Here's a cheap homemade workbench I built . Advice? :) (pix) (moved to BiY)

FWRA · February 10, 2002, 19:40

Added 2-11-02--- ADVICE NEEDED:
Best placement of tools shown? Casey bbl vise, grinder, drill press. (I'm left handed

)

I found simple instructions on the internet for building a 5' workbench. The instructions looked simple and I thought I'd give it a go.

I bought the wood at Home Depot and the total bill for this bench including a box of 16penny nails (and a neat carpenters square for $7)was under $40. Only took me about 2 hours too and this bench is rock solid.

Found it here: http://www.handymanusa.com/articles/workbench.html

Heck, if I can do it anyone can!

Here's a few pictures with my new tools:
(The drill press and grinder I picked up from a dealer at a gunshow. Brand new and only $70 for both. Casey's Barrel Vise?...well, priceless!)

Thanks for looking! I can't believe that "Mr. Unhandy" here, actually built something that worked!

Mark Powell

[ February 10, 2002: Message edited by: FWRA ]

[ February 10, 2002: Message edited by: FWRA ]

[ February 11, 2002: Message edited by: EMDII ]

[ February 11, 2002: Message edited by: FWRA ]

[ February 11, 2002: Message edited by: FWRA ]

Mr pogo · February 10, 2002, 20:02

Not bad for a beginner Mark

Couple of suggestions tho.
Move the grinder to the forward edge of the table, not off of the side. That wire brush wheel is worthless next to the wall.
Move Caseys vise closer to the table edge, you dont want to throw your back out and you need clearance for the receiver and wrench.
I would put the barrel vise, drill press then grinder from left to right on the table.

Corrected cause you aint gotta enuf weight on that table

[ February 10, 2002: Message edited by: Mr pogo ]

FWRA · February 10, 2002, 20:10

Quote:

Originally posted by Mr pogo:
Not bad for a beginner Mark
Couple of suggestions tho.
Move the grinder to the forward edge of the table, not off of the side. That wire brush wheel is worthless next to the wall.
Move Caseys barrel vise 90' and closer to the table edge, you dont want to throw your back out and you need clearance for the receiver and wrench.
I would put the barrel vise, drill press then grinder from left to right on the table. Make sure theres barrel clearance to the drill press.

Thanks Mr. Pogo! I was wondering about that.
I'll take your advice and reposition everything tomorrow night.

I may get a piece of 3/4" plywood and install over the 2X6 top. I already lost a small pin in the cracks.

Might even do a laminate countertop thingie in white to make the parts stand out.

When I get this done my under $40 bench will end up costing me a couple hundred. Still, beats the cheapie I almost bought on sale at Sears today for $59. I thought..."Maybe I better buy one because I probably couldn't build one anyway."

When I saw the Sears "ultra light" bench for $59, I thought what the heck. Go for it!

I'm thrilled with the results.

Mark

[ February 10, 2002: Message edited by: FWRA ]

law4fun · February 10, 2002, 20:23

Hey Mark (or should I call you Mr. Tool Time?

)
You give hope to the rest of us poor slobs who couldn't build something if our lives depended on it....
Good looking and more importantly, an inexpensive bench that fits the bill!!!

Jim

FWRA · February 10, 2002, 20:45

Quote:

Originally posted by law4fun:
Hey Mark (or should I call you Mr. Tool Time? )
You give hope to the rest of us poor slobs who couldn't build something if our lives depended on it....
Good looking and more importantly, an inexpensive bench that fits the bill!!!

Jim

Thanks Jim!

No Mr Tooltime for sure. I am known by my friends as Mr. All Thumbs but this one was so simple even I didn't screw it up.

It took me 2 hours but would take a REAL handyman about 15 minutes. Still, the satisfaction of actually finishing it was a rush.

Trust me gang! If ol' Mr. All Thumbs can do it, your 10 yr old can build one for you while you spend the day at the range!

(Just make sure you have someone there to watch over them so they don't get hurt)

FWRA

[ February 10, 2002: Message edited by: FWRA ]

FWRA · February 11, 2002, 11:35

Anyother ideas for tool mounting before I drill a bunch more holes? Also take into account I'm left handed.

