How to Make a Hidden Tool Storage Workbench

In this video we're making a really cool workbench that hides a whole bunch of tools under the table when you don’t need them but rotates and/or flips them up to the top when you do need them!
I work in a 2 car garage and while I'm very grateful for the amount of space that I do have, it still gets cramped at times between all the tools, materials, and clutter from working on multiple projects at once. To help with that I decided I'd like to consolidate most of my bench mounted tools into one workbench that also doubles as an infeed or outfeed table when I need it to. I also added drawers at the bottom to help with storing accessories and materials related to the tools mounted to the table (pocket hole screws anyone?)
This workbench turned out awesome and is definitely one of the coolest things I've taken from an idea to reality so far.
If you'd like to make one for yourself, enjoy the video tutorial and be sure to check out the FREE supplemental project plans available on my website here:
projectbilld.com/blog/hidden-...
Until next time,
Go Billd Yourself!
There’s so much to come at Project Billd! Keep up with the latest by:
- Following me on Instagram: / projectbilld
- Subscribing to my channel: / @projectbilld
Resources:
How to make simple drawers: • How to Make Small Clos...
FREE Supplemental 3D diagrams: projectbilld.com/blog/hidden-...
Materials I used:
(most materials available at your local home improvement store)
2 x 4 x 8 Pine Boards
2 x 3 x 8 Pine Boards
3/4" Maple Plywood
1/4" Maple Plywood
Construction Screws (2", 2 1/2", 3")
Wood Screws (3/4", 1 1/4")
HD Pocket Hole Screws
5/16 Bolts/Washers/Stop Nuts for Mounting Tools
Fender Washers for Shimming Plywood
1/8" Polycarbonate
3/4" Steel Rod: www.lowes.com/pd/Steelworks-3...
Paraffin Wax: amzn.to/3y27GH7
3/4" Shaft Collar: amzn.to/3bj3lpp
Threaded Inserts (M8-1.25): amzn.to/3fcgemo
4 Star Knobs (M8*70): amzn.to/3biWPPD
6 Star Knobs (M8*30): amzn.to/3f8Mxme
Toggle Latches: amzn.to/3f8Mxme
Cabinet Pulls: amzn.to/2RaliQa
Superglue: amzn.to/39d2lmF
Casters: amzn.to/3o7U6gV
14 Five Knuckle Hinges: www.outwater.com/products/ins...
16" Drawer Slides: amzn.to/3o7TTu9
Tools I used:
(in order of appearance in the video)
Miter Saw: amzn.to/340NmbO
Impact Driver: amzn.to/3cp72LD
Table Saw: amzn.to/3qKvrjp
Brad Nailer: amzn.to/3j54wLK
Quick Grip Bar Clamps: amzn.to/3gBjPKM
HD Pocket Hole Jig: amzn.to/2RJHW1E
Portable Drill: amzn.to/3qxstxH
Speed Square: amzn.to/2WeReC1
Centerpunch: amzn.to/3gBNBPM
Portable Drill Guide: amzn.to/33A8UeY
Hole Saws (3/4", 2 1/8"): amzn.to/3y5ABKm
Drum Sander Bits: amzn.to/3bU21Kz
Angle Grinder: amzn.to/3usn2mt
Circular Saw: amzn.to/2NNRuGR
Clamping Straight Edge Guide: amzn.to/3uDqtq9
Jigsaw: amzn.to/37LkQwV
Circular Saw Rip Fence: amzn.to/3biJTsJ
Ratcheting Screwdriver Set: amzn.to/3o3ZlhK
Countersink Drill Bits: amzn.to/3n8N2iL
Forstner Bits: amzn.to/3rddGc7
Tools Mounted to the Workbench:
Thickness Planer: amzn.to/3wduUt2
Scroll Saw: amzn.to/35TAAwU
Pocket Hole Jig: amzn.to/340WOfu
Bench Sander: amzn.to/2Krfm1I
Dovetail Jig: amzn.to/3vRyp7s
- As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Music:
www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:26 Building the Frame
2:09 Making the Rotating Tool Storage Tops
5:20 Adding Plywood Tops
7:24 Mounting Tools to the Rotating Tops
11:22 Adding Flip Up Tools
14:58 Drawers
15:45 Outro
16:17 Clapper

[@t.d.nifong2918]

Lots of good comments here. I fully agree that space is at a premium in almost any workshop, and this is a good solution to address that issue. No one has mentioned that the inclusion of the 3D plans is a greatly helpful addition. Being his Dad (and the supplier of the paraffin), I know how hard Billd has worked on this, and how carefully he thinks out all of these projects. Look forward to the next one!

