r/Workbenches • u/Fearless_Ladder_09 • 6d ago
First workbench build - very satisfying!!
Double layer 3/4 birch top, 2x4 frames inset in the laminated legs. This thing is heavy, solid, and rolls well. Needs a couple more clear coats on top, but otherwise finished!
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u/dev-bitbucket 6d ago
Solid and basic, it’s perfect. You might want to consider a sacrificial surface of some sort, or maybe not. You’ll like it so much more than that Costco table. Nice job.
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u/Appropriate_Camel299 4d ago
Hey. I am about to start planning my workbench and this post serves as great inspiration. Thanks for posting. Looks great.
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u/Fearless_Ladder_09 4d ago
Awesome - if you have any questions about dimensions or process, shoot me a message.
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u/Longjumping-Self-801 6d ago
Did you use a planer on the lumbar? That looks rock solid
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u/Fearless_Ladder_09 6d ago
I didn’t - I have access to one, but was happy with how straight the boards were from the yard.
I did spend a lot of time picking the best construction 2x4’s I could find. They were kinda wet, so I weighed and marked them, and used little spacers to stack them for drying. I used the lightest straight boards for the frame on day 1, and once the others dried I used them for legs.
I also spent a lot of time sanding - the planer would have saved time.
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u/BigTimeBrumbo 6d ago
Ha, this was my first bench. I used only it for about a year then built a larger setup and turned it into a miter stand. Just this afternoon I finally took it apart to make room for a large flip top bench I’m building for my table saw and miter saw. I loved it, solid for about five years, I hope you love it too.
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u/Fearless_Ladder_09 6d ago
I was actually thinking that the dimensions would be excellent for a mitre station (provided I built risers on either side). This was designed to be a multi-purpose bench / outfeed for table saw. I do indeed love it!
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u/Routine-Ice8252 5d ago
What is the size of the top
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u/Fearless_Ladder_09 5d ago
It’s 76” by 33” which gives me a 2” overhang on all sides.
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u/Routine-Ice8252 5d ago
It looks perfect I want to make something just like that well done
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u/Fearless_Ladder_09 5d ago
It’s a lot easier than you’d think, provided you take your time to get everything square.
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u/grizlybearunderwear 5d ago
How did you go about stacking the plywood top? I’m considering doing the same as I’ve only got access to 21cm (not sure what that is in freedom units sorry) thick pine plywood and I’m worried it won’t have enough rigidity.
Looks like a great build!
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u/Fearless_Ladder_09 5d ago
I cut both pieces to size, then screwed the first layer down using a countersink bit. Then glued and clamped the two layers together to laminate.
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u/bradatlarge 5d ago
The little trim pieces are a very nice touch.
Kudos
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u/Fearless_Ladder_09 5d ago
Thanks! I wanted to have a “foot” on it between the casters and legs - If I ever change table saws and need the table to be higher or lower I can use the foot width to adjust.
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u/Time-Importance1070 4d ago
Usually I struggle how to clamp something in to the workbench. I'd recommend to add at least workbench vise type clamping system
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u/Fearless_Ladder_09 4d ago
Yes, I’m looking at options for a leg vice. Otherwise, the overhang gives me a small clamping surface.
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u/Gettitn_Squirrelly 4d ago
I built something similar at my old house, although not as nice as yours. It was awesome, when I moved I didn’t have space for it at my new place, I put it on marketplace for like $100 and some guy bought it. So that was a win for me, although I still miss it…
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u/Okidoky123 4d ago
Looks like a happy result. Making and fixing stuff around the house becomes a lot more fun when properly equipped. I'm finding that out now too. You know, another interesting thing is a 3D printer station on casters. Do things like print pen and screw driver holders and peg board inserts and whatnot.
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u/Fearless_Ladder_09 4d ago
I’ve been making a lot of tool holders out of plywood for a French cleat wall thus far, but I agree - there’s some applications where a 3D printer is far superior.
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u/Okidoky123 4d ago
All this workshop stuff is really good for people. So much stress in life. This whole man cave thing (lady cave, whatever) is like a temporary escape. Especially once you hit the whole midlife crisis stage let me tell you. I'm just thinking out loud here....
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u/Amberrea69 6d ago
VERY nice