FWRA

L1A1 shooter 1 · February 11, 2002, 11:56

just a though,,put some cardboard over the plywood,,when it get dirty u can just put new cardboard down,when i work on my car stuff or gun stuff i do this,,keeps the wood from get full of grease ,plus if u drop something u can find it,,get u a magnet too,holds your small metal parts without them getting away

jim izzy · February 11, 2002, 12:05

First, yeah, it's crude, but looks solid. I congratulate you on tackling it yourself. Now, don't stop there. Keep attempting larger projects. Eventually, you'll be a 'real' handyman (I'd say you're already halfway there

)

Second, my Grandpa always used Masonite for a bench top. Swore by the stuff - used it for everything. Get the stuff that's 1/4" thick, put the tempered side up. It lasts amazingly long (I have some on a bench for at least 30 years), and it's cheap enough that you just replace it when it is worn out. Plus, it WILL dent and give if you drop something expensive and blued on it.

Just my $.02, YMMV.

Happy WECSOGing!

(PS - you forgot the Dremel holder...)

FWRA · February 11, 2002, 12:28

Quote:

Originally posted by jim izzy:
First, yeah, it's crude, but looks solid. I congratulate you on tackling it yourself. Now, don't stop there. Keep attempting larger projects. Eventually, you'll be a 'real' handyman (I'd say you're already halfway there )

Second, my Grandpa always used Masonite for a bench top. Swore by the stuff - used it for everything. Get the stuff that's 1/4" thick, put the tempered side up. It lasts amazingly long (I have some on a bench for at least 30 years), and it's cheap enough that you just replace it when it is worn out. Plus, it WILL dent and give if you drop something expensive and blued on it.

Just my $.02, YMMV.

Happy WECSOGing!

(PS - you forgot the Dremel holder...)

Great idea Jim and a heck of a lot cheaper than formica!

The Dremel just hasn't been placed on the bench yet. Still trying to figure out the best placement for the drill press and grinder.

I've got more holes drilled in it so far than a slice of Swiss cheese!

DIOMEDES · February 11, 2002, 22:15

The best way, I've found, is to laminate two sheets of plywood (or one sheet split in half) together. I always coat one side liberally with wood glue, then put the other sheet on, and secure it down with clamps and wood screws. Then I make a frame, using 4x4 legs, with a 2x4 frame around it, and then I fasten it to the wall with screws. This makes a rock solid bench. My loading bench is set up this way, and so is the bench I have my Wilton vise and plate shearer on.
You can make a good grinder stand with an old tire rim filled with concrete, and a piece of pipe with a plate welded to the top of it. IMHO a 2x4 top isn't strong enough for daily use if you use any kind of torque on it for long.

FWRA · February 11, 2002, 22:29

Diomedes,
The top is 2x6's and is pretty solid as is.
I could put a 3/4" plywood top on if I find it gives any. I did put all my weight (I wont say how much that is but considerable!) on it while taking off a receiver with Casey's barrel vise and it didn't budge a bit.

Your idea of fastening to the wall is a good one and I may try that too.

How about ideas for placement of the drill press, grinder and barrel vise on the bench for best usage of space? Left to right for instance.

Mark

[ February 11, 2002: Message edited by: FWRA ]

Casey · February 11, 2002, 22:37

Hey Mark It looks pretty good. A few suggestions:
1)As Mr Pogo suggested, need to move the bbl vise right to the edge.
2) As for a top. See if you can find a commercial remodel going on, if they have any solid core doors they are getting rid of, this makes for a rock steady surface. Of coarse your back may not like it.

Or use 3/4" plywood. You could even double it up. Glue the two pieces then screw them.
3) If you find while bbling the table lifting up you will need to secure the legs down. You could screw that back brace on the bench to the studs in the wall. For the hardcore handymen you could also do this by going to home depot and buying a tapcon kit. This contains both the screws and drill bit needed to drill concrete and install brackett to secure the table down, they dont need to be the long screws, 1 1/2" will do. Not a big deal at all.
You may only need to use it on 2 legs opposite of each other.

FWRA · February 11, 2002, 23:23

Thanks Casey! I do have an old solid core door about 50 years old i could put to that use! The anchoring of the legs to the floor is another good one.

I guess I'll have to drill another set of holes again and move the vise to the edge.

I should have known better. (no biggie)

Now I'm ready to give GG and GP a run for their money!

I'll even start hanging receiver stubs on the wall! YEEHAH!

