I need a small workbench- buy or make?

[Nelson]

I need a small workbench that can take a pounding. I may want to attach a small anvil or vise to it, so it has to be rugged. I may also need to have my old Baldor grinder on it, which is pretty heavy.

The old cleated wood benches are ideal, but tough to find.

Is there a brand that you guys prefer, or do you make your own to fit?

Thanks,


Nelson

 

[randyjaco]

Nelson,
I usually make mine to fit, but it is amazing what pops up on Craig's List, often better and cheaper than I can build it. I bought one for $50 that came with a Wilton bullet vise, which I sold for $300. It all depends on how big a hurry you are in. ;D

Randy

 

[joegamma1]

Build gets my vote as well, customs always better than "store bought" in my opinion.

 

[Nelson]

What do you guys who build usually make them from? 2x4 or 2x6?

What about the top? That is the most expensive part.

I made the top for a small table for a drill press by gluing together a group of 2x4's and clamping them. It is nothing to look at (could have belt sanded it down), but it wears like iron. Maple tops are not cheap.


Nelson

 

[rleete]

Two sheets of 3/4" particle board, glued together with construction adhesive (liquid nails) and clamped overnight. Add a sheet of masonite on the top as a wear surface, and replace as needed. I use that for my garage bench where I work on car parts, so it has to be sturdy and take a lot of abuse.

Frame it with 2x4 and bolt it to a wall if possible.

 

[Nelson]

That is what I want- something indestructo.

The top I made from 2x4's glued-up together is like that. I put two drill presses on it, and it doesn't budge. The frame is steel that I got from Rockler's- it's expensive as hell, but it is predrilled and precut to 2', 3' and 4' sizes and heavier gauge steel than other bench sets.

I think I will go with a glued-up 2x6 top this time, because the 2x6's at Home Depot tend to be in better shape (and more expensive!) than the regular 2x4 studs. I use two big 5' pipe clamps to glue the pieces on edge. (I had thought to use steel rods to "cleat" the pieces together, but it held very well without that). I need to cram both drill presses together due to lack of space, but need something sturdy, and the Rockler Legs have locking steel casters that roll well.

Nelson

 

[Nelson]

Nelson;

If you wish to go with the oak flooring top check the local Home Depot or Lowes or similar big box store. They sell off brokem bundles dirt cheap. They always hane one or two bundles they dropped and broke open. Last time I got some I paid $18.00 for 60 feet. Still have some left waiting for another project. LOL

"Bill Gruby" ;D ;D ;D

Looks like I got another "yeller box" ROTFLMBO

Great idea Bill! Nothing better than oak flooring for strength!

Nelson

 

[Nelson]

Wow Turbo- that is a burly-built table. 4x6? Wow... Why so thick? Seems 2x6 would be very sturdy.


Nelson

 

[Nelson]

For 4x6 lumber, I might use carriage bolts I can get at HD, so that I was sure I got everything clamped together nice and sturdy. (Plus I could take it apart if need be, because I am not going to be able to easily move a bench made from 4x6 lumber).


Nelson

 

[theGallery]

I made a small portable bench on casters so I can move it around since I don't have much shop room. It is very heavy and has three supports(casters) It has two shelves each 4 inches thick made of concrete. All medal frame. It weighs in at about 600 lbs. I have a five inch vise on the third leg which has an articulating caster. When the caster is raised that leg rests on the floor with the vise on top. The whole thing is very stable but easy to move. I got the casters from the Surplus Center and each is rated at a 1000 lbs.