OFG Workbenches

Jocose · Post by **Jocose** » 24 Nov 2022, 15:04

I need a new workbench for the garage. I'm thinking about using plate steel for the top but it would not be as easy as wood.

The steel would be nice for welding projects but is also heavy and not super cheap.

What kind of workbenches does CPS have?

SlowToke · Post by **SlowToke** » 24 Nov 2022, 15:29

Steel if you intend to mount a lathe. Wood for everything else, imo.

Jocose · Post by **Jocose** » 24 Nov 2022, 19:18

SlowToke wrote: 24 Nov 2022, 15:29 Steel if you intend to mount a lathe. Wood for everything else, imo.

As much as I'd love having a lathe again I dont think I'll get another anytime soon.

Maybe I'll do a wood bench and build a welding table!

Craig Thompson · Post by **Craig Thompson** » 25 Nov 2022, 08:14

I need to build a new general use work table for my shop. What I have now is three small tables slid together. A 4' x 8' table would fit nicely and provide a lot of useful work area.

I have sketched several versions with two sheets of 3/4 plywood for the top (yes, I want a very stable rugged work surface). For legs possibly six 6" x 6" s. Again, very rugged.

What I am not sure of is if the "ladder" frame under the top could be made with off the shelf dimensional lumber (2x6?) or if I should use some other harder wood. And have the lumber yard plane it straight. Any ideas what wood I should use for that?

sweetandsour · Post by **sweetandsour** » 25 Nov 2022, 08:42

Wood. I have my dad's old wooden bench, with a 2x10 cross board shelf underneath, and an old wooden shelf/cubby holes from an ancient post office mounted on the wall above. Both are 70 + years old. A dual wheel grinder is mounted on one end of the bench, and a small vise is mounted on the opposite end. The whole thing is currently in a cluttered mess, as per family tradition.

Del · Post by **Del** » 25 Nov 2022, 08:45

Craig Thompson wrote: 25 Nov 2022, 08:14 I need to build a new general use work table for my shop. What I have now is three small tables slid together. A 4' x 8' table would fit nicely and provide a lot of useful work area.

I have sketched several versions with two sheets of 3/4 plywood for the top (yes, I want a very stable rugged work surface). For legs possibly six 6" x 6" s. Again, very rugged.

What I am not sure of is if the "ladder" frame under the top could be made with off the shelf dimensional lumber (2x6?) or if I should use some other harder wood. And have the lumber yard plane it straight. Any ideas what wood I should use for that?

I don't know. I've never built an elephant before.

coco · Post by **coco** » 25 Nov 2022, 16:42

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg1vsumLXcY

coco · Post by **coco** » 25 Nov 2022, 16:50

There are a zillion videos on YouTube. Fun stuff to consider:
- Workbenches that are mounted to the wall but fold down and then roll around
- "Torsion box" construction for the top if you want it strong but lightweight
- Wheels that flip up so that the bench won't move when you don't want it to
- Sometimes smaller modular benches that can be clamped together are better than one big bench

- Specifically for Jo: I would go with a workbench for most stuff and then a welding table just for welding and forging

Hovannes · Post by **Hovannes** » 27 Nov 2022, 06:53

Quick and easy in four steps:
1)Go to a Restore
2)Pick up a solid wood exterior door
3)Look for two matching old school(rock solid thick gauge steel) filing cabinets
4)Assemble

sweetandsour · Post by **sweetandsour** » 28 Nov 2022, 03:29

sweetandsour wrote: 25 Nov 2022, 08:42 Wood. I have my dad's old wooden bench, with a 2x10 cross board shelf underneath, and an old wooden shelf/cubby holes from an ancient post office mounted on the wall above. Both are 70 + years old. A dual wheel grinder is mounted on one end of the bench, and a small vise is mounted on the opposite end. The whole thing is currently in a cluttered mess, as per family tradition.

This was this past March. I think it's in better shape now, maybe. And the cubby holes are all filled now for sure.

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