Thanks all!

FWRA

[ February 12, 2002: Message edited by: FWRA ]

Mr pogo · February 12, 2002, 02:46

Another cheap way is like what I did when I needed more bench room in the gaage. I had a steel framed shelf kit from Home Depot that comes in two stackable assemblies and made the half with no middle shelf into a workbench. Bolted the top particle board shelf to the frame and then bolted the formica counter top to the shelf from below. Then a roll of alum wire and turnbuckles from HD to brace the legs, its very steady now.
Used the other shelf half for a toolbox and other tools, total for everything was around $70-80 IIRC.

Forgot to add, I had an old gooseneck desk light that the clamp was broken so bolted a couple of wood blocks along the backside of the counter. Each block has a hole that the light mounts into so I can put the light right over each machine when needed.

[ February 12, 2002: Message edited by: Mr pogo ]

FWRA · February 12, 2002, 06:37

Mr. Pogo,
Pretty cool workbench and much prettier than mine. (although twice as much. Factor in my re-build plans to improve top and legs? Well, OK, you win!

)

Nice drill press!

Has the Delta worked well for you? I figured at $50 brand new I couldn't go wrong. Perfect for opening gas ports? I hope so.

Mark

Stranger · February 12, 2002, 10:01

I couldn't tell from your picture, but with the height of the table and the "heavy" equipment you have sitting on it, did you think to anchor the table to the wall? If you are going to mount anything forward I would suggest you do this first. It just looks like you have kind of a narrow footing for the size of table (maybe it is just the pic?). Just a thought.

Rule .308 · February 12, 2002, 10:06

You might also want to consider nailing some 2x4 cleats on the legs underneath so you can slide in a piece of plywood and make a shelf underneath the bench to store stuff. That way if you are storing boxes or smaller stuff you can get twice as much stuff underneath it. My bench at home is bigger than that one but very similar in design. It works well and is very solid indeed.

Scott S · February 12, 2002, 10:48

Here are a few of things I did when I built my garage workbench. Might give you an idea or two.

1. As others have suggested, I anchored the bench to the wall and the concrete floor. I can tug on the vise all I want and she don't move.

2. I built a dimensional lumber frame and for the top used three 2.5'x4'x3/4" plywood sections with supports underneath. When a section gets beat to hell, I cut off a new section from a sheet of plywood and screw into place. Chose the 4' width so I'd have to make only one cut.

3. I used those black, drywall-type screws to hold everything together--they're from the same manufacturer that makes the box of nails on the bench in the picture. For the frame I used 3" number 8s. For attaching the top I used 1.5" and 2" number 6s (what I had on hand).

4. My bench is a tad over 12' long, so I added a drawer (and bought hardware for 2 more). Good for keeping dust off tools and such.

5. Ran wire for a couple extra outlets on the wall behind the bench for a total of three. I have one outlet dedicated for the drill press and grinder and two other outlets for battery charger, tumbler, etc.

6. Added an extra fluorescent light above the bench.

Muggzy · February 12, 2002, 11:26

A whole bunch of excellent suggestions. I'll just add one: First Aid Kit on the wall

Scott S · February 12, 2002, 11:29

Best suggestion, yet, Muggzy! To that I'll add fire extinguisher. I have a big'un sitting on my bench.

Muggzy · February 12, 2002, 11:49

Quote:

Originally posted by Scott S:
Best suggestion, yet, Muggzy! To that I'll add fire extinguisher. I have a big'un sitting on my bench.

Scott S,
Know what ya mean. How could I forget that.
once it happens you go buy a few of those things. Now I have them all over the house, garage,cars

Mr pogo · February 12, 2002, 14:06

Stranger, I think the lens and angle shows it narrower than it actually is, you would have to lift one side several inches off the floor before it would tip over, no vise so not going to happen. Also the truck jackstands, section of square steel stock and tire hammer on bottom shelf arent light

Well Mark, twice the price but dont forget you get two shelf sections

My other shelf section (partial view right side in pic) has 2 tool boxes on top and all my small hand tool boxes and tool kits on bottom shelves.
The middle bench the vise is on I built about 12 yrs ago. About 3 layers of plywood on top covered by alum sheeting. Bottom shelf and bracing on 3 sides, the thing is so heavy Ive never moved it while wrenching on something in the vise.

