching to build some stringed instruments. Having a woodworking shop has been a lifelong dream. The executive management has granted me permission to set up shop in the basement so off I go. I'll post more pics as things come together.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: Inexpensive Workbenches

.....Having a woodworking shop has been a lifelong dream. ......

Good work i, there is nothing like table top work place.

When I was an early teen, I used to drool over the Sears tool catalogue, ie, the woodworking section. I am now much older (he he) and I have a lot of the tools but no good place to spread them out for easy access.

I just picked up one of these, on sale, sale for 149.95. It is a 12" sliding compound mitre saw with 80 tooth carbide blade and a laser beam. A lot of saw for the bucks.

 

[lowkee]

Re: Inexpensive Workbenches

Nice benches! I'm just about to convert a used kitchen table into a router table (it has a laminate top, which may work to my advantage). I'll likely follow your lead when building a table saw extension table. Ripping 4x8 sheets with rollers is just a PITA. I never really realized how many woodworkers make their own tools until just tonight. I went to borders and read a few woodworking books and saw just how many great tools (most made from scrap wood) I was missing from my workshop.

 

[i386]

Re: Inexpensive Workbenches

Thanks... I don't have a table saw yet. Luckily, for my needs I won't need a large cabinet saw though it sure would be nice to have one. I'll eventually get a Delta contractors saw or something similar and build some extension tables for it like these. I just measured my future workspace and it's about 12'x36' which seems like plenty of space for the type of work I plan to do.

The main tools I need for building guitars are router, band saw, belt sander, and drill press. Table saw, spindle sander, router table, and planer are luxurys I can add over time. I have a really nice Delta 12" (non-sliding) twin laser miter saw, but it won't get much use for instrument building.

Being that the shop is in the house I will have to address the dust collection problem.

Speaking of cutting plywood... I picked up a new Freud Diablo 7.25" blade for my 20 year old Skill saw today. Wow what a difference! Cuts 3/4 plywood like butter. There was a 12"x8' strip of plywood left from building the benches. That will be used to make a cutting guide to go with the Skil saw. Should serve me well on one of my projects in queue.

 

[Splat]

Re: Inexpensive Workbenches

Sorry to hijack a little bit, but if you want a AWESOME workbench top..... if you ever have a bowling alley around you go out of business, burn down, or just plain old redo the lanes, a section of bowling lane is nearly indestructable!!!
They are flat, smooth and hard.

I have two benchs that have been passed down to me from my father from when he was in his 20's. and they are still rock solid after all these years.

just an idea.

/hijack

bill

 

[MushCreek]

Re: Inexpensive Workbenches

I make the legs out of the following: Cut 8 plywood pieces, tapered from about 3" at the bottom to 8" wide at the top, the length being equal to the height of your bench. Assemble them with a 2X2 for a corner piece, cut 3-1/2" shorter than the plywood pieces, so you can make a 2X4 top frame. Use glue and drywall screws to assemble. Looking from the top, each leg will be 'L' shaped, with the 2X2 reinforcing the inside corner. Make a top frame from 2X4's, and glue and screw the legs to the frame. Make an intermediate frame the same size, and attach it further down (wherever you want). I make the top from a solid core door. A bench like this will not wobble at all. I bought $200 maple top benches for my machine shop. but the homemade ones are stronger. Don't skip the glue!

Jay

 

[The_Kid]

Re: Inexpensive Workbenches

Nice looking benches. Here's the two I made from some commercial solid core doors I pulled out of a dumpster. They're 2" thick particle board with an oak veneer. I built them the same height as the table saw so I could use them as extensions when cutting sheets of plywood.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Inexpensive Workbenches

cheap?
go to any restaurant auction , they sell 2 inch butcherblock maple tables with stainless bases for $75. Just flip the wood over.