Good fast and cheap work bench

Here is the PDF I used to build my work bench.


Good Fast and Cheap Workbench -

Workbench and Bookcase

So here is the finished workbench. I say "finished" but I think it will always be a work in progress. Adding something here and there, planing the top to make it smoother and taking out nicks. I think it came out OK considering it was my first try and it was completely built from scrounged lumber. So in essence it was free just my labor.




Sitting on the bench is the bottom to the kids bookcase. The lighting for the picture is horrible. It really is painted gloss white (easy cleaning).


Here is the top to the bookcase. It still needs painting and then attached to the bottom. I gave up on the finger joints for the sides and just used a butt joint with a through dowel. It is plenty strong and since it will be painted I figured there is no need to get really fancy. I will post a final picture, in good lighting, when it is done (maybe a few days).

Workbench is standing

Well here is an almost finished workbench.

This is a shoot of the top



And here is how I put the legs together. I originally wanted to do bridal joints but it was not looking good. So the half lap it is.


So far the only thing I have bought to put this together is glue. But I have used that on other things so really its $0 outlay. I have the stretchers to put on across the front and back and the 2x4 "backsplash". Then the final will be to hand plane the top. Lots and lots of fluffy shavings.

More finger joints and workbench

so this is where I am at on the workbench. This will be the main width of the top with an 8" tool space added to the rear. This will bring it to a total of ~29" deep. I have been using reclaimed 2x4 material from a renovation going on up the street. Some of the 2x4's are not full length so I have tried to space them 1 full 2x4, 1 partial, 1 full.....I also have tried not to have the joints over lap at any point. This has been more work but my goal is not to buy any lumber for this workbench.



Here are the legs. 2 come from a 4x4 header and 2 are laminated 2x4's.



This is a shot of an almost done finger joint. I have to trace out the pattern on the other piece of wood, cut and do a final fitting. Lots more work but it will look good.

Finger joints/ Workbench

The rough cut of the finger joints on the long pieces of the "V" top have been cut. Now I have to go back with a chisel, chop out the rest and fine tune. I will then transfer the finger spacing to the side boards and do it all again. Top is on the left, bottom on the right.



I have 5 2x4's in my lamination for my workbench top done. I have maxed out the jaws on one of my clamps, so I have to build another 2 more sets of 5 and find some way to put them all together. The arrangement for the workbench top will be 15 2x4's on edge, 1 2x6 flat and 1 2x4 on edge. This way I have about 16" of work depth with a 6" tool tray and a backer the same height as the front to support long pieces.

Mish mash

On the left: shooting board, on the right: start of workbench.

I made the shooting board to help square the edges of the kids bookcase. It worked pretty well but a sharp plane is needed otherwise it chatters.

The workbench will have a laminated top. On the right is the beginning of that. I have salvaged 2x4's from a remodel that's going on up the street. I have to take out nails and remove any dirt but it is free and will work fine. The workbench design will be a blend of roubo (link 2) and "Bob and Daves' good fast and cheap" (link pdf).