Build a Garage Workbench Video

[sannitig]

Would this be considered a medium - heavy dury work bench?

I just bought a metal bench from Candian Tire and the reviews were awful on it. Great for light duty but can't mount a vise on it and don't be doing any major hammering.

I want something very sturdy/solid and those two butt joints on each end don't seem super strong.

[HomeAdditionPlus]

@sannitig I have a vice on one of mine constructed this way (8 feet long) and it works fine. If you want to beef it up then use 4x4s for the legs.

[sannitig]

@HomeAdditionPlus Ok so my main area of concern for sturdyness is at the legs, not the butt joints of the table top frame, correct?

[Yeorwned]

@sannitig This would be considered a light duty workbench. To be considered a heavy duty workbench, it would need a frame created out of a ridgid wood (Maple, Beech, SYP), it would need a laminated top a couple inches thick, and weigh considerably more. You don't want the bench to bounce and rack/slide easily.

The purpose of the work bench pictured in this video is to be simple to build, where a heavy duty bench will take you exponentially longer to build and cost much more.

[me373]

I really enjoy your videos. I'm 47 years old but i want to be like you (talented) when i grow up :)

[transremm]

muito bom este video

[cecilcountyoutdoors]

u should get a pocket hole jig. it will make your joints much stronger and straighter

[backyardsounds]

Excellent, just excellent. I'd even recommend this video to a friend.

[punkrockloser7]

Great instructions, I am sick of working on my rifles and projects on my kitchen table!

Will build one, although I am going to make it a bit bigger and longer. Thanks!

[LDandSM]

I'm new to carpentry, and this vid was EPIC in helping me understand some basics. Thanks!

[moayd1]

great jop

thanks

[bones0707b]

Great demonstration! Built this over the weekend in 3 hours. Probably could have done it in half the time if I had someone the help hold some of the pieces in place while drilling. Two quick tips - if you have a table saw that would be a much easier way to make the lap joints over the circular saw. Also, I don't recall seeing washers for the carriage bolts. They would definitely make for a more secure fitting. Thanks for posting!

[xxprestonhasaidsxx]

A Kreg Jig would have made this much easier.

[Wheretheheckisjason]

Very good explanation of a simple bench.

[315mulder]

How long are the 5/16 cariage bolts you are using?

[HomeAdditionPlus]

@315mulder 3.5 inches

[315mulder]

whats are the measurements for the 3/25'' plywood for the counter top and bottom pieces?

[HomeAdditionPlus]

@315mulder To be honest I can not remember. You can measure for it when you get to that stage in the project. Also, I do have an Ebook on how to build this garage workbench. See homeadditionplus(dot)com/Bid-S­heet-Ebook-info/Build-Garage-W­orkbench-Ebook.htm

[315mulder]

@315mulder ok, thanks for the response. I would love to buy the detailed instructions but Im on a tight budget as it is. I'm trying to make it from the video, so far so good. Great job explaining everything in the video.

[norteamericana100]

GREAT VID .... YOU ARE THE BEST

THANKS (and screw expertvillage)

[Armaangandevia1]

the notch trick is genius

thank you alot

[spinlessbastard1]

great job !

[1234Spazz]

Is there a PDF or Plans for this?

[HomeAdditionPlus]

@1234Spazz Yes, if you go to homeadditionplus(dot)com/Bid-S­heet-Ebook-info/Build-Garage-W­orkbench-Ebook.htm

[kabe138]

i have never built anything from scratch i saw this video and i figure i give it a try bought all the material i need it  i had al ittle trouble carving out the notches for the legs but besides that everything else turn out great mine you i have never use a electric saw before or a chisel , thanks for the video my first built i was very happy with te results, now im trying to find on how to built a and outdoor bench.

[MegaGarrett07]

Added to my favorites~~

[averroesdesign]

Fantastic video, however wonder if you could help me. I need to make a work bench that is 3000mm x 1500mm. What would you suggest

[vespako19]

I can't adjust my saw for a 3/4in. deep cut, do you have any other suggestions on how to cut out the notches?

[HomeAdditionPlus]

Use a hand saw followed by a chisel

[gardenvespers777]

The one I made looks really similar, but I didn't do the notches. It was very easy to make. You're right! Its not expensive to build!

[TheScratchiks]

How did you make sure the

Glue and screw join was square?

[HomeAdditionPlus]

I used a square

[TheSilentchapter]

Nice project. I do have a suggestions for you. I niticed your screw driver bit hopping. If you bought budget screwdriver bits they can't handle the pressure of a powered screw driver and the screws them selfs will bend or notch the blades on the screw bit. This will make the driver bit hop and work down the receivers on the screw stripping it out. I suggest buying some name brand high speed (High carbon) screw driver bits. I hope this helps.