PS, secure your drill chuck key to a shoelace or similar and tie the other end to the drill press motor bracket, easy to misplace the key.

FWRA · February 12, 2002, 16:57

Thanks for all the great ideas. I'll start the "upgrade" tonight!

FWRA

Deltaten · February 12, 2002, 17:12

Hey Mark!
Best advice I could give.....
Build TWO more! Ya never have enough room.

Regards,
Paul

cookiemonster · February 12, 2002, 18:34

JEEZ...and my friends compare ME to Tim Allen?

Nice shops all of you. I guess I am a little behind on THAT aspect of weapons collecting.

lol

BMB · February 12, 2002, 19:20

Here's a Dremel idea. When I made my new bench I didn't want the Dremel laying on top or have to get it out and put up every time I needed it, so I got some para cord and a screw eye and hung it from the ceiling above the bench. I made the cord long enough so that I can raise and lower it and I have a tie off point that holds it up and out of the way. I have a plug-in in the ceiling so that helps.
By the way, does everyone here have one of the Delta 8" drillpresses. I know I do.

BMB

cookiemonster · February 12, 2002, 21:01

you could probably beef it up, but why not use a IV bottle rack for the dremel? I have one with the extension snake on it and I found one in a dumpster. I have no shame for decent lookin' stuff like this, so I grabbed it and put it to use.

Took the wheels off, and mig'd a few chunks of iron to the legs to make it steady. Works bueno.

cookiemonster · February 12, 2002, 21:07

also, it might make the project a little more expensive, but I have seen the "cutting board" tops big enough to do that with. I know on the Snap-On toolboxes they look sweet. I figure that it would be more for to impress than for function.

February 10, 2002, 19:40	#1
FWRA Registered FALaholic #: 24 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Posts: 4,527	Here's a cheap homemade workbench I built . Advice? :) (pix) (moved to BiY) Added 2-11-02--- ADVICE NEEDED: Best placement of tools shown? Casey bbl vise, grinder, drill press. (I'm left handed ) I found simple instructions on the internet for building a 5' workbench. The instructions looked simple and I thought I'd give it a go. I bought the wood at Home Depot and the total bill for this bench including a box of 16penny nails (and a neat carpenters square for $7)was under $40. Only took me about 2 hours too and this bench is rock solid. Found it here: http://www.handymanusa.com/articles/workbench.html Heck, if I can do it anyone can! Here's a few pictures with my new tools: (The drill press and grinder I picked up from a dealer at a gunshow. Brand new and only $70 for both. Casey's Barrel Vise?...well, priceless!) Thanks for looking! I can't believe that "Mr. Unhandy" here, actually built something that worked! Mark Powell [ February 10, 2002: Message edited by: FWRA ] [ February 10, 2002: Message edited by: FWRA ] [ February 11, 2002: Message edited by: EMDII ] [ February 11, 2002: Message edited by: FWRA ] [ February 11, 2002: Message edited by: FWRA ] __________________ FWRA I'm very pleased with each advancing year. It stems back to when I was forty. I was a bit upset about reaching that milestone, but an older friend consoled me. 'Don't complain about growing old - many, many people do not have that privilege.' Earl Warren (1891 - 1974), Chief Justice

February 10, 2002, 20:02	#2
Mr pogo Registered FALaholic #: 5 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: In a van down by the river Posts: 2,216	Not bad for a beginner Mark Couple of suggestions tho. Move the grinder to the forward edge of the table, not off of the side. That wire brush wheel is worthless next to the wall. Move Caseys vise closer to the table edge, you dont want to throw your back out and you need clearance for the receiver and wrench. I would put the barrel vise, drill press then grinder from left to right on the table. Corrected cause you aint gotta enuf weight on that table [ February 10, 2002: Message edited by: Mr pogo ] __________________ Mr pogo has left the building....

