New Shop Build: Part 6 - How to Build a Rolling Workbench

In this video I build two rolling workbenches that can be used as assembly tables, lathe tables, basic workbenches, or for rolling tool storage. These tables easily roll under other work benches to maximize space in your shop or garage.
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[@warrenhunts]

Genius. You basically multiply your workbench space by more than 3x. This will be perfect for my new garage. Also, I've been brainstorming ways to have an extended miter saw fence while still keeping the space multi-purpose... your next video knocks that out of the park. This is next level.

[@TommyTompkins]

It feels good to see comments like this! I'm glad you like the design! If you're interested in the plans, I just posted a highly detailed 62 page PDF as well as the Sketchup file here: tommytompkins.com/product/tompkins-miter-saw-station-with-rolling-workbench/

[@BrianGresh]

Tommy Tompkins

[@user-ny4ig9qh2e]

Very good job of constructing your project. I like the way you can save so much space. I think I will build one like the first one in the near future once I get my garage cleaned out and have room lol. Great video. You have a lovely family. Wife and kids are very special in life. Make more projects, your shop is very organized and clean.

[@sendguns]

It just goes to show how important it is to plan and design your workspace tables in advance based on their intended functionality. Here's a small tip -- you might want to add a flush mounted magnet in the leg for each of those flat metal proping arms, as that would keep them from flopping around when moving the tables around. Just a thought. Thanks - Michael

[@princess33064]

The author does like to from scratch, kzbin.infoUgkxbnOKZBE4evMO5V2vroHeCjq6d_MV6wJO shaping and trimming wood from large blocks into fine finished products. As another reviewer mentioned, most projects require a lot of high-dollar equipment that most of us don’t have the room or budget for. But, knowing how to do these things, even if we won’t be able to practise the full stack project, is still great.

[@djxxxplicit]

The ability to hide both work benches underneath thr miter station was boss. Next level build!

[@TommyTompkins]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@twhaz2001]

I used to have my Kids help me by hammering nails into a board and drill holes too. Nice. Brings back good memories.

[@TommyTompkins]

Ha! Yes, they can be great helpers :)

[@blakeburch2835]

So glad your vids popped up today. Perfect design for us garage workers who's wife still asks when I can park in the garage again. Subed!

[@TommyTompkins]

Exactly! :)

[@artdavila8222]

Nice use of space getting multiple uses from the same bench

[@thomasklink3766]

Damn, I sure wish I'd seen this video before I laid out my shop. Very innovative, Excellent design.

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you!

[@thomasklink3766]

You're welcome. Almost makes me want to rearrange.

[@JohnsWorkers]

i need to make this...and enthusiastically. this style of bench would be perfect for my fathers 20x40 shop

[@sanjaysami4315]

Excellent idea. Very well executed. A lot of thought obviously went into the layout. Thanks for sharing.

[@TommyTompkins]

A lot of thought indeed. I've poured many hours into the design :)

[@chrispy5564]

Young man you are absolutely brilliant, Very smart yet very humble great video thank you

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you!

[@jimstevens2668]

I love seeing the kids in the shop watching and learning. When my kids were that little they were always around learning, having fun and being great helpers.

[@TommyTompkins]

I remember always being around my dad in the shop when I was a kid. Hopefully they're learn something instead of spending all their time staring at electronic devices.

[@vincebaker3384]

Very very cool I have never seen a lays mounted in a sitdown position but I think that's very cool

[@TommyTompkins]

I've never seen that before either and I wasn't really sure it was going to work out until I built it. ABSOLUTELY NO REGRETS ;)

[@WKYanks]

Nice work!! I'll be stealing this idea. One note, I put lock washers on the lag bolts that attach the casters. Again, GREAT work!!

[@toobglued]

Echo on the thumbs up indeed. You're def. a good number of ticks ahead of the curve with your ability to use CAD...excellent display of talent. Thanks for sharing! Remarkable skill set you have.

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you so much!

