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Project: Workbench
Building a workbench is probably the very first project for every workshop. After all, without a workbench, you have no place to work, right? Except on the floor. Anyway, Don went through a lot of woodworking books looking at workbench plans and even saw a few on the Internet. In the end, he decided to use some of the ideas he saw, along with a few of his own, keeping it's construction simple, and made it strong so it will last a long time. He used a solid-core door for the workbench top, since they are designed to be strong and as warp-resistent as possible. 4 x 4 rough-cut cedar fence posts couldn't be much stronger or sturdier for a simple workbench, so he used 'em. Overkill? Well, maybe, but he thinks it's better to error on the side of sturdy and safe than the other way around. Besides, we already had them on-hand, along with the 2 x 4's, which make up the supporting frame. Add a couple of galvanized pipes and metal corner brackets for extra support and the new workbench may weigh a ton, but it sure is solid and will provide many years of excellent service. |
(2-28-00)
'Before' photo. This is the beginning of a new workbench. The top is a solid-core door, the legs will be 4 x 4 rough-cut cedar fence posts and the supporting frame will be plain old 2 x 4's. Wish me luck! |
(3-5-00)
The underside of the workbench top is supported by two galvanized steel pipes, since they are very strong. Each leg is attached via several 'L' brackets, cross 2 x 4's, and a 2 x 4 lower frame. |
(3-5-00)
The finished workbench, with a good, heavy-duty vise firmly attached. Future plans include adding a shelf on the lower leg supports and two drawers. Notice the other tables set up on the left side, and the overhead workbench light. Hey, it's starting to look like a workshop! The door on the right goes into the 2-car part of the garage. |
(3-24-00)
Added a lower shelf to the workbench; a removable rubber worktop area for electrical work; a couple of parts bins for screws, nuts, bolts and washers; some shelves on the left; and a cushioned rubber mat on the floor. |
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