February 10, 2002, 20:23	#4
law4fun Rest in Peace 03/03/1958 - 01/08/2008 FALaholic #: 1544 Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Pryor, OK, USA Posts: 994	Hey Mark (or should I call you Mr. Tool Time? ) You give hope to the rest of us poor slobs who couldn't build something if our lives depended on it.... Good looking and more importantly, an inexpensive bench that fits the bill!!! Jim __________________ GOD BLESS AMERICA !!! TX-FNFAL - A Brigade of One

February 11, 2002, 11:35	#6
FWRA Registered FALaholic #: 24 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Posts: 4,527	Anyother ideas for tool mounting before I drill a bunch more holes? Also take into account I'm left handed. FWRA __________________ FWRA I'm very pleased with each advancing year. It stems back to when I was forty. I was a bit upset about reaching that milestone, but an older friend consoled me. 'Don't complain about growing old - many, many people do not have that privilege.' Earl Warren (1891 - 1974), Chief Justice

February 11, 2002, 22:29	#11
FWRA Registered FALaholic #: 24 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Posts: 4,527	Diomedes, The top is 2x6's and is pretty solid as is. I could put a 3/4" plywood top on if I find it gives any. I did put all my weight (I wont say how much that is but considerable!) on it while taking off a receiver with Casey's barrel vise and it didn't budge a bit. Your idea of fastening to the wall is a good one and I may try that too. How about ideas for placement of the drill press, grinder and barrel vise on the bench for best usage of space? Left to right for instance. Mark [ February 11, 2002: Message edited by: FWRA ] __________________ FWRA I'm very pleased with each advancing year. It stems back to when I was forty. I was a bit upset about reaching that milestone, but an older friend consoled me. 'Don't complain about growing old - many, many people do not have that privilege.' Earl Warren (1891 - 1974), Chief Justice

February 11, 2002, 11:56	#7
L1A1 shooter 1 Registered User FALaholic #: 2914 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: In USA Posts: 629	just a though,,put some cardboard over the plywood,,when it get dirty u can just put new cardboard down,when i work on my car stuff or gun stuff i do this,,keeps the wood from get full of grease ,plus if u drop something u can find it,,get u a magnet too,holds your small metal parts without them getting away

February 11, 2002, 12:05	#8
jim izzy Registered FALaholic #: 4930 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 22	First, yeah, it's crude, but looks solid. I congratulate you on tackling it yourself. Now, don't stop there. Keep attempting larger projects. Eventually, you'll be a 'real' handyman (I'd say you're already halfway there ) Second, my Grandpa always used Masonite for a bench top. Swore by the stuff - used it for everything. Get the stuff that's 1/4" thick, put the tempered side up. It lasts amazingly long (I have some on a bench for at least 30 years), and it's cheap enough that you just replace it when it is worn out. Plus, it WILL dent and give if you drop something expensive and blued on it. Just my $.02, YMMV. Happy WECSOGing! (PS - you forgot the Dremel holder...)

February 11, 2002, 22:15	#10
DIOMEDES Registered FALaholic #: 4013 Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: MS Posts: 22	The best way, I've found, is to laminate two sheets of plywood (or one sheet split in half) together. I always coat one side liberally with wood glue, then put the other sheet on, and secure it down with clamps and wood screws. Then I make a frame, using 4x4 legs, with a 2x4 frame around it, and then I fasten it to the wall with screws. This makes a rock solid bench. My loading bench is set up this way, and so is the bench I have my Wilton vise and plate shearer on. You can make a good grinder stand with an old tire rim filled with concrete, and a piece of pipe with a plate welded to the top of it. IMHO a 2x4 top isn't strong enough for daily use if you use any kind of torque on it for long.

February 11, 2002, 22:37	#12
Casey Registered FALaholic #: 418 Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 63	Hey Mark It looks pretty good. A few suggestions: 1)As Mr Pogo suggested, need to move the bbl vise right to the edge. 2) As for a top. See if you can find a commercial remodel going on, if they have any solid core doors they are getting rid of, this makes for a rock steady surface. Of coarse your back may not like it. Or use 3/4" plywood. You could even double it up. Glue the two pieces then screw them. 3) If you find while bbling the table lifting up you will need to secure the legs down. You could screw that back brace on the bench to the studs in the wall. For the hardcore handymen you could also do this by going to home depot and buying a tapcon kit. This contains both the screws and drill bit needed to drill concrete and install brackett to secure the table down, they dont need to be the long screws, 1 1/2" will do. Not a big deal at all. You may only need to use it on 2 legs opposite of each other. __________________ My goal is to help as many people as possible build a quality fal.