[@AFlyingGlenn]

Such a good design! perfect for a small one car sized garage workshop

[@TommyTompkins]

Thanks! I'm still loving this setup over a year later.

[@EricInTampaAcoustic]

From one Tompkins to another, this is just the solution I need for my fast working mind. Efficient layout and organization. Excellent and logical setup. You've given me some great ideas. Cheers, ET

[@TommyTompkins]

Hey another Tompkins! You don't meet those every day (at least not here in MN). Thank you for the kind words and continue our lineage :)

[@jameskearney3226]

Brilliant idea to save space and store Tools in the same benches where you can use them. I'll try to build a couple of them. Thanks for the video instructions.

[@JGsamurais4lyfe]

Great idea on saving shop floor space and multiplying your table space. Genius

[@metroplexchl]

Great vid. I bet a magnetic shop strip would be perfect for holding those chisels on the underside of that bench. I'm going to try to replicate this one. Great job

[@TommyTompkins]

Magnetic strips on the underside would probably work very well!

[@JoshuaRusso]

Really like the design, and you're inspiring me to persist in learning sketchup, too. Also enjoy kids in the shop and that you didn't edit out the scenes where you nearly conked each one in the head. Seriously, though, my youngest loves working with me on wood and cars and I love that she's into it. One idea, a couple of round magnets set into the wood low on the legs where the steel brackets hang down would stop them swinging when the top is closed.

[@TommyTompkins]

Glad you like the design and the videos. The magnet idea is a good one!

[@calisdad3]

Brilliant Mate. Great to see your thought process. You didn't mention it but the 1st thing I saw was the dust relief ports on the radial saw fence. Your 'vertical lathe' was brilliant as well.

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you!

[@TommyTompkins]

Oh and if you haven't seen it, I made a video on that fence with the dust collection ports. Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3nZZJ2dna-Yb7c

[@MrMeasureTwice]

Hey TT, nice project, and good bits of humor! You've got a new subscriber!! Jim "Mr. Measure Twice" Marchetti -A day without sawdust and shavings is like a day without air - Jim Marchetti, 1977

[@TommyTompkins]

Thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@tedfritsch3340]

Love the tuck under concept of the stationary work space. I'm going to copy that one.

[@jonruehle9186]

This is pure genius.

[@vmitchinson]

Watched part 7 first than watched all from 1 to 6. Excellent design and builds. Love that router all made out of metal. Not made like that anymore.

[@TommyTompkins]

Thanks for watching! That old router is fun to play with :)

[@Shnick]

turn the holes in the flat bar into notches, that way they just fall onto the pins and saves you a few moves in raising the top. great video btw, will try this design out when I build my shop.

[@maxpower9672]

That kid, relegated to a bit and brace and subjected to being knocked out by flying 2X4s. He'll have super strength and amazing reflexes if he keeps working with you. Nice build. Looking forward to more from you.

[@TommyTompkins]

Ha! Thank you.

[@Logjam5]

Nice classic DeWalt radial arm saw - like it.

[@matt_williams1015]

Thats a really nice setup with the workbenches, very nice design!

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you!

[@amitavamanna2696]

I had multiple interests-wood, metal, electronics, etc. I did design and build my workbenches. But your idea is light-years ahead than mine. Now I am a retired ghost; the twinkle in my eyes is long gone but your work made it glow again as a visual symphony! You far exceed a craftsman; may be the term grand master will be right.

[@TommyTompkins]

Hahaha wow! Thank you so much for the compliment! :)

[@gypthedog45]

Incredible design. My Workshop is nowhere as big as yours, which makes these ideas even more valuable. This is one of the best practical videos I have seen on You Tube in many years. I look forward to seeing more of your excellent ideas . Keep up the good work !!

[@TommyTompkins]

Wow. That's quite the compliment! Thank you so much :)

[@AyoDenny]

Absolutely AMAZING....simple but so practical... I will be building this soon..

[@TommyTompkins]

"Simple but practical" is a great way to describe it. I'd love to see yours after you're finished. Send me some pics!