[@ProjectBilld]

Who's this imposter!?? My dad doesn't know how to use the interwebs

[@donniehud1956]

@@ProjectBilld haha

[@user-qq3mf8ru3s]

Once the house reno is finished I will be clearing out the large shed and making one end into my workshop. I've bookmarked this for future re-watching! Thank you. :)

[@ProjectBilld]

You're welcome!

[@laneetherington614]

Used your hinge method to put my Kreg 720 as part of my workbench. Had to modify the hinge to fit the 2x4 but it is much better than just hanging on ttttthe side. Thank you for sharing.

[@ProjectBilld]

You're welcome! Nice job modifying it to fit your situation

[@Czechmix82]

Ive been looking for a solution to my small woodshop and all my bench top tools for some time and Im glad I came across this tutorial. This is by far the best design I have seen. Well done. I am going to build one of the for sure.

[@hannahshepherd2108]

I need another expensive hobby like I need a hole in my head, but now I want to pick up woodworking specifically so I can make something like this. It's absolutely brilliant, and the way you demonstrated the build was so clear and straightforward that I actually feel like I could make it. (I can't, but that's entirely beside the point -- though it does call into question wtf I'm doing here.)

[@ProjectBilld]

Glad you're here! Thanks for the kind words and even if you never make this specifically I hope you learned something and can apply that knowledge to other parts of your life

[@KeritechElectronics]

Oh my, what an absolutely awesome project! I love the bench and its functionality & versatility.

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! That was certainly a fun one to figure out and make

[@allanfischer9417]

Very nicely done with informative narrative - thank you. Thanks for also showing potential errors and how to address them.

[@garrysmythe]

A brilliant biild, I have seen many many work benches on here but this is brilliant because it is fairly simple, well done and thanks for posting from Garry in the UK

[@Jonah_in_texas]

Dude this thing is fantastic! This design is exactly what I need for my small work shop, so I think i just found my next project. Thanks for making this video.

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! Happy to answer any questions when you get to making it

[@chuckjohnson4048]

BTDT, best thing I could have done for my small 10' x 20' shop. I also added a router table between the table saw extensions and added a plenum with blast gates to each tool.

[@finn.hermansen]

This is awesome - Great design and functionality👍

[@edreusser4741]

This is one of the nicest workbench build I have seen. And there are a TON of them out there.

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks Ed!

[@ahmadismail2754]

Brilliant!!! You should definitely patent the idea.

[@jethropebs]

Epic build and very well thought out, efficient and effective design. I was impressed with your problem solving of the central support change. Well done!

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@chrisadamson9556]

This is beyond GENIOUS...

[@edisoncastro3860]

Love it, wonderful job

[@arrow7212]

I've been trying to decide on what type of bench to build as I have a bunch of similar tools and well, this is it! Thank you so much for posting the video and the plans on your site. Built the frame today. Great stuff, :)

[@ProjectBilld]

Awesome, and you're welcome! Let me know if you have any questions as you build the rest of it!

[@skippydammit]

Enjoyed watching you do this. Very informative. Like the way you overcame things as you went. Thanks for sharing!

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! I think it's important to let people know that it's not all sunshine and rainbows

[@Lutzboater]

Outstanding build. Love how you overcame the several problems you faced along the way. Only needs one thing that I can see: a thicker mattress!

[@ProjectBilld]

Lol! Will have to make it the guest bed for those we don't want to come back

[@brianp7938]

great bench design - very original and useful! I'm going to make something similar, but slightly smaller. Thank you for sharing!

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! The one I made is definitely large

[@scotttracey123]

Thank you for such a easy to follow set of plans and a great video to back them up with. Love my new bench. Donation on the way for all your help. Keep up the great videos and projects.

[@ProjectBilld]

That's awesome that you made the bench! Thanks for the donation too!

