How to build a DIY workbench?
If you are one of those people who like to get things done quickly and efficiently around the house, then you surely have a workbench. Whenever something needs to be repaired or a DIY project comes to mind, it is easy to put things in practice. If you don’t own one, it’s time to build it.
Having a workbench in your garage or workshop is extremely useful. Not just because you have a sturdy surface to work on, but also because you can store your hardware and power tools.
There are plenty of ways to build a DIY workbench. The advantage of being able to do it yourself is that you can save money and you can build it using a plan of your own choosing. You get to choose its size, its materials and what accessories to attach to it.
In order to build a durable DIY workbench, you have to follow some steps. In this article, you will see how easy it is to build a modular workbench that will be suitable for all kinds of tasks.
Tools and materials you will need for this project
Although this is a simple and inexpensive project that you can complete over the weekend, you will still need a variety of tools and accessories, such as:
• Circular saw
• Miter saw
• Hammer
• Level tool
• Tape measure
• Chalk line
• Some bar clamps (F-clamps)
• Frame square
• Triangle square
• Socket set
• Hardwood (or other types of wood)
• Plywood
Except for these tools, you will need to buy lag screws, butt hinges, strap hinges, a gate latch, 12 fixed wheels and 2 swivel wheels. Also, at least 4 feet are required when building the workbench.
How will the workbench look like?
This workbench’s plan is designed to fit in small spaces. It includes plenty of modules that will help you save space and store your tools in a smart way. Depending on your budget and available space, you can build it on one or more walls.
One important thing you need to do when taking the measurements is to make sure that your car will still fit inside the garage if that is where you are planning to put it. Although you might have enough space on the driveway, you never know when you need to get it in.
The workbench will have drawers and sliders, as well as a special setting for a miter saw table.
Step-by-step process
Take a look at each part’s dimensions first:
• 2 Lower shelf framings – 2 x 4 x 12 inches each
• 15 shelf framings - 2 x 4 x 8 inches each
• 2 plywood shelves – 4 x 8 x ¾ inches each
• 1 table saw module - 4 x 8 x ¾ inches
• 2 plywood drawer bottoms - 4 x 8 x ¾ inches
• 1 plywood flip-up workbench - 4 x 8 x ¾ inches
• 5 drawer sides – 1 x 6 x 8 inches each
• 1 flip-up table edging – 1 x 2 x 10 inches
• 1 miter saw fence extension – 2 x 2 x 8 inches
• 1 table saw module - 2 x 2 x 8 inches
• 2 heavy duty slides for the drawers – 22 inches each
Step 1
First of all, you need to cut the frame and the legs. The workbench will be 16 feet long, but you get to decide how high you want the legs to be. We cut 38 inches high legs. Depending on the distance between the wall and garage door, you have to decide whether to cut the frame deeper than 2 feet or not.
During the first step, you will also have to cut 12 inches deep shelves, two bench top sections, and the cross supports. Screw them together after cutting them.
Step 2
Install the bench framework and use a level tool to make sure that it is straight. Then, assemble the workbench by screwing together the framework, the table saw module, the support, the bottom shelves, the miter saw table, the plywood working surface and the miter saw fence.
Make sure to leave a 24 inches wide miter saw opening.
Step 3
Build the table saw module respecting the dimensions above and assemble it using strap hinges, a gate latch, a 2 x 4 x 34 ½ inches support brace, 2 support cleats, 3” x 3” but hinges and swivel wheels. You can even add a 12 inches high, 18 inches wide sawdust bin if you want to.
Step 4
Build the rolling drawers by using two 41 inches long parts for the back and front of the drawer and two 21 inches long parts for its sides. Attach 2 inches fixed wheels. These drawers will go under the bench.
Step 5
Build the flip-up assembly from hardwood and strong support braces. First, you will have to mount the support cleats and the 3, 3 inches wide butt hinges on the table top’s underside. Attach the table using 4-inch butt hinges.
Step 6
Build slide-out, vertical panels that will serve as drawers for tinier accessories. 22 inches plywood drawer slides are required. These panels can be mounted anywhere they fit and seem suitable for you.
If you want to add wall cabinets above your workbench, you can do that, too. Any type of wall cabinets is suitable, as long as they are sturdy and they can be properly mounted.
Once you are done assembling the workbench, you can start thinking about accessorizing it with lighting and various wiring systems. Special circuits are required sometimes around workbenches, as well as socket sets.
Having a proper lighting system for the workbench is important, as the garage is usually a dark place. If you want to be able to work efficiently, you will need a well-lit working area. Bulbs and shop lights are in the top preferences of DIY enthusiasts who enjoy working on their projects in their own garage.
If you are a DIY enthusiast and you would like to have your own workbench that you can use at any time, start building it right away.
