I want to build a free standing work bench in my garage.?
by Author on Saturday, September 4th, 2010 | 8 Comments
If you could give me details on building a free standing work bench i would appreciate it. I would like to use metal brackets, 2 X 4's, screws, and particle board. What type of brackets do i buy to get make the bench sturdy and durable? I also have very limited tools. just the basics. I just moved into this home. Thanks in advance!
To make it good and solid, build a square frame of 2×4 inside the edge of the particle board, build another frame 9 inches off the floor. Put 2 2×4 in an L shape inside each corner (fastened together) You can cut out a lower piece of board to have a bottom shelf for storage.
As long as you put the brackets into the studs on the wall you should be fine.
http://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Garage-Work-Bench
If you use cross bracing on the legs and you should be fine. Use 2×4" s in an X between the legs. Joist hangers for corners or deck brackets would be good.
for years my hub just used 2 sawhorses he made & a 1 inch thick piece of wood–probably plywood. approx half a sheet.
Hi mpc,
I put together one these kits and was impressed by the fit, finish, and durability. I was able to find a laminate countertop on clearance to use for the top.
http://www.strongtie.com/products/diy/kwb.html
for somthing like that its kinda hard to tell you how to,you really need a drawing(blueprints)
for that,however if i was building a wrk,bench,i wouldn’t use steel brackets anywhere,if you place the 2x4s right you wont need any barackets,and you can sit a car on it,that how sturdy it would be,just use 4x4s for the legs then use 2x4s for the leg supports about half way up the legs to the top.screw the supports to the legs on the outside of the legs,then use another 2×4 to attach to the inside of the support,do this all the way around the table,then at the top of the table do the same thing,then lay your part.board on that and screw it down,make sure you use a good wood glue throughout the hole project,after you finish and let it set overnight,i promise you it will be sturdy,and you can do any kind of work on it you want to. a good rule to remember is if you go 8ft. long put 3 legs on eah side,then you can beat a hammer on it as hard as you can,it will not give at all.
3 bits of advice;
1. Don’t use metal brackets, make your oun out of wood. Metal brackets never seem to hold as well as wood and in a shop, they may rust and weaken.
2. Don’t use particle board, use OSB or plywood. Particle board is very difficult to keep attached to anything. It also swells and breaks apart at the first sign of any kind of moisture. OSB is about the same price, and is MUCH stronger.
3. Use phillips head deck screws for construction. Easy to find, easy to install with a screw gun or electric drill. Hammering on nails actually weakens any joints nailed previously.
Dont use metal brackets do ypur braceing with wood use cross braceing and use ply wood or osb board particle board is not good for a bench top. Build a rectangle and cut peices for your corners for braceing the brace your legs also