Introduction: Kids Pallet Workbench
More by the author:
About: My Grandpa got me into wood working when I was five years old. Ever since then I have been hooked. I love creating something out of nothing, making something old new or using trash to make something beautiful.…
My two year old loves to work with me in my shop. I found him a workbench at a garage sale but he quickly our grew the plastic toy. I knew it was time for a real wood workbench with real tools. Too soon? NEVER!!
I gave it to him for Christmas and he loved it. It's sturdy, all wood and it had some room for him to grow into it. Hope you enjoy!
I gave it to him for Christmas and he loved it. It's sturdy, all wood and it had some room for him to grow into it. Hope you enjoy!
Step 1:
What you need-
About nine pallet boards
Small post for the legs- I used a small planter log.
Plywood scraps
Miter saw
Drill
Planer
Jointer
Brad nailer
Table saw
Screws
Polyurethane
About nine pallet boards
Small post for the legs- I used a small planter log.
Plywood scraps
Miter saw
Drill
Planer
Jointer
Brad nailer
Table saw
Screws
Polyurethane
Step 2: The Base
My plan was simple. A small pallet workbench for my son. To start you just need to make a small plywood base. I had some leftover scraps of landscape timber from a sandbox I made that made perfect legs. They were flat on one side so I ran them through the planer so it would be sliver free.
I cut the legs at 19in and then put a 15 by 29 piece of plywood on top of the legs. The 19 in makes it a good hight for my son but yours may have to be taller or shorter. The 15 by 29 was the size of scrap plywood that I had. It is a very good size and looks proportional. Once the base is done, it's on to the back.
I cut the legs at 19in and then put a 15 by 29 piece of plywood on top of the legs. The 19 in makes it a good hight for my son but yours may have to be taller or shorter. The 15 by 29 was the size of scrap plywood that I had. It is a very good size and looks proportional. Once the base is done, it's on to the back.
Step 3: The Back
The back is the same size as the base. I cut two pieces of one by four for the back support. I cut them at 21 in and screwed them on the back of the legs. Then screw the back on the supports and your ready for the pallet boards.
Step 4: Pallet Boards
When I want a pallet project to look really nice I run them through the planer. You have to take all of the nails out so you don't ruin your blades. Make sure that you run all of the boards through the planer the same amount so they are the same thickness.
Then run the boards through the jointer so the will fit together without large gaps. Place on the bench so you can see how the fit. If you have to much overhang you can rip one of the boards so everything fits well.
Then run the boards through the jointer so the will fit together without large gaps. Place on the bench so you can see how the fit. If you have to much overhang you can rip one of the boards so everything fits well.
Step 5: Trim and Pallet Boards
I think the key to making a pallet project really awesome is the little details. It's the little stuff that shows you made it out of pallets because your creative, not because your cheap.
I ripped a pallet board to 1 1/2 in for a trim piece. Then I started to lay the planed boards. There is overhang on both sides so you can move the pallets around to show the best grain. Once you have it where you like it, cut to size and use a brad nailer to nail the boards in place.
I ripped a pallet board to 1 1/2 in for a trim piece. Then I started to lay the planed boards. There is overhang on both sides so you can move the pallets around to show the best grain. Once you have it where you like it, cut to size and use a brad nailer to nail the boards in place.
Step 6: Screw Driver Shelf
I used two of the scrap pieces of pallet to make a small shelf. Just use the brad nailer to nail together and then attach through the back with the same nailer.
I used a fostner bit to drill six small holes to fit his screwdriver set.
I used a fostner bit to drill six small holes to fit his screwdriver set.
Step 7:
When I stepped back and took a look at what I had done so far... I knew it needed more. So a shelf in the middle filled that space very well.
I just cut a piece of plywood the same dimensions as the top, 15x 29. Then I cut out the corners so they would fit around the legs. I used some scrap wood and screwed to the inside of the legs to hold up the ply. Then to make it look nice and add some strength I put a trim piece all the way around with the brad nailer.
I just cut a piece of plywood the same dimensions as the top, 15x 29. Then I cut out the corners so they would fit around the legs. I used some scrap wood and screwed to the inside of the legs to hold up the ply. Then to make it look nice and add some strength I put a trim piece all the way around with the brad nailer.
Step 8: Poly
I used a water based satin polyurethane that I really like. I did two coats and sanded in between. The poly is low oder and dries really fast. It add protection and just a little shine.
Step 9:
And there it is... A fun little work bench that had provided hours of entertainment already. My son seems to really like it. Thanks for reading this and I hope you have as much fun doing this as I did.
