It's about time to build a workbench.

[idnative1948]

To me it depends on if you are going to be doing mostly woodworking, metal/mechanical.... If you are going to be tearing things apart I would leave a dedicated space for a vise no matter what you will be using the bench for. For a multi-purpose bench you can always throw a sheet of metal on top if you are doing heavy stuff.

[idnative1948]

 

Gluing up the top:

 

 

 

I did the top in 3 sections, so I could fit them through the planer before gluing the 3 together.

Please excuse the hillbilly clamps, not everyone can afford Bessey's.

The first slab after running it through the planer:

The final thickness is around 2 5/8". Should be plenty stiff and sturdy, even if it is softwood.

I didn't get any pictures after I got the first slab done, but I should have.

I marked out and drilled dog holes in one of the slabs on the drill press. Much easier than trying to get straight holes after the top is in place.

Once the top was on, I mortised in a pop up planing stop.

And some quick work on the lathe and drillpress, I made myself a round benchdog.

I will have to make a couple more at some point I suspect.

Just have to get some hardwood and a vise screw to make the chop for the leg vise and find a jointer plane to finish smoothing and flattening the top.

 

Don't feel bad about the hill-billy clamps and not Bessey's. I saved my money and went with dust collection in the shop so I don't drag it all in the house. I use the ones made out of pipes. As to your Delta planer, I just this winter changed out the blades I ran for six years. Learned that you have to have the in-feed/out-feed level or will get some *cupping* though.

[Mikeee]

I used a used laminate counter top. Put some 2x4 legs and frame under it, Added a lower shelf. Used some OSB on the ends to stiffen it. Used a 2x4 diagonal across the back. Mounted the 8" vice above the leg. Got my 8" grinder on the left corner. Got a flex desk lamp for extra light. Maybe 10 bucks of wood and screws.

No regrets.

[Spurshot]

Bench vises belong on the corner. The first page from 2012 show a vise mounted in the middle. Not a good idea.

 

 

Not being a master wood craftsman like IDnative and some of the other guys, I went with simple. The structure attaching to my garage wall studs.

 

 

 

3 2x10's wide.

 

It makes for a super solid bench in no time flat. I've built a few of these at friend's garages over the years. Mine is covered in Masonite, but I'm thinking of getting my friend to bend up some stainless.

[CANDenali]

I had to tear mine down to fit my truck in the garage but I've been trying to dream up/plan a fold down bench. Thinking of putting up my peg board again to hang my hand tools then have the bench top fold upwards and latch into place. In my head it doesn't seem to complicated but not sure how feasible it is. Anyways still thinking and need to get a free weekend to get my hands dirty.

Sent from Windows Phone.

[Aaron1085]

Anyone do any of those "all in one" kits? Something you can buy at costco or a major supplier... Work bench, multiple cabinets under and below said bench, etc. they look sharp in picture and run about $1,000 to $2,000