[@Kathyskollectables]

Outstanding and resourceful!! If I had the room I would do something like this!! Great series of videos!!

[@TommyTompkins]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@craigpickard3422]

Excellent design, ive been looking at space saving ideas and this is the way to go. well done

[@TommyTompkins]

Thanks Craig! If you're interested in the plans, I just posted a highly detailed 62 page PDF as well as the Sketchup file here: tommytompkins.com/product/tompkins-miter-saw-station-with-rolling-workbench/

[@btd2516]

Good Build, great design! Will be ordering plans soon. One suggestion- instead of those small screws you used on casters, a lag screw about 1/4 X 1&1/2 in. or larger would be more secure if you will be moving it around frequently.

[@TommyTompkins]

Thanks for the suggestion. The only reason why I used sheet rock screws is because I had a ton in the shop that I wanted to use instead of buying more screws. So far so good so we'll see how long they last :) If you end up building this I'd love to see some pictures when you're finished!

[@OurGoogleVideos]

Absolutely. Positively. Brilliant.

[@JayRalston1041]

Best design I’ve seen for this application. If I ever need to rebuild my RAS bench. I’ll incorporate many of these features. One thing I noticed. When you move the assembly tables around. The yellow top supports tend to flop around. I believe a small rare earth magnet countersunk into the lower part of the leg would hold them in place. Just a random thought that popped into my head when I was watching.

[@TommyTompkins]

Thanks for the compliment! Great idea for the countersunk magnet. I don't mind them swinging around but I might give those magnets a try ;)

[@sgibbons77]

Great design. One suggestion - I noticed that the yellow bar supports swing back and forth a lot whenever you move the tables. If you embedded a couple small magnets into the wood of the legs down near where the ends of the bars rest when the top is down it would stop that swing in short order. Again, great design!

[@TommyTompkins]

Another great idea. Thank you!

[@TheMbn1972]

brilliant use of space....a balance of storage and functionality

[@Signal_feuer]

I love how the kids are getting familiar with the tools. :D I'm going to try and build this. Thx.

[@colonelchimp]

very nice, if you cut a slot in the side of the location holes on the supports, when you open the lid they will automatically latch so you wont have to put them on the retaining bars and when you want to close it down just take the weight off the lid then pull them out of the way to unlock them

[@tvanloon3995]

Ok, no disrespect intended toward the other master KZbin craftsmen (& craftswomen, April 😉) out there, but in mho, You Win The Prize!! Best design yet!! Just wish I'd seen your video BEFORE I just completed my first workbench... 😂

[@TommyTompkins]

Ha! That's quite the compliment! Thank you!

[@OtterCreek]

Just bought the plans.... Stoked. Perfect for my small shop!

[@TommyTompkins]

Awesome! You're going to love the setup.

[@its_just_fish_original]

Awesome Dad Save @ 7:10! haha! Great table!

[@TommyTompkins]

haha thanks!

[@chessonhadley3578]

Please post another series of videos soon! Love watching and learning.

[@TommyTompkins]

Thanks for watching Chesson! I'm currently working on another project that will likely make it's way into another video series soon :)

[@cory1641]

Hey man I like the space-saving design. I have a little over half of a one car garage to work with. Thanks.

[@TommyTompkins]

Thanks! Glad you like the design!

[@hannablom5803]

Brilliant workbenches ☺️

[@camperdavelifestyles6125]

Wow. Just wow. ... that was some engineering going in there !

[@ForgottenMan1]

Thanks, this video justifies my getting a much wanted wood lathe that just could not earn its benchspace otherwise.

[@steventhehistorian]

Excellent. So creative! Well done!

[@kevinashby4847]

I watched this a few times. This is simply an amazing idea for saving space and having very accessible tools at your fingertips

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you! Glad you like the design!

[@donjohnmontana]

This is an awesome idea and set up. I'm gonna borrow it for my garage/ shop. thanks

[@TommyTompkins]

Feel free to borrow away! I'm going to try to get some plans posted this week in case you need any help building this out. Stay tuned!