[@coppulor6500]

I have watched a ton of videos trying to decide what kind of workbench would be best for me. This idea is awesome and the coolest one I've seen. and making your own custom washers? at least for me, in the early stages of woodworking, that alone was worth watching this video. and learning about those plywood hinges! thank you for sharing :)

[@ProjectBilld]

You're welcome! I love to hearing that you found the video helpful and that my having a problem to solve (washers) was useful

[@longdriver2]

Wow! Looks great. I* have limited space and need to build something like this. A while ago I built a table the the entire top flips. After a few years of use the 2 X4 frame I made seems to have loosened up and now it's wobbly. I'm going to change the design to more like yours, but with a little heavier sub frame. Perhaps double 2x4's or 4x4 for the base frame. Thanks for the plans. Aloha!

[@SeanLeacy]

Great job!

[@workingman9688]

This is freaking genius!!! I've gotta do this at some point!

[@walterkemp6558]

What a build very clever. Well done . Some great ideas. Thanks for posting.

[@ProjectBilld]

You're welcome, I really enjoyed figuring it out and making the workbench

[@daabluesguru]

Awesome bench ! Thanks for the plans !

[@ProjectBilld]

You're welcome!

[@supremeoverlord4957]

Dude!!!! This bench is AWSOME!!!! As a new wood worker ive been looking for a bench ideas on youtube and yours is by far the best ive seen! Keep up the great work

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks, will do!

[@Kasper623]

I have watched this video likely over 50 times lol. It’s such a great build. Can’t wait to start working on it. Something I thing I’m going to add is another cutout adjacent to the one for the star knob. That extra hole I think I would or will add either an outlet or a power strip. I think I’m going to do that to both sides and connect the wires together so that way it’s just one long cord to plug in when in use. Obviously you could keep the tools plugged in when flipping them but it eliminates the hassle of the extension cord. Idk it’s just a though.

[@iamthebear187]

Really good vid. I like how you leave in your mistakes and how to fix them later. As someone who is new to wood working this will help me with this project and future projects.

[@theor.9219]

Cool table! Picked up some nice ideas for my own table, thanks!

[@ProjectBilld]

If it wasn't clear I used nylon lock nuts (stop nuts) on everything. Otherwise yeah it would be a risk!

[@Murpie2u]

Fantastic!!

[@lindaburt6518]

Wow! That's a great solution for saving space. Thank you for sharing.

[@ProjectBilld]

You're welcome!

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

That's freaking awesome!! Subscribed!

[@johnkelly2160]

Very clever build. Thank you for plans.

[@ProjectBilld]

You're welcome!

[@davidkessler1955]

Awesome I have been looking forward to building a work bench just trying to make the most complete and your design is by far the most effective I have seen thank you

[@ProjectBilld]

You're welcome!

[@tomtran2983]

Awesome workbench!!! Thank you for the plan. Just subscribed to your channel.

[@bennybischoff4913]

Cool bench! Love how quickly you can take out and put away each tool. Very well thought out.

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! It was a fun project to design

[@carlosfurtado8403]

Great work !! - very versatile

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@bayoubiker7834]

Fantabulous!

[@awesomearizona-dino]

Great design and execution.

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! The workbench is proving to be very useful so far

[@markkleckner3060]

Awesome, God Bless!

[@samh1403]

This is intimidating, but your video is so helpful that I think I’ll give it a try. Thanks for taking the time to document all this for us and share the plans. All the links are also super helpful.

[@ProjectBilld]

You're welcome! Let me know if you have any questions as you work on yours

[@KCChief1204]

that is simply amazing - I am looking to make a mini version of this and great inspiration

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! Let me know if you have any questions when you get to making yours

[@GregsWorkshopOregon]

That's the best flip top tool cart workbench I've seen. Nicely done.

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@soag87]

Nicely done! I like that you film and include the mistakes - every project requires some amount of creative problem solving. :)

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! I think showing my mistakes helps others realize that fact, that it's ok and mistakes do happen. Just have to figure out how to solve them!

[@woollywoolwoolz]

Love this system

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@rogerbassnan8634]

Awesome. Was looking for a solution to my space issues. Thanks.

[@ProjectBilld]

You're welcome!

[@danielgreenberg3400]

Nice work!

[@samnaderiofficial]

This build is awesome !! Appreciate you sharing your experience with us 👍🏼

[@ProjectBilld]

Glad you liked it!