[jamescolvard]

How does the 4" wide 2x4 fit into the 3.5" lap joint punch out? Forgive me if I'm missing something, but it seems that there's a half inch missing somewhere, no?

[HomeAdditionPlus]

because a 2x4 is 3.5 inches wide.

[oldbloke135]

@jamescolvard lumber is measure as it would be when it was in the tree! You lose some volume when you saw it and then you lose some more when you plane it, so 4x2 planed is 3.5x1.5, and that is probably only approximate. This saves the lumber yards a lot of difficult calculations because they can say for example that a piece of 8x4 can be cut into four pieces of 4x2. If you buy a lot you pay by volume, so obviously they need to be paid for all the sawdust!

[apriltime2008]

Thank you very much! I want to build my own workbench to learn more about basic carpentry...Thank you for the detailed instruction video.

[cMaXeJIJIo]

The way you created the grooves-that was fantastic! Never thought of doing it that way! :) Great vid!

[DasDirektor]

I wish I'd freakin' come across this video BEFORE I built my workbench - lol. I love my workbench, of course, but she a little rough aroud the edges :P

[MillyVanillification]

we used to build this things without using screws and nails :) Only wood.

[Tarhini]

i like the fact you demonstarted this on the floor, which is where most viewers will be doing this project:P

[mikeyson086]

what are all the materials that you need for this workbench

[HomeAdditionPlus]

2x4s, 1/2 and 3/4 inch thick plywood. See my Ebook at HomeAdditionPlusdotcom for details.

[smiley235]

Great guide mate, just wondering, what type of wood did you use for the frame in this video?

[HomeAdditionPlus]

I used standard kiln dried pin 2x4s

[smiley235]

@HomeAdditionPlus

Cheers

[takforalt]

Very nicely done video. Thanks! Lap joint for my bench is the way to go.

[mattielax61]

I would like to attach my workbench to the studs in my garage.  Do you think just putting a few lag screws through the back legs into the studs would be sufficient?

[HomeAdditionPlus]

I would attach a couple of 2x4 stubs to the back of the workbench (using several screws in each) and then secure them to the stud walls of your garage with several screws in each.

[luv6pup]

cool video! im going to build this one. thanks for posting!

[vampire847]

the man can use a saw! i applaud your ability to use a saw...

[dreamerBJA]

great design! seems very sturdy and practical.. Im suprised you didnt us any size on your butt joints though, there isnt much point in putting glue on if it is going to be starved, I know it is a more common practice for mitre joints but it sure doesnt hurt for any joint where end grain is involved :)

[waqas42]

I'm trying to make a bench that is about 70 inches long. Would this design work, or do I need to modify something?

[HomeAdditionPlus]

I would suggest adding a pair of center legs. I built one 8 feet long and did this and it is extremely sturdy.

[waqas42]

@HomeAdditionPlus thanx, im in the process of building it!

[venomouseye]

reloading is the process of loading firearm cartridges or shotgun shells by assembling the individual components (brass/shotshell, primer, powder, and bullet/shot), rather than purchasing completely-assembled, factory-loaded cartridges. you attach it at the edge of a workbench and i wanted to know if the bench you showed will tilt or lean from cranking the handle on the machine

[HomeAdditionPlus]

Then I think you will have no problem. It is a very sturdy design. If you still feel concerned, then use 4x4s.

[venomouseye]

you think this is solid enough for a reloading press?

[HomeAdditionPlus]

Not sure what a reloading press is.

[kikinkuntry]

If i build it longer Say 5ft long, shoudl I add a cross member in the middle to support the top?

[HomeAdditionPlus]

Not a bad idea, however I can tell you that at 4 feet this workbench is very solid. But, if you have some spare 2x4 material, go ahead and add the cross member.

[latinfly100]

Thanks Mark Very good demostration

[woodworker211]

Can you use 4X4s for the legs?

[HomeAdditionPlus]

yes, but your bench will be much more heavier than it needs to be.

Mark

[bondking501]

Great video! Now put that miter saw on the bench and stop working on the floor!!!

[samridawaser]

I REALLY ENJOYED THAT , THANK YOU

[Urtaget]

Great video man! Just a pity we dont use inches that often here in Europe, Keep up the good work!

[me2gap]

for us lazy guys.... can you do this without lap joints & carriage bolts? Wouldn`t just screws suffice?

Thanks,

[HomeAdditionPlus]

@me2gap, it won't hold up. It wil rack when you try to saw or sand something on it.