[@Graymane99]

Plans would be great!

[@TommyTompkins]

Hi Rick! The plans are now available at tommytompkins.com/product/tompkins-miter-saw-station-with-rolling-workbench/

[@TommyTompkins]

Hi Don! The plans are now available at tommytompkins.com/product/tompkins-miter-saw-station-with-rolling-workbench/

[@barryroberts6470]

Brilliant Build, Design the Whole lot Well Done. I really hope everyone buys your design, as you deserve what you get after all that work, it's a pity I can't use your plans or I would have bought them myself, but Well Done Again. Barry (ENG)

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you Barry! A lot of time and effort went into the design and plans so I hope so :)

[@DAinFLA]

awesome job! this is exactly what I need. you should add a couple magnets at the bottom where your metal braces rest when not in use. that would keep them from swinging around when not in use.

[@TommyTompkins]

Thanks DAinFLA! Somebody else suggested the magnets as well. I might give that a try :) If you're interested in the plans, I just posted a highly detailed 62 page PDF as well as the Sketchup file here: tommytompkins.com/product/tompkins-miter-saw-station-with-rolling-workbench/

[@mjj1587]

Thank you for posting! I now know how I am going to upgrade my garage/shop this summer! I will be ripping out my existing work bench and building something exactly like this!

[@TommyTompkins]

Awesome! Be sure to send me pics!

[@mjj1587]

Will do! I live in Michigan so it won't be happening until weather warms up - however, I really hope to start doing some videos this year as i have several builds already on order. :)

[@christobar]

This is brilliant, and exactly what I need for my new downsized shop!

[@ouroborosrecords]

you earned my like for the field sobriety test!

[@brianjennings3172]

Ingenuity at it's finest! Awesome space savers.

[@rmojo23]

Great design! The only thing I would add is linear actuators to raise these for assembly work. The higher for me the less back strain.

[@DillysADV]

cool project, I did something like this with my tire changer so that I would not lose work bench space.. loved it. oh and it might be cool to add some lighting for the underside of the counter when you are working on the lathe. Just a thought.

[@TommyTompkins]

I have some bright LED shop lights in my garage so in my case I don't "need" them, but adding some LEDs to the underside of the lid would be pretty cool :)

[@darrenkall7578]

Man handle those tables! Great tops.

[@rajincajingt]

Incredible design. Very well thought out.

[@OntarioLakeside]

I think this is the design for me, thanks for sharing it.

[@TommyTompkins]

Hey I'm glad you like it! I just made the plans available at tommytompkins.com if you're interested.

[@rossmarten]

On those support bars you could do an 'L' shaped keyway on it. Have the little part of the 'L' come all the way out to the edge. So when you're lifting the top they bars automatically drop onto the pins, and when you release the top it will go down slightly locking it in place. Then to lower the top you just have to lift it a bit at pull the supports out.

[@TommyTompkins]

Great idea!

[@sumosprojects]

Well done Tommy, workshops take lots of time to get right but your on the front foot mate, cheers from Australia 👍

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you Dirk!

[@TJ-vl2zl]

like the first comment you are. Genius you are very good at what you do sir very good idea for a smaller Workshop like mine thank you for such detail on the video

[@TommyTompkins]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@TheBlakemt]

You’re a badass Dude! I’m going to build something similar that rolls into the bigger bench to save room. Genius!!!

[@blakeyokum1547]

Nice design, gives me some great ideas. Been thinking of something similar, but you really clarified some design issues I had. Thanks for sharing, and well done.👍

[@TommyTompkins]

Thanks Blake!

[@kbent88]

A nesting workbench is such a great idea!

[@rquimbayo]

Your shop is awesome! Good Job!

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you Ricardo!

[@BucurIonNiculae]

wow nice joob man. Now I have a very good model for what I want to build. Greetings from Romania...

[@roycarrillo2786]

Very well done. Great video and instructions

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you! Glad you liked it.

