Ideal Workbench Design ???

[leeave96 490]

I've got a piece of plywood, 4 ft x 8 ft x 3/4 in thick. I'm thinking about making a workbench and using this for the top. The idea would be 4 x 4 inch posts coming up from the floor at each corner and a 4 x 4 inch post on each side centered. Under the plywood, around the perimeter and at the center 4 ft width would be a 2 x 6 and about half way down would be another perimeter of 2 x 4 inch boards. I may even put a shelf across this mid section to store stuff.

All of this material I've got is scrap or stuff not being used.

The work bench would be against a wall on one of the 4 ft sides with the three other sides such that you could walk around it.

What do you think? How tall should I make it? I can see me working on all sorts of stuff on this - from mowing decks to engines.

What did you do/consider/design with your workbench?

 

Thanks!

Bill

 

[Moparfanforever 886]

I would put two more 2x6 braces under the plywood (every two feet) if you have them. It may be okay like it is , but i tend to over build.

 

I would also use screws to put it together instead of nails , i tore mine apart a few times before i got it the way i liked it. And it seems i was always adding to it in one form or another.

 

Th ideal heigth to me is about 32" , but anymore i like to sit down and work at my bench , easier on the back.

[stevasaurus 23,274]

2 x 4 framing on 16" centers is more then enough strength with the 3/4" plywood.  I would notch the 4 x 4's so the framing sits on it.  If you can attach the one end to the wall, you may only need a sway brace at the other end to keep it from rocking...if you can not attack to the wall, then another sway brace on the 8' side is in order.  Make the height comfortable for you...standing and sitting.  If you really want to make it nice for working on...pipe in a couple of outlets in a few locations.  Make sure you also can get plenty of light over head.

[squonk 43,710]

I think the best workbench design is the type that cleans itself off when the job is done!

[rwilson 128]

Squonk said it best. Self Cleaning!!