proxlamus© Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 Well I finally bit the bullet and decided to build a workbench!! I was pondering the idea of what the hell I could use to build the frame.. keep in mind im cheap.. very very cheap and I hate spending money. I currently work at Home Depot until I finish up my pilot ratings and hopefully get hired on someday from someone.. and one day.. it dawned on me. pallet racking! I'm standing in a warehouse full of it! I didn't want to steel the racking and get fired.. so I tried craigslist. Someone was closing out a warehouse and was selling 2x3 cross beams at 112" inches long. I figured I could grab 4 or 5 beams and start chopping them up. The guy only wanted $10 per beam! 5000 pounds capacity each.. it'll do. The next step was figuring out the table top.. i could grab some OSB.. but I want to weld.. so I found some 3/16" thick steel for $60 + $5 labor to cut it. I don't want to post my measurements because everyone is different.. we are all different heights and have different size workshops/garages. But my particular bench is 28"x60". Its perfect for me. Pallet racking laid out and i'm beginning to cut it all up Table top mock-up and supports Legs and plate steel to bolt onto a caster or keep free standing Table top and supports tack welded together somewhat. This is in the early stages. I had to grind off the powder coating The bench is not yet finished. It's a bit wobbly so I need to add some cross bracing or square it up some.. needs to be a bit stronger. Anyway... I need to do a little more cutting.. grind down all the paint and paint it black.. and weld on new cross bracing... then she should be complete! I'll add a tube for holding my MIG gun, attach a vise and some other random crap.. but here ya go.. $105. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
240hoke Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 Looking good!! I dont think its strong enough though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 Put a bottom shelf on there and that will make it less wobbly. Then if you really want it sturdy add some diagonals on the sides. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
240hoke Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 I would suggest adding some heavy duty casters to the bottom as well..especially for a welding table its nice to be able to get to all side of it when you need to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EMWHYR0HEN Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 Nice Prox! I think I may just do the same with some scrap metal. Still can't believe Ive gotten this far with my car with out one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
proxlamus© Posted February 10, 2009 Author Share Posted February 10, 2009 I added some new cross beams for more support! now it's rock solid!! I was going to add a bar across the rear of the bench but its sooooo sturdy as it is! why bother! lol I also added a worklight, 5" vice and threw some crap under the bench... I know its a mess!! All she needs now is PAINT! oh well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZXT_bean Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 looks awesome! i was thinking about doing the same thing.. but i still have no purchased a welder.. so i guess i would need that first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Some-Guy Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 When I built my bench I got a 4 foot by 3 foot piece of 1 inch plate out of a scrap bin. Welded legs on it and it was unreal. pretty much impossible to move alone but I used to do alot of stuff with it. Iam defiantly going to look for racking that looks awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
proxlamus© Posted February 14, 2009 Author Share Posted February 14, 2009 I love being cheap! I found this peg board in the scrap bin at home depot.. $1.01 and the peg hooks at harbor freight on sale for $2.99! The 1x2's in the back were $2.10. Its actually starting to look like a shop bench! yay! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big-phil Posted February 15, 2009 Share Posted February 15, 2009 Once you get the calendar with the naked girls, then its a shop. At least thats what the 80 year old neighbor to my grandmother said when I was like 16. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferrariferg Posted February 15, 2009 Share Posted February 15, 2009 I agree with big-phil. My dad has a true shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckolander Posted February 15, 2009 Share Posted February 15, 2009 Oh no, my bedroom is a shop. Tools under bed Dewalt kit in closet Mostly naked chick calender next to door. 2007 Nissan 350Z NISMO edition poster over bed Oh god it really is a shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrandrei Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 Nice job man! Your work area is looking great. Mine is an utter mess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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