Looking for some opinions on workbench design in my shop. I’m not talking about the main workbench with vise etc but the benches around the perimiter for benchtop tools, storage etc.
I would like to add some deep drawers underneath for tool storage (routers, sanders etc) and some open shelves for tools with cases. I have 1 bench for my chop saw that is simple 2x4s with 2 layers of 3/4″ MDF on top. Not looking for top of the line design, but something that is functional and sturdy. Also what heigth is the “standard”. I though of keeping the tops just lower than my table saw table in case I ever need to rip or crosscut some really big stuff that would need to clear the benches.
Please share your wisdom.
My shop is 18′ X 25′.
Thanks
Tim
You buy a cheap tool twice and then you’re still stuck with a cheap tool!
Replies
Tim, the height of your countertops depends totally on you and what you're physically (ergonomically) comfortable with. If you probably won't do extensive work standing at them (drawing, say, or sanding or cleaning and tuning smaller tools) it might not make much difference, but if you do spend alot of time there, think about what height is most comfortable for your back and neck. I have one surface (the top of a large downdraft sanding table) that is higher than the rest of the counters, and that is where I tend to do alot of that type of work.
One thing I did when re-vamping the counters in our gara.....errr.....shop, was to replace the dingy tops and kinda dark doors with white melamine. While melamine may not be your material of choice, keep the lightness of the surface in mind -- it made a world of difference in how bright it was in the shop.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I'll second forestgirl's comments. My setup is slightly different (a one car space behind my garage). I built the main workbench to be a comfortable height. Then I raised the TS to be about 1/4" higher, and made benches for the miter saw and planer so that the main work serface of those tools is level with the top of the TS. All are on rollers. Now I can slide the benches out into the main garage and have great auxiliary tables for any tool (It is real nice having a 7' long outfeed table for the TS!)
Bob
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