Help a dummy build a work bench.

[Berserker]

I lack skill and over think woodworking.

want to build 8' bench 22" deep in my garage. Garage is sheeted with 7/16 OSB.

Where I want to start is on stud.

Was thinking of building the top on the floor. two 8 2x4s. With 19" 2x4s every 2 feet. Which creates a problem. The 1st 19" would be on the stud. I was thinking I would screw the back back 8' down evry 16". But 0 and 8 would be blocked by the 19"ers

I thought about building it on the floor with the outsdie crossarms in 1.5". So I could screw the back 8' to wall, then screw in another 2x4 on the side.

How do I support this? 4x4 at each cornr inm front and 45s somewhere in middle? 3rd 4x4 in middle?

Do I use 4x4 or 2 2x4s. I was looking at a bench today that used 2, and then was able to set cross arms on one of the 2x4s. This is another area where I have been over thinking.

Is the back 8' screwed to the wall enough? I was kinda thinking it was. Do I need to do a diagnol across front to keep it from swaying? I was hoping not to.

I have box of #10 3.5" and #8 2.5" plus lots of drywall, sheetmetal, nails, ect
Was thinking #10s to mount the horizontal piece wall and 8s to do 2x4s.

what about top? Get sheet of? 2 thick? I am thinking 3' high

Gonna want to do vice. So need to reneforce edges? Lay 2x8 on edge unerneath?


Wood kicks my ass, so I need explained for simpleten.

I did by 2' clamp. I been buying clamps this week. Instead f using various heavy object to hold things and maybe try to get things square.

I am in the process of redoing my garage, but that will be a differant thread. I got dreams.

Thanks.

[TerryMiller]

Build the frame. Put your first cross brace offset some number (like 4") so that the rest of them don't land on a stud.

You should have legs on the back too. Screws won't be strong enough, but 1/4" lag bolts in every other stud would. I'd still use legs on the back though.

What are ya gonna do on the bench? If you're going to be putting heavy crap on top of it you'll need a middle leg and should maybe use 2x6's instead of 2x4's to support the top. If you're just gonna set hand tools and a few small parts it doesn't really matter.

[Berserker]

For the most part junk, but lots of junk. I would say heaviest would be snowmobile or maybe bike motor.

As far as putting the cross brace at odd spacing, won't that give me an unsupported lip on the ends?

Like I said lots of questions.

[Berserker]

I will put legs in the back too. Do I need diagnol cross beams to steady it?

[Xkvator]

build it so it's freestanding, then put 2 lags into the 2x4's to keep it steady...

[Berserker]

I was just thinking that in the shower. Build it free stand, and then maybe fasten to wall to steady. That way it can be moved if need be.

4x4 legs?
Nail cross arms to side of 4x4s and top, on top of 4x4 and cross arms? Diagnol cross arms on sides? Maybe back? But I'd like to leave front open.

Do I need a post in middle? Never thought of that, but I've never built such a big bench.

2x4s or 2x6 cross arms? ahhhh

[TerryMiller]

Cross brace the back legs or screw a piece of 1/4" plywood to the legs on the back and sides to enclose the area under the work bench. The plywood will stiffen it much better than cross bracing.

Put legs in the middle. 8' is a long way to be unsupported. Maybe a 3/4" plywood top with something on top of that with a nicer surface. That way when the surface gets screwed up you can just take it off and put a new one on.

[Hodawwg]

just leave the crap on the floor.

[harleyjsb]

Build it like it's four short walls............

[TerryMiller]

http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/w...h/below20.html

Just build two of these screwed together.

[SafetyMan]

I wish I were closer, I'd just come build the friggin thing for you.

They sell "How-To" books at Lowe's...

They're kind of like a woodworker's service manual.





Clicky HERE!!!!! Seriously, click here... link to a helpful page.

[Berserker]

I've screwed and nailed things, but the next day, they never seem right. Never as easy, as I thouht it would be either.

[Berserker]

Originally Posted by SafetyMan

I
They sell "How-To" books at Lowe's...

They're kind of like a woodworker's service manual.





Clicky HERE!!!!! Seriously, click here... link to a helpful page.

I looked at Home Depot today but didn't see anything I liked.

I've built benches. 10 years ago built one, the cheap as in me figured out that 2x4s ar cheaper then 2x8s. So I built the top out of 2x4s. Talk about an uneven mess. Its followed me around the country though. Its in the back of the barn now.

That link has legs made out of 2x4s perpendicular to each other, never seen that before.

[Sidecar Doug]

Originally Posted by Berserker

I've screwed and nailed things, but the next day, they never seem right. Never as easy, as I thouht it would be either.

Use a level this time.

[Berserker]

Thats my problem with wood, its not like metal. Its not as true. I got a torpedo, 2' and 4'.