How to Customize a DIY Workbench for Small Shop or Garage

[@mikeandlucky]

Really great that you leave in your mistakes and "aaarrghh" moments :). I am 71 years old and I don't think I have ever completed a project where something did not go really bad at some point. You are an excellent woodworker and content producer. Any shop with a dog is a great shop. Thanks for all the great videos.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha there are always “moments” in every build 🤣 I hope you enjoyed seeing this one. I really appreciate the kind words and thank you so much for watching and following along. I do agree about the dog being a necessity in any good workshop 😉😁 I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

[@laurendao4467]

Thanks for keeping in the footage of you struggling with the shelf. No one’s perfect, lol.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Glad you enjoyed my bloopers 😆😅 I appreciate you watching!

[@brendangrimace]

Seriously, in addition to the quality of your projects and how approachable you make them, the habit of you *not* glossing over issues like the shelf struggle is why I love your channel so much! The balance between videos being well-made vs over-produced is tough, but you land on the right side every single time 👍🏼

[@WoodshopDiaries]

You’re so kind. I truly appreciate this comment and am so glad you enjoy the good the bad and the ugly along the way haha. I feel like it’s literally my job to share what not to do in these builds. If everything went smooth, it would be pretty boring, too ha! Anyway, THANK YOU for following along and watching. I hope you have a wonderful weekend 😊

[@pteddie6965]

This is a great looking, little roll around workbench. You did a fine job building it. This is terrible to say, but I think that you look especially cute when you are rather frustrated. You should be commended for your 'patience under fire'. Thanks for the video. I look forward to each weekly video. Have a great weekend.

[@jonreeves3993]

You are the pocket hole queen!

[@JohnBrown-z2u]

It's good to watch this video and read the comments, finding out that most people screw things up just like I do. Anyway I have a spare bedroom shop where I work on things that are suitable to work on indoors, and after watching this I think a rolling worktable like this might be nice to have. I was thinking about buying one of those mechanic's carts at Harbor Freight but really a nice wooden top would be better for how I'd use it.

[@lovejones7545]

Always a joy seeing you work Shara! Bloopers, mistakes, and all. Awesome!🤙🏾💯

[@jasonthomas1760]

The frustration is real. Love the build Shara! Keep rocking on

[@ethanfish4108]

I love that are able to use your sponsorships like this. You don't just take the money and sponsorship and build your own things, you take it and use them for all your projects. You make woodworking very approachable for a lot of us who don't have the big milling tools and high end wood working equipment. I really enjoy watching you build things with simple Ryobi tools and Kregg components. I've made three or four projects using your videos and plans and I absolutely love them!

[@craiggoodwin9704]

Shara, I had a dental procedure done this week so I'm not feeling all that great. I sure needed your video not only to see what your incredible imagination could do with a cold metal frame, but also to put a smile on this beat up face of mine. I'm already in stitches, but I think you've added a couple of more as I watched you struggle with that shelf. There's this thing called the Pythagorean theorem that may have clued you in to your predicament. Maybe you've heard of it. Ha ha! I don't know if I'll be building one of these as I currently have two of your other projects underway on my workbench. Hope your are doing well. Thanks for Sharing!

[@gaylewilliams7353]

I love your videos, Shara! So nice to see you mess up, just like me. 🥰 And love to see your fixes also. Thanks!!!

[@brewster3987]

So, for my last “are you kidding me” moment, I had to get out the big hammer and a drywall knife and split a thoroughly set up glue joint, thank you very much… at least this little “arrgh” was fixable with a few screws and a rubber mallet 😅. This is a great way to illustrate that one can really customize just about anything! Nicely done. And at least Lucy didn’t climb all up in your business…

[@stevedockery3534]

I've been there and done the same thing. The only good part that came out of it was, I've never forgotten this actual boo-boo. But I will say l still make mistakes every now and then. I also have a small shop and must put things on either just 4 swivel casters or even the lower and raise type of casters. I have a few smaller roll around work benches and they really come in handy. Thanks for the great video. Have a great weekend Shara. Steve

[@WoodshopDiaries]

You must learn much faster than me. I can’t even say I learned not to make that mistake again because in next weeks video I do almost the exact same thing 🤣🙈 maybe after that one I’ll finally learn my lesson ha! I hope you enjoyed the bloopers and I appreciate you watching and following along! Have a wonderful weekend as well!

