How To Make A Great Workbench

I have made several of these benches over the years, and it was always the first thing I made when moving into a new house. I like to be organized, and figured it didn't hurt to make it look attractive as well. Basic woodworking skills and the tools that that requires are necessary for a project like this, but is quite simple when taken one step at a time.

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Step 1: Basic Structural Elements

First, I did a drawing of what I wanted, and basically the workbench consists of the bench itself, 12ft by 24 inches. Three quarter inch plywood was used for the top and the backboard.

Wintershot says: Apr 25, 2012. 8:37 AM

Catch 22: You need a work bench to make it! Doh!

I have begun my attempt to re-create your workbench, as it is a thing of beauty.

shazni says: Jan 28, 2012. 11:29 PM

WOW!! That's all i can say....and perhaps dream that you are my best buddy who'll help organize my messy stuff :-)

mazoweee says: Mar 8, 2011. 9:37 PM

Sharp looking setup you've made yourself there.
How does your drawer slide design do with humidity changes? Do they stick? My system always seems to end up with half the drawers getting stuck for half the year.

lsmith254 in reply to mazoweeeDec 16, 2011. 8:02 AM

I use candle wax along every place the wood touches, inside the cabinet, too. The candle wax will also provide a bit of a moisture barrier and if you do this at a drier time of the year, it should help even more.
I am loving this 'ible, as well; somehow workbenches that require cranes to move make me feel all warm inside, lol!

lsmith254 in reply to lsmith254Dec 16, 2011. 8:04 AM

PS, not that you would ever want to move one of these things, anyways. Always a plus for a home-buyer, as far as that goes!

Kingschild says: Oct 15, 2011. 6:38 AM

How the heck did you make the custom tool holders? Awesome!

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Creativeman (author) in reply to KingschildOct 15, 2011. 7:52 AM

Thanks! I used playwood or styrofoam for the tool holders...just laid a tool on the wood, outllined it,then cut that out with a band saw or for the styrofoam, hotwire.

frankvanw1 says: Jun 2, 2011. 7:10 PM

Red Green: If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.
frankvanw1: and you are definitely handy!

petejor says: Mar 24, 2011. 6:19 PM

regarding electrical boxs. You should use waterproof boxes. But at least make entry on the bottom to stop sawdust etc accumulating and causing a fire hazard. Also clip the lightin cables to stop them being snagged.

Great Project congrats.

riseabove says: Feb 4, 2011. 3:16 PM

Wow. I was thinking the drawers were reclaimed from some reclaimed cabinetry or something. But no? You built these? I'm not sure what I'm seeing, but are those custom spaces for each part? I'd better go back and reread the instructable. This workbench is a thing of beauty.

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Creativeman (author) in reply to riseaboveFeb 4, 2011. 3:34 PM

Thank you...yes I custom built this for my tools and projects.

Lee C. in reply to CreativemanMar 12, 2011. 2:42 PM

This is GREAT!!!

pfred2 says: Feb 10, 2011. 12:21 AM

A place for everything and everything in its place. While there are some elements I'd change I appreciate the overall theme.

kathyh239 says: Feb 4, 2011. 7:45 AM

Creativeman, you are amazing. This space is where I want to live!!! I re-extend my earlier marriage proposal. But who are "Yvonne" and "Glenda" and what are their names doing above your workspace where your future fiancee's name belongs??? (Namely ME!) You got a lot of explainin' to do!

By the way, do you think your "Mighty Goliath" cut pegboard? If not, what do you think is the easiest way to cut that (besides heavy, vibrating power tools?)

Keep up the good work and great instructables.

riseabove in reply to kathyh239Feb 4, 2011. 2:59 PM

Not so fast, there, sister. Get in line. We all want marry him.

kathyh239 in reply to riseaboveFeb 5, 2011. 12:44 PM

Creativeman,

Look what you've started here. There's going to be a cat fight over you and your amazing creations. What a girl wouldn't do for a handy man, right, riseabove?

Maybe we could thumb wrestle for him :)

Kathy

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Creativeman (author) in reply to kathyh239Feb 4, 2011. 9:59 AM

Thanks, Kathy...before there were Yvonne, and Glenda, there was Kathy...see photo...no, the Goliath is for styrofoam, ONLY! You can use a hand saw, but it will probably be heavy and vibrate, too....

kathyh239 in reply to CreativemanFeb 4, 2011. 11:08 AM

Awww.... that's too pretty... all is forgiven. That's the most color I've seen here in the snowy Northeast in months. Thanks for the pick me up.

Keep on creating, man.

Raigmoul says: Feb 5, 2011. 6:41 AM

Wow !!!!
I'm gobsmaked :-)

This is excellent work Creativeman, a few more piccies please (if you could), maybe add a simple diagram for those of us who are less imaginative than you :-)

I like the way you did the doors and drawers, simple yet very effective.

Overall, really good work mate, keep it coming

(virtual high five)

cdawisconsin says: Feb 3, 2011. 5:30 PM

This is my dream work space. I am sufficently jealous =)

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Creativeman (author) in reply to cdawisconsinFeb 4, 2011. 10:00 AM

Thanks, cda.

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ChrysN says: Feb 3, 2011. 1:34 PM

You're so tidy and organized! That's a great looking workbench

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Creativeman (author) in reply to ChrysNFeb 3, 2011. 2:38 PM

Thanks ChrysN: like most other people, it gets real messy at times. Same with the art room...things just seem to grow and the piles keep getting bigger and bigger and.....