building a workbench. Need your input

[DrewCfromSC]

Morning all,

im getting ideas info photos togather to build my bench work area. The electrician is coming by tomorrow for an estimate to install lights, outlets, air conditioner, compressor etc. After looking for a desk for 2 months ive decided to build. My work area is 10 feet wide and varies from 8 feet to 10 feet in height. Its sort of like 1/2 of a house or modular add on thing. What would be a good style, size to build. Oh their is room to build a L shape if needed. Any place online to find some plans to print off. Thanks in advance for your input!

Drew C. from S.C.

Edited August 22, 2010 by zwitterman

[DRG]

If you look under the workbench section and go to page three you will find workbench Saturday nights.

Lots of pictures.

[AzTom]

I built mine using two tool box base cabinets without the wheels and a 10ft kitchen counter top. It's set up for two work stations, one for the grandson. I also added a 4in deep shelf along the top of the back splash.

I have tools, sand paper and supplies in one cabinet, paints, air brush stuff along with parts and peices in the other cabinet.

AzTom

[DrewCfromSC]

I built mine using two tool box base cabinets without the wheels and a 10ft kitchen counter top. It's set up for two work stations, one for the grandson. I also added a 4in deep shelf along the top of the back splash.

I have tools, sand paper and supplies in one cabinet, paints, air brush stuff along with parts and peices in the other cabinet.

AzTom

Now thats a clean set up! Is that pegboard metal? Looks like polished truck toolbox material? Thanks for sharing this!

Drew

Edited August 22, 2010 by zwitterman

[crazyjim]

I use a desk from when I was a kid. I might be fortunate in that I have a 20' x 40' steel building on our property. I took a 10' x 20' area for a hobby area that has been finished with insulation, drywall, heat, AC, and water. I also do stained glass so I need space. I have a 3'x 8' workbench, 2' x 8' cutting/grinding table, 1' x 6' glass storage area. I use the desk for assembly and the worktables for laying out parts.

[AzTom]

Now thats a clean set up! Is that pegboard metal? Looks like polished truck toolbox material? Thanks for sharing this!

Drew

Thanks, It works great for me, and you never have too much storage space.

The peg board is regular fiber type board with a silver finish. I got it at Lowes about four years ago and was only a dollar or so more than the white.

AzTom

[Pete J.]

Three very important rules about building a work bench:

Rule #1 : Make sure it is level so stuff doesn't roll off.

Rule #2 : Make sure it is level so stuff doesn't roll off, like xacto knifes.

Rule #3 : Make sure it is level so stuff doesn't roll off, like your models.

Other that that you are pretty much on you own.

[Mike Kucaba]

I need to do the same thing. My plan is to get 2 sheets of 3/4 plywood or MDF.I need to build two benches 70" long. Lowes will cut the 4x8 to a 30" width and 70" length.The remaining ends will be the legs.I have a room with a 140" wall and I think that will be a good start. I'll possibly build a riser at he back with whatever material is leftover.

[Nick Notarangelo]

I use a roll top desk and what I would suggest is a powerbox on top so you can easily plug stuff in,Also lighting the better quality bulb the better.

AC is good you need ventilation but a small plug in desk fan I use also to keep the air fresh towards my face when I paint or sand.

and dont be cheap on the chair.

[Pete J.]

I need to do the same thing. My plan is to get 2 sheets of 3/4 plywood or MDF.I need to build two benches 70" long. Lowes will cut the 4x8 to a 30" width and 70" length.The remaining ends will be the legs.I have a room with a 140" wall and I think that will be a good start. I'll possibly build a riser at he back with whatever material is leftover.

Actually one of each is a great idea. The plywood on the bottom to give it strength and the MDF on top to give you as smooth, stable working surface. After you have it in place a good soaking with Minwax spar varnish with give is a durable surface that stuff won't soak into. I would edge the MDF with a chamfer bit to get a sharp edge, about 1/4" deep. You need to be able to use the edge but want it to be shallow as well.

[Dave Ambrose]

My favorite bench was tongue and groove subfloor with a masonite top. It's smooth, cleans up decently, and is very durable.

Our next hobby-only table will be a glass topped table from IKEA. The glass should have a lot of advantages for painting, and I'm not anticipating doing any pounding there.

Good light is absolutely essential. I have two 48" fluorescent fixtures above my current bench, along with an illuminated magnifier.

I also have a hobby tool box that looks a bit like a machinists tool box. It's been very handy, but blades and the like to slip out the back of the drawers. A bit of glue fixed that well.

I still haven't found any good commercial solution for storing paint bottles, so I'll probably have to make one myself.

[pharr7226]

This might give you some ideas.

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=24630&hl=workbench%20&st=0

[Marc @ MPC Motorsports]

My bench is similar to AZ Tom's except I used pre-made kitchen cabinets as my base. This top is a six footer. I've had this setup for almost 10 years and it has served me well.

The next pic is the same bench with upgrated lighting.

Later on, I purchased an eight footer for the other side of the room with two more cabinet bases. This bench holds my Pace Peacekeeper Deluxe paint booth, food dehydrator and paint supplies. I also strip paint on this bench.

I bought the 8' top and cabinets cheap as the top had two chipped corners and the bases were floor samples that were clearanced at the store. I have a rollaway storage cabinet underneath that holds my rattle can paints and Black Gold/HOK bottled paints.

[DRG]

Can't be much help on the bench but to store those bottles of paint try a spice rack.

[DrewCfromSC]

Cool stuff everyone! The electrician left a while ago. It is within my budget so were getting started this weekend. I will have light, 120/240 power and air in my hobby shop soon. Now to get packing for the work. Thanks again for all the input!

Drew C. from S.C.

[ratnasty]

I built mine using 4 4x4's as uprights and used 4 2x4 for the stringers and bought a door with out the hole in it at Home Depot . The door is 80 inches long and 2 feet wide and I think it was about 20.00 for the door . Here is a pic