One Hour Workbench
Intro: One Hour Workbench
Build a simple workbench in just 1 hour!
STEP 1: Cut the Legs
Using a circular saw cut the 8 boards needed to make the legs by cutting the 2x4’s to 28 1/4 inch long. Cut to 33 1/4 inches if you are not adding casters. (Note - 4 inches casters add about 5 inches total height)
STEP 2: Build the Frames
Cut 2x4’s into (4) boards at 42 inches long for the sides of the upper and lower frames.
Cut 2x4’s into (6) boards at 15 inches long for the cross members of the upper and lower frames.
Using a speed square to ensure the pieces stay 90 degrees to one another attach the 15 inch cross member to the end of the 42 inch side driving in two 2 1/2 inch screws through the 42 inch side into the cross member.
Attach another 15 inch cross member to the opposite end of the 42 inch side board again ensuring it stays square as you drive in the screws.
Attach another 42 inch side board to the opposite ends of the cross members. You should not have a box shape where the long sides cover the ends of the short sides.
Measure in 21 inches and attach another 15 inch cross member to the middle of the frame driving in 2 1/2 inch screws on each side.
Repeat these steps for the second frame that is identical to the first.
STEP 3: Build Legs
Line up the 28 1/4 inch boards parallel to one another so the face of one board is attached to the side of the other in an L shape.
Drive in (3) 2 1/2 inch screws spaced evenly along this length.
STEP 4: Assemble
Lay a MDF project panel on the ground to use as a flat reference surface.
Lay one of the frames you just constructed on top of the MDF panel. With the long sides of the legs on the short ends stand up the legs and brace them around each corner of the workbench.
Attach the legs to the first frame and attach with (2) 2/12 inch screws on each side of each leg drilling into the frame.
Remove the frame and (4) leg assembly you just made and lay out the second frame on top of the MDF panel.
Flip the leg and frame assembly over so the legs slot in around the edges of the second frame. Attach with 2 1/2 inch screws of each side of each leg.
STEP 5: Attach MDF Panels
Attach the full size 2’x4’ 3/4 inch MDF project panel to the top of the workbench frame with a 1 1/2 inch overhang on all sides with 1 1/4 inch screws drilling down into the frame. (Option to pre-drill these holes for a cleaner finish)
Using a circular saw cut the 2nd 3/4 inch MDF panel down to 42 inches by 18 inches to fit on the lower shelf. (Its a good idea to measure before you cut in case you lower shelf is a bit off)
Attach to the frame with 1 1/4 inch screws.
STEP 6: Attach Casters & Finish
I used 4 inch double locking casters for my workbench and attached them with 1 inch lag screws.
I sealed the MDF with Total Boat Halcyon Varnish (optional)
You’re all done, and it should have taken you about an hour or less! If you have questions or comments please reach out to: jonnybuildsstuff@gmail.com
39 Comments
bubbles81 2 years ago
morsecom 2 years ago
french_john 3 years ago
Ole Country Lawyer 2 years ago
My plan is to use bottom shelf that adjoins compressor to store 2 circular saws, sander, jig saws another power toys I hope to buy soon. (I'm just an unskilled ole bankruptcy lawyer and in my 7th decade of life and only just now taking up woodoworking. ).
And I will hopefully find (or go plumb crazy and try to build with scrap wood!) baskets that fit neatly on the middle shelf to hold other indisposable smaller items that clutter otherwise clutter things up for me. I hope to have a separate basket for each of the following:
wood clamps
rotary sander disk papers
drill bits and odd shaped jointer tool
air compressor attachments
glue & carpenter pencils and sharpener
speed square and small hand compass
gloves and protective eye gear
Any suggestions or caveats as to my plans (besides keeping my day job) are welcome and will be appreciated.
lclaiborne 3 years ago
If I build the frame to around 30” x 70 ish do I need more reinforcement? Extra casters?
(No, I haven’t pondered the math of two bys yet, only hatched a quick plan...)
Great design!
Thanks!
Waste Of Space 2 years ago
Rick Peabody 2 years ago
This keeps the top of his workbench from getting all chewed up.
LoginC 3 years ago
The frames cross beams are 15" plus a 2" board at each end = 19" but the bottom MDF panel which is a flush fit is only 18" How is this?
GDC 2 years ago
psanpitak 2 years ago
joe_cool_knows 2 years ago
Mik194254 3 years ago
crites57 3 years ago
marshall.gatten 3 years ago
lhorn2020 3 years ago
elgordo42 3 years ago
But I'm not seeing links for the casters or the varnish. Help?
Stickman1945 3 years ago
Grandpa Zee 3 years ago
JohnnyCiocca 3 years ago
RajendraKumarS 3 years ago
Thanks for guiding us too.