Thread: Built your own workbench?

For the first time in my short life I'm living somewhere that has a garage! I'm like a pig in shit, but I need to build a workbench. Nothing flash, will be using an old counter top for, shock, the top. and 2x4 and 2x2 for the framing. Just wanting ideas for attaching it to the wall, shelving or other deluxe options so if anyone has built their own and wants to inspire me, go right ahead!

I've built several of these, from 2.4m models to 600mm models for individual bench tools.

Rock solid design, dead easy to build.

How To Build A Low-Cost Sturdy Work Bench From 2x4's And OSB

lets see your loading area bench

I just built one.

The best feature I incorporated into it is a cable slot : In the picture below you can see there's a gap between the backboard and the wall .. and all of that cable mess that normally creates mayhem now just hangs neatly behind the bench

I've mounted some MDF Boards in behind the bench and these now have 3 powerbricks permanently mounted to them. 2 are visible in this (blurry, sorry) shot:


The only other piece of advice I can offer, having built workbenches out of both 2x4 (50x100 in new money) and 2x6 (50x150) is go with the bigger more solid timber. ... it gives a more solid work surface.

the bench I built at our old place is made out of 2x4 and its wobbly as by comparison with the new beast

Have a look on trademe as there are bargains to be had. I got my current bench for $1 which was an old solid timber bench inc shelves!

Built mine to a very similar design as the one EBF showed, mine is overengineered however with a 2" solid timber top and nogs every 400mm, probably overkill!

I added a middle shelf.

Still to make some doors o keep the rugrat out of the power tools and then some shelving and a backboard

I just fixed it to the stud in the wall behind it, doesn't move.

Thanks for the pictures guys! Mine will probably end up less impressive but I'm pumped nonetheless

I'm going to lose my shed space in the next year as I've pinched some of my old mans shed space when he moved up north. I don't have a shed at my place (plenty of farm sheds but I can't use them).

I threw this together last year. It's pretty basic but all you need is some coach bolts and 2x4 then you can wing it.



I've added to it with some vices and stuff since, but don't have any newer photos.

I have two benches in the shed but none of them were built be me. One is a ex drafting table whcih I got from my old work some 20 years ago. This is the one I use the most as it has the engineering vice well bolted down on it plus shelves above the bench for essentials.

The second bench is a old counter also obtained from the old work place. Fairly well made and its the one that the metal lathe is bolted to. Shelves underneath for more essentials or crap depending who is looking at it.

Just thinking about it, most of the metal shelving, cabinets etc have been supplied by the old work place, the metal shelves were the only parts that cost anything

big is good, made mine out of 45mm ply i get from work, solid as hell, i could park my hilux on it if i ever needed to fix it (not likely). my loading area is on the cut off part.

Good point on the height!

About 900mm high for your bench height is perfect for standing and working on it. If you want to sit as well just buy a cheap bar stool. Plenty of those on TM.

I have just finished my new one. I will post some pictures of it over the weekend.

Sent from my GT-I8190T using Tapatalk

I work at a bench most of every day. Im 5 foot 10 ish.

1100 high is minimum for working on things at bench hight without back or neck strain.

Obviously if the things your putting on the bench to work on are higher you can subtract that from bench hight.

I would not go under a meter unless your a midget or intend to sit.

Which is about right when you are cleaning your rifle as it sits about 150-200mm above the bench when it sits in a rest. I do tend to sit when I am reloading though so maybe 900mm high for me is the ideal compromise.

Sent from my GT-I8190T using Tapatalk

I had planned on doing it a little higher than a standard kitchen bench but might go a bit higher based on that.