[@scottmorris4914]

Great project. I am doing this with my steel frame tables. When screwing down the frame onto the top, make sure the frame is square. I had in Kreg out of square and one Rockler out of square. I just screw down the front, then flexed the frame with my hand and screwed it down.

[@shawnevans827]

Nice project Shara! I'd take it the next step and add another drawer at the bottom as well. I'm all about using the space I have to the fullest extent.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

That’s a great idea! I started to add more “stuff” to the bottom but because of the way the legs attach, the bolts were in the way. I didn’t have time to deal with cutting around them so I left it. But there’s definitely some nice space down there full of potential!

[@andrewpinson1268]

I have a two room shop and back when I had money built nine of these Kreg work tables to hold tools. All have drawers and two have a shelf at bottom. And yes I made the same mistake you did on the shelf - twice - but took off one of the side rails to get the shelf in. All of mine had enclosed boxes inserted and then drawers built inside the box. Over kill but I wanted no dust inside. Your plan has two major advantages. You save a little space and time not building the box and if you need to get to underside of top to tighten a bolt etc. you are in a bind. They make very sturdy tool stations.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Nine?! Wow! That’s quite the set up haha. I’m sure they come in very handy. Enclosed boxes (to prevent dust) is a great idea! I appreciate you watching and hope you have a great weekend!

[@rea59]

From one industrial engineer to another, the struggle is real. LOL Awesome seeing you work it out. Not sure I could have been so calm about it.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha it’s always something 🙈😆 i feel like the older I get, the more patient I get about mistakes in the shop. Also, I think it helps to have the dog around to keep me calm…well, calmER 😁

[@johnkelley9877]

I have seen these small workbenches before so this gives me some ideas! Thanks for sharing this and the workbench looks great.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I love their workbench frames. But, 100% honest-they’re not the most budget friendly. However, the fact they assemble in like 10 minutes and come in multiple sizes is pretty convenient, so it’s understandable. Always pros and cons haha. I’m glad this gave you some ideas and I really appreciate you watching! Have a wonderful weekend!

[@johnford7847]

That looks like a very useful workbench for those who need a compact, mobile solution to their workbench problem. TBH, the Kreg frame is expensive (IMO) - but it is a quick, versatile, and sure-fit solution. Nice video - thanks for sharing.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! Yes I agree…there are definitely pros and cons and TBH, you’re paying for convenience (and convenience is sometimes worth the cost…sometimes not haha). So it may not be the best fit for everyone-nothing ever is 😅 but I hope you enjoyed the video and I appreciate you watching!

[@DMAG-3200]

Hey Shara, I definitely felt the frustration.😂 Nice job, have a great day !

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha sometimes it’s just part of the process 🤣 thanks so much for watching and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

[@2old4u]

Great video. Had the same problem installing the bottom shelf on my stand. Took the long bottom braces off, placed the shelf in and replaced brace.. See you next time.

[@jimgreenhouse214]

Loving the struggle bus. As usual 😊

[@mariannerady1137]

this turned out so cute! Lil' blue dancing helper :D

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you watching!

[@blankreg420]

nice work, kid...great practical use of a product...looks great too peace

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it. Have a wonderful weekend!

[@steenfraosterbro3268]

The struggle with the shelf made the video 127% better.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha so glad you enjoyed my bloopers 🤣

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

Nice creative workbench design and build! I appreciate your frustration! Lol…. The little things can be daunting at times. I’m doing my mud closet first (downloaded) then, I’ll have to update my roll around benches to your design! Thanks for sharing the critical step 😂 in assembly. Have a great weekend and keep on building! You’re the best! I saw Lou make her cameo appearance!!! lol…

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Good luck with your mud closet build! I’m sure it’ll be well worth the effort once you’re finished 🙌 Lucy requested to be in more of my videos-she thinks Bubs is getting too much screen time 🤣 thanks so much for watching and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

@@WoodshopDiaries …. I’ll get you a picture of it when it’s finished. I won’t be starting it for at least a few weeks. Thanks for making your plans available! 😀

[@roggie77777]

I did something similar I also put a angle iron going across the front and the back and attached it through the wheel stem and then I could put another shelf on the bottom. Little harder to lock all four wheels down when doing that but still works great

[@ronnorris1504]

Great video. I've got 2 larger Kreg work benches that i'm going to attempt to put drawers in. Thanks

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Awesome! Happy building! 🙌

[@GirlJustDIY]

Great project Shara! And I always love your transparency. ❤

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks friend! I appreciate you following along 💕

[@marcusdavis8650]

Looks real good you did an excellent job. Don’t worry I did the same thing so many times when I put together IKEA furniture, and or other furniture from other stores… lol!!