Mark

[parker0190]

@me2gap , you could use L brackets 2 on each legs and 1 under the lip where the leg meets the top base.

[ancientshaman]

Im looking to get into using my woodplanes and chisels on my workpieces, and i have a few plans drawn out, my designs are abit beefier then your table but i was just curious if you've ever tried a hand planer on your pieces with this table. Would this design be sturdy enough to handle the horizontal stresses brought on by using a hand plane against a hard wood? Also would this design have enough weight to prevent the worktable itself from being moved?

[HomeAdditionPlus]

I have not tried a hand planer on making my benches, but I am sure it would work. I believe the directions shown in this video, using 2x4 construction, creates a strong and heavy duty bench. If you want to build the post out of 4x4s you will surely get a heavier bench. It will make it a heavier beast to move around if your ever need to.

[ancientshaman]

@HomeAdditionPlus lol thkx and I was contemplating on creating an immovable worktable for some of my woodworking projects and a lighter portable one for when i need more room or when im working on smaller projects. thk again i might use some of the methods you used but also try to incorporate a caster set on one end that can be dropped to allow for easier movement when not in use. thkx again

[MrSindhupk]

thanks

[marsters256]

Question: Why do most people use inches instead of metric? Is it somehow better for this sort of thing or are you just used to using it OR are all your tools marked with inches and not mm and cm ?

[HomeAdditionPlus]

Becauase the material is sold in inches.

[Axbent]

@HomeAdditionPlus No the mat´l is not any unit, U can use any units U want! 2x4" is 50x100mm!

[AeroRiley]

@Axbent I believe what he is saying is that most people who work in lumber yards are familiar with the english system. If you walk into most yards and ask for a 50X100mm, you would get a puzzled look. Plus, most do-it-yourself'ers in America still use the english system or have tools set up for it.

If you want to get picky, a 2X4 is actually a 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" (38 x 89 mm). He knew this as well, but didn't point it out or mention the metric equivalent just to save time on the video.

[RosieScholler]

If you have trouble using a skilsaw for your first cuts why not try using a tenon saw, much cleaner.

[snowflake944]

Very clear instructions makes this an easy project to do.

Thanks very much.

[JarheadMarine]

Rasp works better for lap clean-out...to each his own!

Liquid Nails may be better than glue...it's water proof.

Great design...I'm building one this weekend!

[gwoloshyn]

Nice work.. I'll be using some of those techniques when I build mine.

[steveho75]

i recommend a radial arm saw for making half lap joints.

Steve

[Toyoheizer]

Unfallverhütung kennt der nicht, oder?

Ansonsten gutes Video!

[noisepuppet]

Good call on those lap joints for the legs to the long top rails. The only thing I worry about is the glue+screw butt joint on the short rail. I don't trust it on end grain. So I would use glue blocks on the corners. Or dowels, biscuits, or pocket screws. Glue blocks are strongest and easiest, and the rough joinery is OK on a workbench. Thanks for a good video!

[claridgeneil]

Just built this bench and it was easy...except my lap joints were a little wide. Tough to be so accurate with a handheld circular saw. Otherwise great, simple instructions. Thanks a lot!

[BGonzlezAv68]

my father used to have one deck like that...well now Im goint to have mine ...thank you.

[mikelang15]

i HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO GET INTO WOODWORKING/REHAB'N BUT I NEVER HAVE HAD INSTRUCTION ON HOW TO START. EVERYONE NEEDS A BENCH I THINK I WILL TRY THIS AND GET STARTED ON MY LONG TIME WANTED HOBBY. THANKS FOR THE TIP

[bleezie25]

Yea, the notching trick with the circular saw helped a bunch, appreciate it.

[yw8990]

Thanks! great introduction and very nice tricks. I hope I had seen your video before I built my workbench not long ago in a much more difficult and painful way.

[howientroy]

excellent demo. i like the carrige bolt (spelling) idea. i made a very similar work bench and did it cheaper but not better. the bolt and notches make this an excellent starter project, funcitional, safe, inexpensive. and this video is super easy to follow. I will look up more of your projects.

[HomeAdditionPlus]

The top deck is 24"x48".

The bottom deck is 21"x45".

[hopper1]

I've used that circular saw trick many, many times. Works like a charm. Thanks for the great video.

[sirberner12]

are they 2x4

[HomeAdditionPlus]

Yes they are 2x4s

[strumpeteer]

Thank you for the notching trick with the circular saw.

[samara2u04]

Fantastic  demonstration!!!!!

[ej2project]

sweet! nice video

[aubhar]

thank you...ya done a good job by showing how to build a work bench step by step process. Bravo!!

[joanth19]

Good job..