[@docghines]

Very interesting. I would probably inset a magnet to hold the swing arms when not in use.

[@TommyTompkins]

Several others have mentioned the same. Great idea!

[@matthewcross9922]

You could add some magnets to the side of the legs so your metal braces are held in place while in the down position. They seemed to swing around a lot as you were rolling it around.

[@TommyTompkins]

That's a great idea! But honestly, it doesn't really bother me that they swing.

[@blaugherty]

Amazing! Now I need to rework my existing workbenches, thanks for the video!

[@TommyTompkins]

You can do it!

[@girliedog]

Excellent space saving & storage maximization.

[@GAGEICUS]

Fantastic job, very clean and great use of space.

[@blackbarracuda]

very very good job!!!!! veramente un ottimo lavoro grazie!!!

[@adamavis]

this is brilliant. im lucky i found this as i was just planning out my new workbench. i was going to go with 1 huge mobile table with a flip miter station but i love this even more. thanks for the idea! subscribed.

[@TommyTompkins]

Glad I could help! If you build it, send me some pics! :)

[@vettepilot427]

Really nice, clean, simple, functional build. The video was also produced very well. Great job!! My only suggestion would be that you might want to add a small lip around the rear and sides on the lower shelves of the general use table (not the lathe table). This would keep small tools from falling out through the back or sides. This is especially helpful on rolling tables like these.

[@TommyTompkins]

Great idea! Thank you!

[@kevinbowker2385]

SERIOUSLY cool! Thanks for sharing this! I've been trying to figure out how to share a small garage with the wife's car. I think that this is the answer!

[@TommyTompkins]

I think you'd really enjoy this. I say build it!

[@Coffeebourne]

Very nice setup.

[@llaarryy180]

Fantastic space and job!

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you!

[@donfillenworth1721]

Very nice! I'm trying to figure out how to give you two thumbs up. 😀

[@TommyTompkins]

Ha! That would be nice :)

[@loulehnhoff2637]

Excellent idea thanks for sharing I'm off to Lowe's lol

[@bjornolsson952]

Nice work!! Good idea with the lathe

[@TommyTompkins]

Thanks, I'm really enjoying it!

[@ArminGianni]

that's really nice idea for the lathe. I look forward to get one.

[@francattfranc]

Nice video Tommy, you really had a good idea and the courage to put it into practice. Your lab contains three workshops now. Thanks for the good idea and good work.

[@keeskees8839]

very, very nice setup.

[@BiggDogg21]

Amazing, I wish that I would have found this video 3 weeks ago!

[@greghomestead6720]

just found And subscribe to your Channel very good idea on the rolling benches I'll have to check out some more of your videos Have a Jesus filled day Greg in Michigan

[@KillyBesel]

These are amazing, definitely inspiring some design changes for my workbench.

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you and glad you like them!

[@CCSandSonsWorkshop]

I just found your channel after searching for workbench ideas! I think this might work just perfectly for me! Great channel you have too.

[@pfoster2338]

Nice planning, looks great! 🇨🇦

[@deonbright8303]

beautiful work

[@nathanwight1336]

excellent series of videos. that's some serious organization and flexibility

[@ddbronco1873]

Nice to see a little sense of humor during videos... you got a new subscriber

[@TommyTompkins]

Ha! Thanks for watching!

[@tonyford5341]

Brilliant! I have been looking for a cost effective way to get my larger tools off the ground, this will work.

[@bwhite220]

Holy crap! This is brilliant!

[@TommyTompkins]

Hahaha now that's the reaction I was going for :)

[@stevengregory8360]

This is a really incredible design, I am definitely going to have to rethink my garage setup now. Personally I would make the surface of one rolling table plate-steel for welding though. Also not a fan of generic caster-locks; check out DiResta's band saw stand. Excellent video too (not VCR quality + cameraman with Parkinson's)! Thank You!

[@TommyTompkins]

That's a great idea to make one of the tables a welding table. If you make one, be sure to send me some pics! I'll check out DiResta's band saw stand.