February 11, 2002, 23:23	#13
FWRA Registered FALaholic #: 24 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Posts: 4,527	Thanks Casey! I do have an old solid core door about 50 years old i could put to that use! The anchoring of the legs to the floor is another good one. I guess I'll have to drill another set of holes again and move the vise to the edge. I should have known better. (no biggie) Now I'm ready to give GG and GP a run for their money! I'll even start hanging receiver stubs on the wall! YEEHAH! Thanks all! FWRA [ February 12, 2002: Message edited by: FWRA ] __________________ FWRA I'm very pleased with each advancing year. It stems back to when I was forty. I was a bit upset about reaching that milestone, but an older friend consoled me. 'Don't complain about growing old - many, many people do not have that privilege.' Earl Warren (1891 - 1974), Chief Justice

February 12, 2002, 02:46	#14
Mr pogo Registered FALaholic #: 5 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: In a van down by the river Posts: 2,216	Another cheap way is like what I did when I needed more bench room in the gaage. I had a steel framed shelf kit from Home Depot that comes in two stackable assemblies and made the half with no middle shelf into a workbench. Bolted the top particle board shelf to the frame and then bolted the formica counter top to the shelf from below. Then a roll of alum wire and turnbuckles from HD to brace the legs, its very steady now. Used the other shelf half for a toolbox and other tools, total for everything was around $70-80 IIRC. Forgot to add, I had an old gooseneck desk light that the clamp was broken so bolted a couple of wood blocks along the backside of the counter. Each block has a hole that the light mounts into so I can put the light right over each machine when needed. [ February 12, 2002: Message edited by: Mr pogo ] __________________ Mr pogo has left the building....

February 12, 2002, 06:37	#15
FWRA Registered FALaholic #: 24 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Posts: 4,527	Mr. Pogo, Pretty cool workbench and much prettier than mine. (although twice as much. Factor in my re-build plans to improve top and legs? Well, OK, you win! ) Nice drill press! Has the Delta worked well for you? I figured at $50 brand new I couldn't go wrong. Perfect for opening gas ports? I hope so. Mark __________________ FWRA I'm very pleased with each advancing year. It stems back to when I was forty. I was a bit upset about reaching that milestone, but an older friend consoled me. 'Don't complain about growing old - many, many people do not have that privilege.' Earl Warren (1891 - 1974), Chief Justice

February 12, 2002, 10:01	#16
Stranger Registered FALaholic #: 3555 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 9,498	I couldn't tell from your picture, but with the height of the table and the "heavy" equipment you have sitting on it, did you think to anchor the table to the wall? If you are going to mount anything forward I would suggest you do this first. It just looks like you have kind of a narrow footing for the size of table (maybe it is just the pic?). Just a thought. __________________ If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the precipitate.

February 12, 2002, 10:06	#17
Rule .308 Registered FALaholic #: 51 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: fountain valley, ca Posts: 450	You might also want to consider nailing some 2x4 cleats on the legs underneath so you can slide in a piece of plywood and make a shelf underneath the bench to store stuff. That way if you are storing boxes or smaller stuff you can get twice as much stuff underneath it. My bench at home is bigger than that one but very similar in design. It works well and is very solid indeed. __________________ Rule .308

February 12, 2002, 10:48	#18
Scott S Registered FALaholic #: 355 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 3,416	Here are a few of things I did when I built my garage workbench. Might give you an idea or two. 1. As others have suggested, I anchored the bench to the wall and the concrete floor. I can tug on the vise all I want and she don't move. 2. I built a dimensional lumber frame and for the top used three 2.5'x4'x3/4" plywood sections with supports underneath. When a section gets beat to hell, I cut off a new section from a sheet of plywood and screw into place. Chose the 4' width so I'd have to make only one cut. 3. I used those black, drywall-type screws to hold everything together--they're from the same manufacturer that makes the box of nails on the bench in the picture. For the frame I used 3" number 8s. For attaching the top I used 1.5" and 2" number 6s (what I had on hand). 4. My bench is a tad over 12' long, so I added a drawer (and bought hardware for 2 more). Good for keeping dust off tools and such. 5. Ran wire for a couple extra outlets on the wall behind the bench for a total of three. I have one outlet dedicated for the drill press and grinder and two other outlets for battery charger, tumbler, etc. 6. Added an extra fluorescent light above the bench.