[@ahmadyaghmour6094]

I want to build this. This is awesome. In a world where it’s astronomically cheaper to build something this customizable I’m starting this asap. Thank you

[@ProjectBilld]

You're welcome!

[@SeanGriffinthemusicalchef]

This is incredible!! Thanks!!

[@ProjectBilld]

You're welcome!

[@9sparkfuls]

Nice! I don't think most folks would actually build such a large item, but so many good ideas. The narration and video are also well done.

[@ProjectBilld]

Appreciate it Ken! And yep there lots of parts that could be taken and modified or used in their own way somewhere else

[@lesblack413]

Excellent build. Very well thought out and great workmanship. Cheers from Queensland Australia!!

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! Never been to Australia, but it's on the list!

[@crudy1985]

This was amazing brother.... truly impressive well done!

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@markedwards8788]

You are very talented - and a really fantastic design. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks Mark!

[@drewleuschner298]

This is a really excellent video. You cover some issues I've had with similar workbench designs and really maximize that useful space.

[@ProjectBilld]

I try to be really thoughtful with my designs, doesn't mean I'm always successful though ha

[@drewleuschner298]

@@ProjectBilld I think it always improves a video when you can see the modification of the design when you run into problems.

[@ProjectBilld]

Me too! I want people watching to understand that it's not a perfect process and not to be discouraged when they run into problems

[@robertburt9945]

I'm impressed. Very nice

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@jhawksw]

Super nice . Best design I’ve seen

[@ProjectBilld]

Thank you for the compliment!

[@silviotravagli7391]

Fantastic! Congratulations!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@richardsenior6439]

❤ one of the best pull outs I've seen👍

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@panwall1327]

Milwaukee blade on a DeWalt saw!...I'm keeping my eyes on you....

[@ProjectBilld]

I don't really get the concept of brand loyalty it seems haha

[@the250mikec]

Super cool

[@eduardonieto4693]

That is cool my friend.

[@Oh6Torch]

I’m buying those hinges NOW. I had no idea such things existed. Thank you for all the great ideas and an outstanding video!!!

[@ProjectBilld]

You're welcome! I didn't really know they existed either before. I just knew what I wanted the hinge to be able to do and came across those

[@Oh6Torch]

@@ProjectBilld hey, looking back, would you change anything to your design? Maybe the orientation of machines, machine selection, hardware or materials used, etc…? Thanks again.

[@ProjectBilld]

So far there's not much I would change. I would add a swiveling caster in the center instead of the board as the middle of the bench can sag and rub occasionally when moving it. Not a big issue but just a thought

[@azraelkolchuniak3143]

Wow free plans as well amazing man thanks

[@ProjectBilld]

Yeah! Enjoy the plans!

[@seanpatterson1609]

This is well done (both the project and the video editing)! I've thinking any how to store different tools in my garage shop, and this design looks VERY promising. Thanks for sharing this.

[@ProjectBilld]

You're welcome!

[@digrat]

First video of yours I've seen. Great build, great documentation of the build. I'm now a subscriber!

[@DanielWilliams-er3wc]

That is amazing! Thanks for the awesome ideas

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks for watching! Happy to share ideas!

[@anthonyvincent9990]

like your idea and would love to incorperate it into my own bench but want to mount my table saw and miter saw.

[@chrisr1241]

Well done!

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@flyinggusto]

Great video and big, no, HUGE thanks for including link to the hinges. Ive been looking for these and was sooooo close to buying from Amazon whic come in at about $8 each!!! (for powder-coated black). I hope yours are as good quality, cuz im buying now and saving myself upwards of $70 just on the hinges alone!!!!! Thanks, man

[@ProjectBilld]

You're welcome! The hinges I linked are holding up well for me

[@couldberunning]

Very Nice Build. Will be using some of the ideas in my new build

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@darylholtrop443]

nice build great video

[@carterscustomrods]

You've got my sub! Well done!!

[@iwantosavemoney]

Anther great build nice

[@Tackleberry_G1094]

Awesome build and great video 👍🏼

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@diegosalazar9844]

Hey Bill, Thank you very much for your fast response, I will let you know how my bench turns out.

[@cowboy898]

Good Job. Really nice project

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@hsjawanda]

This is a simple yet brilliant build: what I like to call "simply brilliant".

