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Posted: 2/16/2008 9:23:20 AM EDT
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I'm lookin for some ideas. Need to build me a nice bench for workin on guns but I don't know what I want. I need a stand up bench with a good vise for now since I'm also going to build a desk height reloading bench later. How tall is your bench? How deep is it? Ya like it? Shorter? Taller? Got any pics? |
I'm sure there are as many approaches as there are gun nuts on this site. My two car garage is precisely that, no fat chicks included. So the metal sawhorses here allow me to fold the whole thing up and get it out of the way, but it's plenty sturdy enough for barrel wrenching. Yes, I know I really should sweep up. |
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Well a few thoughts from me. First have a bench at one of two heights. I prefer to stand during most projects so I make sure the bench is high enough to prevent me from leaning over. If you want to sit, again make sure you get proper height. The other pointer which has made a world of difference is buying some soft carpet and putting it on top of the bench. It can cover the whole thing or just a large area to set your parts on (leaving wood area around the vise for easier clean up). The carpet thing will keep you from trying to find other soft surfaces to set parts you don't want to scratch on. If the bench is not something you will be moving around, I highly suggest fastening it to the wall. If you ever need to vise down on something it gets annoying when your bench is rocking. I'll grab some pictures of my benches later. |
| I use an old set of kitchen cabinets/countertop I picked out of a house at a demo sale. Good working height while sitting on a stool, plus storage underneath. Plus some angle brackets at the back under the countertop to secure to the wall, and it is as solid as the floor and wall are. Plus it's white so it's easier to see things on(like small parts and screws that may have rolled away from where you set them down at) |
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I bought a bench at Lowes a few yaers ago that works great for me. I added a 48" shop light and a vise to the right side. It has peg board backing that i great for hanging tools and ect. Work bench E3 |
Make sure you make it bigger than a 1919a4! You never know what's next. I know someone is going to ask - so here is the situation. 80% RSP (receiver) is now 100% Internals are now machined to semi-auto specs KMP semi seer and disconnect trigger installed I still have to hammer about a dozen rivets, parkerise, and then FIRE!! |
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hammerzone.com/archives/workshop/bench/below20.html I built 2 of these -- a larger (taller, so I could stand up, & longer) for a regular workbench, and a shorter (stool-height, and not as long) one for reloading. I put a couple extra braces front-to-back under the tops and they're *very* sturdy. If you want specific dimensions, lemme know & I'll go measure. I nailed (bradded?) a 1/4" thick disposable surface on top of the workbench. Think paneling, but without the grooves. When it gets too bad, I'll rip it off & put on the other half of the 4'x8' sheet. The only thing I might do different is to form a 1" lip on the front edge so it's easier to wipe stuff off the bench and into my hand or a dustpan or something. If you wanted a really, really (I mean really! hem This link will show some articles published in The Family Handyman: www.rd.com/familyhandyman/search/searchByKeyword.do?keywordField=workbench&x=0&y=0 |
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I built this workbench for under $50 using 2x4s and particle board. It is very stable and at 36" the work surface is perfect for me when standing. A good "Rule of Thumb" for deciding on height is to measure from the floor to your belt. http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh159/ditchdr-photos/familypics428.jpg |
I like that... Anyone know of any links online for DIY diagrams for building your own work benches? |
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LOL, I think I know why lowes has plans for a workbench. That's a lot of wood for the top. I bet it is sturdy though. If your Lowes is like mine, even if you use the highest grade wood, you had to have spent a long time trying to find that many straight boards. |
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Here is my attempt at a workbench. I used pressure treated 4x4 posts because they weigh more and I figured it was more solid. I used scrap 2x10 pieces on the sides for support. The top is 3/4" MDF support underneath with some 2x4 lumber. It is 6' wide, 2' deep, and 38.5" tall. The one sheet of MDF was cut in half for the top then cut again for the lower shelf. The left over MDF was used on the back to keep it from racking. I coated the top with polyeurothane. Although, I am now thinking of using shelac since I've already spilled some on it! I may one day add another bench and couple them in an L configuration. I also plan to add a utility sink once I plumb for the basement bathroom. eta: one day I will add a piece to the back for some peg board. and a long power strip.     |
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I got the plans for mine from Lowe's website, but I can't seem to find them on there now. Wombat_SCSO http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=Build/Workbench.html There is the link you were referring to. I am going to be building this one as well. Thanks Wombat_SCSO! |
I've got the same I made my workbench from 2x4's & Simpson Strong-tie hardware. Shelf and top surface is cut from 3/4" ply. Rock solid.. built it about 10 years ago. 
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Mine is 24" 30" would probably work too. I was originally thinking of getting a premade kitchen counter in 5' or 8' to use, but didn't want a backsplash. A kitchen counter is plenty deep, so i figured it was good for a bench. |
| My grandfather a few years ago was lucky enough to know some people who were doing some demo work at an old bowling alley. He was able to get quite a few good size pieces of the alleys. They are ~1"x3" boards all glued together on end, once you put it on a sturdy base it makes a perfect workbench. Plus some of it still has the lacquer type finish which is in pretty good shape. |
+1, Make your bench where your comfortable working at a standing position then just make/buy you a stool high enough for sitting at the same height.I'll also add get yourself one or two of those magnetic parts dish things |
Man you will not dist. that good job.
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If you dont want to build one of wood, this one is nice and sturdy! Work Bench |
I would like to see some more info on this if you have any.... |
I grew up on a farm, and all of our work benches were made out of railroad ties. they are HEAVY, and strong, and you can usually get used ones that are in decent shape from the railroad company for pretty cheap. you could park a car on one of our benches without worrying about weight. |
That is a nice bench. What sort of Kydex work are you doing? |
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