[@faronjohnson3478]

Awesome video! Makes me wanna buy one of these! Thanks for what ya do!

[@jeremygardner3193]

Excellent project! I really need to build one of these for the drill press im my home shop.

[@MCsCreations]

Really beautiful work, Shara! 😃 And as it has wheels, you can even use it to move project parts from a machine to the other, to the workbench! Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@DavidJohnson-pd7pg]

I love your projects. Keep up the great work 👍

[@SawdustmakerLori]

Sorry it was such a hassle to get that lower shelf in but we've all been down that road before. 😵‍💫 The end result was very nice and would definitely be useful in a small shop. Thanks for another fun video Shara!

[@jimrosson6702]

Great tips and workbench thanks for sharing

[@CC-kr2fs]

Aha, you are human, and a good one after all. Love it and your work.

[@CNCDude]

Felt your pain through the pesky shelf that wouldn't go through, especially when had to put up with it five times yesterday! My solution was uglier than Medusa, but the project was not meant to be pretty anyway. Cool build!

[@westtexas5754]

Thank you for sharing. This gives me an idea about using their 64" x 28" rail set as a basis to construct a mechanic's workbench to include a vise. Do you have a contact at Kreg who could provide weight capacity of a workbench and if options such as a built-in power strip would be available? It looks like a nice design for a flexible system. I think I would add retractable casters for mobility but use the provided threaded feet for rigidity once it is set. Thanks.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

That’s a great idea! If you have questions about the products, I’d definitely recommend reaching out to their technical support team. Or, check the product page for the bench (I’ve linked it in the description) as these may state the weight capacities as well. Happy building!

[@markkosseifi7120]

Great work awesome . Can you please do a tutorial on how to make an airline service trolley from crates

[@langnerfamily7193]

Very cool idea!

[@scottmorris4914]

Also, that top is thick enough you can drill benchdog holes, and use the smaller benchdog accessories.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

For sure-they actually offer the top either solid (like here) OR with predrilled benchdog holes, too, if you wanted that option.

[@louiswhitney1761]

May I ask… if you took one lower rail out for just a moment would that have given you the room you needed… 😊 I’m 54 so to start I never work on a floor but anyways love your videos and how you show us everything….

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I think you probably could have taken out one of the lower rails and made it work, but I’m not 100% sure. I think it might have to be one of the long ones and the drawer box would still need to be removed. But, I’d have to test it out to be sure.

[@TreeShark]

Amazing! Those mistakes made me feel better! lol

[@timothycreasy2161]

I would have had the same problem with bottom shelf. But you got it in,... I would have thrown it down the hill. Lol

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha I feel I’m growing more patient (or maybe just losing energy to spend on anger 🤣) as I get older ha! What’s funny is I made the exact same mistake in next weeks video, too 🙈

[@timothycreasy2161]

Stuff happens. All you can do is smile and laugh. Hang in there

[@troygoggans5495]

Could you have dropped two of the lower supports add shelf and reattach supports?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Probably so. I’d assume both ways would probably be equally as time consuming and inconvenient haha.

[@marcopinotti2555]

Bel lavorp complimenti, chissà cosa costa il tavolo, ci vuole un rene!

[@MisterJ56]

Just one thing ..... Hahaha and well done !

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

I'm lazy - so I would have cut the shelf in half to install the shelf. 😛

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hey I mean…whatever works, works haha

[@Griffinwoodworks]

We share the same philosophy when something doesn’t fit. Grab your bfh and use percussive persuasion. 😂

[@jessek-9scentdetectiontrai10]

👍🏼🤎

[@dalehopley1363]

Shara must have a mean grip 😅

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I guess 🤷‍♀️😅 I have no idea ha

[@jomangeee9180]

Good morning

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! Thanks so much for watching!

[@andrewskitoyukak48]

😍😍😍

[@ryobiguydiy]

👌🏾💯

[@pmapaez]

I felt your pain when the shelf would not go in... I have had it happen.

[@davidgiesfeldt6650]

It’s not national talk like a pirate day but what the heck…😅