Building a Workbench Without a Leg to Stand On. Part One

Building a workbench to virtually any size you need or want, and one that can take up as little or as much room as you need. They can be built around corners and at different levels to suit any need.

You will need to determine about how much weight the workbench will need to carry to begin with. Will it be needed for hobbies, or hard core mechanical work? Carpentry or welding?

Of course, if you are going to need a welding workbench or an engine building bench you are better off using steel as the framework as well as the working surface. A metal workbench will also come in handy when welding as you can ground through it, and it is fire proof.

A workbench should be tall enough so you don't need to stoop over to work on it, and short enough so you do not need a step stool to reach your project either. You do need to take into account whether you will be standing or sitting.

Waist high usually works best for me when standing for most projects. I also like having a stepped down bench where I can work on taller projects if necessary.

Remember that if you are making a workbench to sit at, finding the chair or stool you are going to use first is a great idea. Building a workbench and then finding out you cannot buy a stool to fit is no fun at all. Also keep in mind that your legs will need to fit under the workbench to be comfortable while working. Be sure to leave enough room by measuring to the top of your legs from the floor, sitting on your stool, and adding an inch or two to find the bottom of your framing... add the height of your framing and the top to come up with the height of the workbench.

If you are working on heavy items be sure to add enough legs to carry that weight.

Of course to build a metal bench you will need to be able to weld or know someone that can, and you will need access to metal cutting equipment. Keep in mind that a metal bench is going to be very heavy, so try building it as close to or at the final position as possible. Even a solid wood bench can get heavy if there is much size to it. I try to build them in place if at all possible.

A workbench can be covered with sheet metal, Formica, or solid wood depending on your needs and budget. Covering a bench in sheet metal takes a bit of skill and some equipment for cutting and bending the sheet metal. You will need to consult a sheet metal shop to fabricate your cover, and probably have them design it as well. Do-it-yourselfers remember than any raw edges will be like having razor blades lying around, one slip and you are bleeding....

Part two will give some tips on different ways to build a workbench in place, and how to avoid having the legs out in the way in certain instances. Part two can be found here: http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/290775/thomas_h_forthe.html

Part three will discuss building a rolling work bench strong enough to use with heavier items. Part three can be found here:http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1528320/building_a_workbench_on_wheels_part.html?cat=6

Building a workbench is the best way to get the bench you want, and save money by not hiring it out.