The ever indispensable workbench

There's not a handyman around who wouldn't agree that to do a good job you need proper tools. But how often do we forget what is probably the most essential tool, the workbench? Workbenches come in different sizes and styles. A carpenter will want a long, sturdy table. A cabinetmaker will want one with lots of little drawers and vices. And then there's the handyman who really only needs a good sturdy surface to do all those odd jobs around the house.

There's no doubt that the carpenter's 10 or 12 foot workbench or the cabinetmaker's big heavy hardwood model are great, but they cost a great deal. For the average home handyman you don't need such a big strong surface just for minor household repairs or as a place to work on a hobby. A smaller surface in your basement, garage or tool shed is all you need. The trick is to make it readily accessible and adaptable to accommodate all the odd jobs that need to be done for all the members of your family.
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Assess your needs
Choosing materials
The proposed plan
What you can add

Assess your needs

Before you start building your workbench, take a couple of minutes and take stock of the reasons you want it in the first place. That will guide you in deciding on its size, accessories (drawers, shelves, tool rack ) and complementary components (wood or metal vices, bumpers), and to figure out what is essential and what would simply be nice to have.

The size of your work surface will depend on the space you have and the material you're planning on using. The height should be between 32 and 35 inches and could vary depending on what type of projects you will be doing and on how tall you and your apprentices are. To give you a feeling for the height, check out your kitchen. A kitchen counter is usually 36" high while the table is generally 32". If in doubt, got for the 36". Worst comes to worst you can always cut it down a bit after you've tried it out a few times.

You can make your workbench all the more versatile if you set one end on wheels so you can roll the whole thing out of the way or back into a corner when you've finished a job. But if you go for wheels, make sure that the wheels can be moved out of the way and the table sits firmly on all four legs while it is in use.

Choosing materials

There is such a wide variety of materials on the market for building workbenches. Your choice will depend on your needs and your budget. Probably the most important thing is to make sure that your working surface is rugged enough to stand up to lots of wear and tear. It will take a beating, for sure.

An interesting choice for your working surface could be an exterior solid-core door. They have a nice smooth surface and stand up well to the impacts of a hammer. You could also use two sheets of 3/4" plywood glued together. That would make a nice hard surface too.

The proposed plan

The plans we are proposing here are for a simple, straightforward workbench, ideal for everyday use. Construction costs are minimal when you use ordinary materials such as 2x4s and 5/8" or 3/4" plywood. Assembly is simple and by using screws you make it good and strong. The addition of a 12" shelf gives you room above your working surface for your tools in case your project requires a whole assortment.

To build the workbench illustrated you need:

5 pieces of 2"x4"x8' for the frame (Since you need so little you might as well opt for pine or maple.)
1 sheet of 4'X5'x3/4" good one side plywood for the working surface
12 4" wood screws, #12 or 14
24 3" wood screws, # 12 or 14
36 2" wood screws, # 8

What you can add

If you are planning on installing a vice, make sure you have room. Also, the dimensions in the plans for the frame fit nicely with a solid-core door if you want.

This is a simple workbench, but there is nothing stopping you from adding shelves or drawers or even both.
Your workbench will accommodate all the odd jobs that need to be done for and by all the members of your family. Enjoy your work and have fun!
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