Easy, Cheap Folding Workbench!

First post!

I was shopping around Home Depot when I came across a workbench they sell. It had a folding design and was basically 2x4's, one 2x6, and an MDF top. It was $79. I looked at it and thought, "I can make that".

So instead of buying it, I went to the lumber and hardware sections and got some supplies.

I also got a tape measure and took some measurements for reference later.

Materials:
-4x 2"x4"x48"
-pallet wood (thin)
-screws
-4 nuts
-4 bolts
-8 washers

Tools
-some kind of saw preferably electric for speedy work!
-drill
-tape measure
-square
-clamps
-wood glue (optional)

Step 1: Table Top Frame

I built cut two 2x4s at 72" to get two pieces that were 72" and two that were 24". These together make the frame.

Step 2: The Legs

For the legs, I sawed 4 2"x4"s at 34". Then I cut the corners into rough triangles, to ease the next part.

Then I clamped all four legs together and sanded the triangle ends round. This will allow them to move later.

Next I cut four pieces to 20" 7/8, glued and screwed them to the legs for support. One near the bottom and one near the middle for each pair of legs.

Step 3: Put the Legs on the Frame

Using some long, thick bolts, washers, and nuts, attach the legs to the workbench.

I put them where I wanted them, clamped them drilled through both with the thickness of the bolts then put on the bolts with the washers and nuts and tightened them and moved to the next one!

Step 4: Table Top

Next I got some pallet wood I had lying around and cut them to 27" and screwed them on top!

Step 5: You're Done!

Now you're done! Either fold it up and put it away or start working on your next project using the workbench!

Comments

[Clschinke87]

What size nuts/bolts/washer for this build? Heading to the hardware store tomorrow and I want to make sure I buy the correct size

[raphazilla9]

Depends on the size you’re going for. It’s been a while since I made this so I don’t remember. But just make sure they’re long enough to go through the wood. Washers help legs slide a little better.

[ma24muskr]

Could you use one by fours instead of two by fours? To make it a lighter table.

[raphazilla9]

You sure could, I used the 2x4s cu it was cheaper at the time lol

[ma24muskr]

TYVM for your quick response

[3366carlos]

Very nice.

[Kanprep]

I was looking for a sturdy foldable table and this fit the bill nicely. I used chain pins and a cross brace of 2x4 the same length as the top. The legs I placed slightly closer together so there was overlap with the brace and the legs. The brace is secured to the cross piece between the legs via pins and stows away under the top. I modified it later in a table I'm looking to build for my sister who is a sculptor to have 2 cross braces that connect to the vertical legs which is likely a bit overkill but....I dont want it collapsing. Hers is to be more semi permament so the braces are bolted.

[tim_n]

I'm confused, how does it not fall over? Surely it needs some cross bracing? The bolts when tightened will give it some rigidity, but it'll be much stronger with either a wood piece/metal bar that attaches the legs to the table @ 45'

[raphazilla9]

You know, I had thought about that too. But with the weight of the table itself and with the bolts pretty tight, the legs hold out quite well! Its actually quite sturdy. If I had a cross bracing it would probably be even more stable, but it seems to be working just fine for me so far. If in the future it feels rickety I will certainly employ some cross bracing of some sort.

[CementTruck]

I thought the same thing as tim_n. If you don't want to do cross bracing you could move the bolt holes just a few inches further in so that the legs splay out a bit and make more of a trapezoid rather than a rectangle. I can personally guarantee that you will experience a Yosemite Sam out of body experience when this table folds on you in the middle of a project and a bucket of house paint splashes up on your expensive car because of it.

[Vizors Down]

I actually pictured this happening and could not stop laughing!!

[Vizors Down]

I love the way this looks but don't need the fold up legs so I am going to tackle it and just build non folding legs! Great idea that inspired some inspiration for me!! Thanks so much!

[electricaldave]

the way I would brace the legs would be to have the bolt mounted lower. I would then chain a pin at each leg which fits through a separate hole 50mm above the bolt. I've done it on a project a couple of years ago in my old job and it works perfectly, plus you can never lose the pins

[mstarkey60]

Was wondering the same right at first and then thought of the pins. As I went down the comments and saw yours I thought . . . 'well, ok, somebody else likes that idea too!' Will have to get busy building on of these since I have hurricane panels to 'cut' and line the inside of my open air garage with. Will make the panels a lot easier to work with on the table saw!! Thanks

[kelly.aschestanton]

The only part of the folding table not done in the picture is the shelf; which acts like a brace. The 2x4 that the shelf sits on is 'notched' so that it BRACES the whole thing. Thanks for posting, we're getting ready to make one too. :) Here is the HD link: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-Fold-Out-Wood-Workbench-Common-72-in-Actual-20-0-in-x-72-0-in-WKBNCH72X22/203083493?keyword=wood+workbench+fold Good luck! :)

[92YJ]

This is a great and simple idea, I need a few tables at work and this is a great solution. Thanks for the idea!

[nullandvoid]

I have been trying to figure how to set up the legs on the bench im working on and while this exact setup would not work as yours is 3 ft longer it provided the inspiration i needed for a successful project thanks!

[raphazilla9]

One thing I have found with a fold up work bench like this is that I never have a messy workbench! After every project or use I would be forced to clean up and put it away, due to limited space. Helps keep a shop neat!

[raphazilla9]

The legs don't lock in place with any mechanism. I used some locking nuts and tightened them very tight. It can be a bit wobbly for heavier work such as sawing or planing, but as a generic, cheap, and portable workbench it still holds its own.

As for the casters, I have thought about putting some on but decided against it since I am still young and didn't want to bother with them. Lol I do think it would be more portable if it had casters on it, and you could very well do that. I just don't want them.

[norris720]

How do you lock the legs in place. I think that fact is missing.