February 12, 2002, 11:26	#19
Muggzy Registered FALaholic #: 4396 Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,723	A whole bunch of excellent suggestions. I'll just add one: First Aid Kit on the wall __________________ Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ablility to learn from the experience of other, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. Douglas Graham Life is drawing without an eraser Judge me all you want, just keep the verdict to yourself a positve attitude may not solve all your problems, but will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort ~ Herm

February 12, 2002, 11:29	#20
Scott S Registered FALaholic #: 355 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 3,416	Best suggestion, yet, Muggzy! To that I'll add fire extinguisher. I have a big'un sitting on my bench.

February 12, 2002, 14:06	#22
Mr pogo Registered FALaholic #: 5 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: In a van down by the river Posts: 2,216	Stranger, I think the lens and angle shows it narrower than it actually is, you would have to lift one side several inches off the floor before it would tip over, no vise so not going to happen. Also the truck jackstands, section of square steel stock and tire hammer on bottom shelf arent light Well Mark, twice the price but dont forget you get two shelf sections My other shelf section (partial view right side in pic) has 2 tool boxes on top and all my small hand tool boxes and tool kits on bottom shelves. The middle bench the vise is on I built about 12 yrs ago. About 3 layers of plywood on top covered by alum sheeting. Bottom shelf and bracing on 3 sides, the thing is so heavy Ive never moved it while wrenching on something in the vise. PS, secure your drill chuck key to a shoelace or similar and tie the other end to the drill press motor bracket, easy to misplace the key. __________________ Mr pogo has left the building....

February 12, 2002, 16:57	#23
FWRA Registered FALaholic #: 24 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Posts: 4,527	Thanks for all the great ideas. I'll start the "upgrade" tonight! FWRA __________________ FWRA I'm very pleased with each advancing year. It stems back to when I was forty. I was a bit upset about reaching that milestone, but an older friend consoled me. 'Don't complain about growing old - many, many people do not have that privilege.' Earl Warren (1891 - 1974), Chief Justice

February 12, 2002, 17:12	#24
Deltaten Registered FALaholic #: 124 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Lancaster, PA USA Posts: 8,500	Hey Mark! Best advice I could give..... Build TWO more! Ya never have enough room. Regards, Paul __________________ All or Nothing! Senator McCarthy was right! and as always......FYB!

February 12, 2002, 18:34	#25
cookiemonster Registered FALaholic #: 3459 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Willis Posts: 56	JEEZ...and my friends compare ME to Tim Allen? Nice shops all of you. I guess I am a little behind on THAT aspect of weapons collecting. lol __________________ Darrell "With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth...asking His blessing and His help but knowing that here on Earth, God's work must surely be our own." John F. Kennedy Vitesse Et Puissance NRA TSRA

February 12, 2002, 19:20	#26
BMB Registered FALaholic #: 327 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Georgia USA Posts: 82	Here's a Dremel idea. When I made my new bench I didn't want the Dremel laying on top or have to get it out and put up every time I needed it, so I got some para cord and a screw eye and hung it from the ceiling above the bench. I made the cord long enough so that I can raise and lower it and I have a tie off point that holds it up and out of the way. I have a plug-in in the ceiling so that helps. By the way, does everyone here have one of the Delta 8" drillpresses. I know I do. BMB

February 12, 2002, 21:01	#27
cookiemonster Registered FALaholic #: 3459 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Willis Posts: 56	you could probably beef it up, but why not use a IV bottle rack for the dremel? I have one with the extension snake on it and I found one in a dumpster. I have no shame for decent lookin' stuff like this, so I grabbed it and put it to use. Took the wheels off, and mig'd a few chunks of iron to the legs to make it steady. Works bueno. __________________ Darrell "With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth...asking His blessing and His help but knowing that here on Earth, God's work must surely be our own." John F. Kennedy Vitesse Et Puissance NRA TSRA

February 12, 2002, 21:07	#28
cookiemonster Registered FALaholic #: 3459 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Willis Posts: 56	also, it might make the project a little more expensive, but I have seen the "cutting board" tops big enough to do that with. I know on the Snap-On toolboxes they look sweet. I figure that it would be more for to impress than for function. __________________ Darrell "With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth...asking His blessing and His help but knowing that here on Earth, God's work must surely be our own." John F. Kennedy Vitesse Et Puissance NRA TSRA

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