Workbench

I know there are a bunch of great workbenches here already but they don't quite meet my needs. I want: 
 >something tough that I can pound a bit without breaking or acting like a trampoline and sending everything on the bench skyward.
 >something cheap, and fairly quick to build.
 >something ugly. I don't want to be afraid to cut / dent / scratch the beautiful lacquered surface.

 jdege did a beautiful job with construction lumber but I just didn't have the time for it and I'd be scared to use it.
 jmengel made a built in table that looked quick and cheap but I was worried that the OSB top would be a bit bouncy and may not last many years in a damp environment (and I had no walls to build mine into).

I was thinking of a laminated table top and saw and was inspired by Wholman's Scrap Table which seemed to fit all my requirements (except that his was very pretty... but I knew I could do something about that).

Step 1 Design

I ended up deciding on a laminated top geld together by 3/8" threaded rods with uprights from 2 of the boards used for the top. This design would work with almost any dimensional lumber so I was happy to head down to see what the best deal was (I was originally thinking of using 2x4's).

Comments

[jadronx]

you are right osb is terrible, my brother made one

[Wicken]

I love this! It looks like something I can make with the tools I own, and I really want a bench for the kitchen to provide extra work/storage space. The tall sides would make excellent pot racks or plant hangers.

Do you mind explaining how you installed the lower shelves? I have an idea, but I don't want to be wrong. :)

[markbyounger]

This graphic should explain it to you. For the half-shelf (top) I didn't make it as strong and the bottom one was only this beefy because I used an existing frame. I put the brace between the side legs first because the bench was already in place and it was easy to screw in from under the bench. If I planned it better I might have made a nice joint. I then build the frame and ply shelf-top and sat it on top of the braces. I'm not even sure if I screwed them down, the tools and junk on top of it holds it in place. Since I made the instructable I also built a shelf at the top of the "legs", about 7 ft off the ground using the same method.

[l8nite]

I like it !