New Workbench

Hi guys (Mike here). I finally got my workbench completed. This was an easy and inexpensive bench to build, yet sturdy and versatile. The base is construction lumber (4x4s and 2x4s), joined with long bolts and short dowels. Finding untreated 4x4s was a challenge. None of the home improvement warehouses carry them. I finally found some 30 minutes away at a hardwood furniture store.

I had to get a dowel center to find the mating hole in the leg. The groove you see below is routed using a 3/8 inch straight bit.

The base is very sturdy. I drilled some 3/8 inch holes, using a forstner bit, to make a 1/2 inch recess for the threaded rod. The only tools needed to make this bench were a drill/driver, a circular saw, and a hand-held router.

The tabletop is 3/4 inch plywood, cut from a single sheet, with enough leftover to make a handy shelf. The plans called for MDF (medium-density fiberboard), but I was concerned about it warping and bowing if it got wet. Plus, MDF is just too soft for a workbench top. I fastened the top using L-clip fasteners mounted from the underside.

Here's a view from the front.


And there you have it! A simple, sturdy workbench that will hopefully last many years.