[@ProjectBilld]

Thank you!

[@Fabrizio_Marengo_Fai_da_Te_DIY]

Very nice idea

[@jamespalmer8206]

Just found the video. I think it is great. I'm going to have a shop in a one-car garage.

[@basilreardon5783]

Great job I'm doing the same thing for my tools .

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! It's really helped free up some much needed space

[@davidjunior1966]

Muito bom

[@dalesharp7514]

this was a very cool build!

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! It was fun to design and make

[@BryanW163]

Love it! Great Job. Now to get off my ass and make one.

[@donnysarvis]

Wow dude! That's a seriously functional and well thought out workbench! Fantastic job, and you made me laugh a bunch. Keep up the good work!

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks! I really enjoyed figuring out how to make it work

[@pat6703]

I absolutely love this build and video!!! May I ask how I can make this for being under a carport, in FL, and not having the high humidity, heat, ruin all tools and not getting mold. I only have a golf cart garage, which stores my golf cart and there is no room for a workbench.

[@tigerking2179]

I like it. I like the idea pertaining to use of space. It is hugely overbuild though, that 2X construction could carry way more weight than you have on there. Pros, it does make it easy to build, Cons are that you lose space and waste materials. Great job though, think I will borrow the idea for something I wanted to build.

[@eltee9547]

My upcoming workshop is the epitome of a small workshop. I'm about to convert my gifted 6x12 shed into my workshop and my first order of business is to build this table. Thank you for the free plans as well 🙏. Cheers!

[@ProjectBilld]

Good luck with your shop! I'm assuming you'd make the workbench the focus of the shop and put it in the center with a little bit of room around all sides?

[@eltee9547]

@@ProjectBilld That's exactly right. Thanks again for the free plans. Sure will make the build a lot easier.

[@SandyBoone]

Cool build! I like how you've thought out the way you'll use the tools and still be able to have a flat surface when you need it, rather than a flip top stand that's only for the tools. And I do think it would keep me cleaning up the surface a lot more than I do now. I'm going to modify it some for my tools and make it a bit smaller footprint - and thanks for the solutions you've come up with! How are you liking it in real time use?

[@ProjectBilld]

Love it for the most part! I do keep it pretty clean so I can use the flip up tools and it does save a lot of space. Only complaint I have is that it's difficult to move on my own because it's so large so I think a smaller footprint is a good idea

[@moulinherve8374]

Astucious, great working

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@itsjieyang]

Awesome!

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@themysticmakers4908]

I agree with the amount of screws you used for the sander, very appropriate. Redundancy for a few extra cents

[@ProjectBilld]

I'll always err on the side of overdoing it, just not worth it to even take that risk of the sander breaking away

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

Wow!! now that's a workbench! I love everything you built into this bench. I plan to have my planer rise up to the top of the workbench. It will have a removable top or I may use those hinges you used. I've never seen them before. The planer will be on a platform with a jack underneath. They make an adapter for a scissor jack, then you chuck it into your drill, and away it goes. I love that you have the side hanging tools- very clever. One question- are you worried about sawdust getting into the drawers? A hinged 1/4" piece of plywood woodwork. You could recess the lid by putting a rabbit around the top. Count me in as a new subscriber!

[@ProjectBilld]

Sawdust is a way of life it seems... even with dust collection there's nowhere it doesn't get. But yes I could definitely cover the drawers as they do get lots of sawdust in them

[@ambysto1541]

It’s the absolutely and insanely and wonderfully and brilliantly idea I ever seen. Thank you very much for this video 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@ProjectBilld]

You're welcome!

[@garyclark1135]

Looks great. My only concern would be the tool being stationary. Seems I would maybe want to move it around. I'm thinking some quick lock device that would allow for the tool to come loose from the top without removing the mounting bolts.

[@kevinb6102]

wow thats cool

[@ProjectBilld]

Thanks!

[@greghavens7679]

Good build. I'm going to do a similar build. However, I will offset the rotating top for my planer. An elevated portion on one side for a level bench area. For the planer I am mounting it so that the working surface of the planer is level with the workbench. Same with my miter saw.

[@ProjectBilld]

Nice! Definitely a good idea

[@Goodellsam]

Nice