Workbench Options

[Scrap Master J]

I wanted to share a cheap versatile workbench that I have made/used. It is not good for some applications but for what I use it for it has been extremely helpful.

Items needed –

2 – Plastic saw horses with notches on top
2 – 2x4 or similar
1 – 4x8 plywood

These plastic saw horses are sold at most home improvement places. Some have adjustable legs which would allow the table to be raised and lowered. The 2x4’s set in the top notches. Screw down the plywood.. Bam! 4x8 table. 4x8 too big? Cut down to fit your space.

I ran an extra 2x4 against the wall screwed to the studs for extra stability. And on a separate table I basically framed up a 4x8 wall that the center 2 studs line up with the notches. These tables can be easily disassembled or altered.

I also mounted a power strip to the 2x4 so there is power close at hand. Trash can fits easily under work surface. Wire stripper and small vise attached as well.

Now I wouldn’t use this for any serious pounding/breaking, but for dismantling and sorting it is great to have such a large surface.

I would like to hear if anyone else has tried this and how it has worked for them or other work bench solutions.

J

[submarinepainter]

nice idea!

[greytruck]

I got a metal storage cabinet with a piece of plywood cut to hang over the edge's for an extra inch or two. The cabinet is 4ft high and across, and 2 feet deep. Works nice becasue I use the inside of the cabinet for storage room.

[Mechanic688]

My thought would be a fold down bench. Hang one end on a wall with fold out legs and when your done with it fold it back up so it hang off the wall like the tables used to be in the older small campers. For people with limited space.

[IdahoScrapper]

I picked up a wooden door that was in the trash. Going to use that on sawhorses. Has a brass kick plate too, which was the main reason I grabbed it.

I have a few other benches. I'll try to get pics up later.

[thortek]

I use two Plastic sawhorses and a Hallow wooden door. The doorhandle spot is perfect for cords to run through,and it's crazy strong! Going to buy 2 more sawhorses for another bench!

[KzScrapper]

I used to have guys build a sawhorse for me to determine their skill level...amazing how many guys that call themselves carpenters that can't build a sawhorse that will last more then a couple of days.

[KzScrapper]

Hell I would figure all you would have to do is ask them to read a Ruler or a Level.

That does remind me of the brainiacs that would call out a measurement like 15 and 2 eighths.

[injunjoe]

I used to have guys build a sawhorse for me to determine their skill level...amazing how many guys that call themselves carpenters that can't build a sawhorse that will last more then a couple of days.

How's this Bossman?

[KzScrapper]

"A" for effort and creativity your hired...Can't wait to hear how you call numbers.

[corycouch]

our work bench honestly, is a vise mounted on each corner of our utility trailer, with the tailgate on the truck dropped behind us. works well

EDIT ah i use a old washing machine for my chopsaw table

[injunjoe]

One feet tree an a turd.

[injunjoe]

Sorry Scrap master J to tread on your thread. I like your portable work bench idea!

I have a few cool work benches I have made over the years. I will try to post a few pics of them soon.

Wheels! Everything has to have wheels! Weather is nice wheel it out and work under the wonderful Sun, weather turns wheel er' back inside and continue on! Aghh the day of the traverse is gone.

[Mechanic688]

Aghh the day of the traverse is gone.

Don't feel bad, it's still around.

[Scrap Master J]

A folding table requires a door with hinges and 2 lengths of chain/cable/rope and 4 eye hooks. Mount door to wall so it hinges up to the wall flat. Add eye hooks to door on the opposite side from the hinges and up on the wall above mounted door. Run chain/cable/rope between eye hooks so door is parallel to floor. Then you need a latch to hold it up out of the way when not in use. No legs necessary!

[Mechanic688]

Folding table, adjust measurements to suit your needs. We have a small handy workbench in our garage. It's about 3 or 4 ft. square about waist high with small caster wheels on the legs so it will roll around where you need it. Made out of plywood for strength. Also have a plug in on top for electric. I have the homade wire stripper fastened to it right now. You can pull it out in the middle of the garage floor when your tearing down and roll it into the corner when your done. Then we have the big homade workbench for the serious work. Will try to add pictures of it as soon as I can.
http://www.ehow.com/how_6715475_buil...all-table.html

[bejak]

One of my bench's is an 8' length of bowling alley lane. I made it slightly wider and it sits on top of some old kitchen cabinets and other storage I added underneath. Use it for dissasembly, have a big metal bench for beating stuff apart.