Build A Workbench
In general, a workbench serves as a place to store tools and materials, and to provide the necessary surface to do a wide range of projects. There are many types and styles for workbenches, so you might want to look on several designs before choosing the suitable one. However, you still can customize the most of designs to fit the height and width that you feel comfortable to have. Here are the steps on how to build a workbench.
You will need:
- 14 of 2 by 4 or 4 at 32 inches
- 4 at 24 inches
- 5 at 22 inches
- 2 at 36 inches and 1 of 6 feet
- Bolts with washers and nuts
- Safety glasses
- 2 by 2 inch boards with 64 inches long
- Drill
- Clamps
- Power saw
- 5 of 2 by 6 inch boards
- Nails and 9 of 1 by 6 inch boards with 26 inches long
Steps:
- First, determine the woods that you feel comfortable to work with. Workbenches made from treated wood are the best to be exposed to the elements. Search for boards that are as knot-free as possible if you are using pine wood. Make sure to choose wood that is straight. Gather all your materials and tools before starting the project. Wear your safety glasses and work on an even ground.
- Begin your project with the upside down position. For the frame of your bench, create a rectangle and the sizes vary, depending on how you choose to customize the bench. Secure two of the 2 by 4 inch boards, 60 inches long to 2 by 4s that are 22 inches long. Hold the 32 inch 2 by 4s which are the legs for the workbench with a clamp to the inside of your rectangle frame. Make sure the legs are flushed against the longest frame boards and squared with the shortest. Secure with bolts and washers and nuts.
- Next, turn your workbench over. Take 8 inches measurement up on the legs from the floor. Secure the 2 by 4 pieces to the legs with clamps. These two internal frames will provide the base for a bottom shelf and top workspace. Take a 22-inch long 2 by 4 and cut it into a center support beam, placing it in the center of your top rectangle frame. Cut a back support on a diagonal and use a 6-inch 2 by 4 and attach it with screws. Make side supports by cutting on a diagonal of two 2 by 4 boards about 36 inches long.
- Then, pick five 2 by 6 boards and lay their best sides face down. Build two supports for these boards with a 2 by 2 board that is 64 inches long. Place them about 2 inches in from the edges of the boards on either side, securing with nails for the moment. Flip this right-side up and create countersink holes. Avoid drilling the place where you have nailed. Secure them with bolts.
- To secure, bolt the bench top support pieces to the sides of the workbench. Start constructing the bottom shelf by nailing nine 1×6 pieces 26 inches long side by side to the bottom frame of the workbench.
Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2085688_build-workbench.html
Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenandsarah/159090829/
