Help a dummy build a work bench.

[Dirty Dan]

I went to Menards and bought a work bench kit. it had all the basics. Then I modded it so it's heavy duty. It works good. And I'm the worst carpenter the world has ever known.

[Thorns]

Zerk, build two 2x4 rectangles with your dimensions, use 4" decking screws to assemble. Then see how high you want it (to your leg specifications...hehe), and then take 2x6 and cut them to length for the legs, and take 4" decking screws and screw it to one of the rectangles (the legs go inside the rectangles and flush with the top) like only a cheesehead can do....thus, use lots of screws. See where you want the bottom, (about 8"-12" above the floor so you can pack more crap under the bench on the floor), remember, you just might want to sweep under the bench some day. Screw in 2x4 cross-members every two feet in the rectangles, then cover top and bottom shelf with 3/4" plywood, and screw down with 1" drywall screws. You will end up with one fine (cheesehead proof) workbench which you'll be proud to show all your brandy and fish boil friends, and possibly paint it GREEN & GOLD!

Thorns

[Berserker]

I was at Fleetfarm Sunday. They had Christmas lights on sale, I bought box of green and gold.

[Berserker]

Originally Posted by Dirty Dan

I went to Menards and bought a work bench kit. it had all the basics. Then I modded it so it's heavy duty. It works good. And I'm the worst carpenter the world has ever known.

Thought about that. But I have all these visions or me working with wood. It jsut never turns out like the vision.

[Berserker]

Speaking of brandy.....

[Berserker]

Is it 8' reasonable? I wanted the grandaddy of benches.

[thrasher]

Do yourself a favor and draw a sketch with dimensions of your framing first.

Erasing on a sketch is way cheaper than wasting good lumber.

[Berserker]

Oh I got sketches. I have been over thinking this thing.

I need to work on getting things square. I bought a quick grip, some spring clamps and a 2' one. I don't know if I will need that one. But dammit I got it.

[Dirty Dan]

Originally Posted by Berserker

Thought about that. But I have all these visions or me working with wood. It jsut never turns out like the vision.

Bob Vila would laugh. It suits my needs...which consist mainly of holding up my stock mufflers.

[Thorns]

Keep the lengths equal and it will be square. Or, you can buy a square or use the 3, 4, 5 90* method...measure 3 feet on leg, 4 feet on another leg, will equal 5 feet across the two ends. Most cheeseheads just go to the lumber yard and fill up the back of the pickup with lumber, then you will see what they didn't use for many years...usually outside of the garage, stacked up against the siding, then used to lean other stuff against it, until you have a path around the garage........right Zerk? Out here we have Pennsyltuckians that do the same thing...

Thorns

[harleyjsb]

Originally Posted by Berserker

I've screwed and nailed things, but the next day, they never seem right.

That's why I was single for almost 20 years..........

[thrasher]

Are you going to have a big bonfire with all the wasted lumber from this project?

[Scabbydoo]

A good way to stabelize and keep the bench square as well as add storage is to build a full shelf about 12" to 18" from the floor.

[Thorns]

That's what the bottom rectangle is for.......

Thorns

[thrasher]

Berserker. Another thing I would do is use screws to put it together instead of nails. 3-1/2" decking screws or drywall screws. A cordless drill with a phillips head bit is perfect for the job. Buy a few of the phillips bits as they may round off.

Predrill holes,... much less splitting of lumber. The screws are super strong. Its very easy to take apart if you ever wanted to add on or redo it if you mess up.