Restoring an Old Beat Up Workbench

[@mlbmba9546]

As a woodworker, all I could think was “man I wish I could run the top through my planer before he glued it back together. Could have saved this man hours of sanding.” 😮‍💨

[@alexanderchadesh539]

I thought that's why he was splitting it to begin with. Finished product is great though.

[@bobbg9041]

I was thinking the same thing. Or better yet just coat it with epoxy that can take 3000 f temperature the kind you use on kitchen counter tops. I belive the years in a work environment add charter to it.

[@the.23]

A run trough the planer, a smooth sanding and then some very high temperature resistant epoxy.

[@kjpete3]

It didn't take him hours using the belt sander she had. Also, a planer reduces thickness, he more than likely would have still sanded in some capacity.

[@cesare3542]

I thought he would have used dowels to keep it aligned.

[@gregkrueger331]

I’ve worked in a manufacturing environment for nearly 20 years and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to get my hands on one of these old lista benches lol. Nice work, now i need to try harder when i get the chance again. Nice work 👍

[@bearing_aficionado]

I have a Lista toolbox with workbench from my employer. I was told to throw it away but my production manager at the time said I could have it but to get rid of it immediately. So I had an operator help me load it up into his truck and he drove it home real quick and grabbed his other truck and came back. After work he followed me to my house and helped me unload it. Of course it's over 20 years old and beaten up but still works. Would love to get it restored.

[@MadMax-yq9ix]

Just make one, cheaper.

[@pizzalord3n]

My department just scrapped a whole inventory of the old lista drawer systems and lockers

[@miroslavvodicka6744]

ĺo9j

[@murrijuana2842]

@Seek Him with all your heart and you will find Him any type of religion that uses mortal gatekeepers is a scam... I pray for your soul 🙏

[@Foxfady]

Finally somebody restoring something gigantic that isnt a vehicle or random stuff and that can genuinely be used for actual work/projects

[@MarkMeadows90]

My dad has a smaller Lista work bench he inherited from his old work place. He worked for Parker Hannifin. They had an old building, and they were getting rid of a lot of old equipment before moving into a newer building back in the early to mid 2000 range. There was an old Lista work bench he wanted. The workers were going to throw the bench in the dumpster. My dad saved it and restored the work bench kind of like you did. He repainted it all black with a clear coat. The wood top was restored and was given a honey oak polyurethane finish. He still uses the work bench to this day. You did a lovely job with this one. Nicely done.

[@Wasper216]

Good work, with exception of the paint job.

[@RetroHGenX]

One of the most satisfying videos I've seen in a long time.

[@ocuanadesigns]

Watched this ages ago but had to come back again as I found it so worth while. Thanks dude

[@vessmachineen193]

I really enjoyed your restoration. I am into manufacturing new machinery but watching old stuff being restored have a special place in my heart.

[@carlosrodriguezborges2990]

nice and extra shiny clean workbench

[@ImeldaArriaga-c8g]

A beautiful restoration sir it came out pretty well sir it looks nice and the metal plate u put on top a very good idea it works perfect well done sir 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍💯

[@chuckdworak1909]

If that old work bench couldn't tell you stories of glories and victory

[@FreejackVesa]

I really love utilitarian restoration: industrial tables, boxes that hold precision machines, industrial table lamps, etc Also, with the right tools, and this guy has pretty much all the right tools, jobs like this just require some meditative patience. The right tool for the job is always key.

[@richardsims1805]

That work bench is too beautiful to work on!! Great restoration!!

[@woodlanddemars7726]

I'm getting a jack of all trades vibe from you and I like it. Good restoration vid!

[@TheDustyShed]

Just the right amount of restoration. It doesn't need to be perfect, just functional and presentable.

[@bernicebarnes3484]

WOW! This was so satisfying to watch you redo the whole work bench to its original look. I found it so satisfying...beautiful top...the final touch was the castors. Thank you for sharing this...enjoyed the video very much.

[@damarisarts9489]

I was surprised to see that you didn't spray paint inside the drawer nor clean the underside of the wood top. I think those little things would improve the quality of your work.

[@Name-vu1kn]

I disagree with your comment. To me it looks like he prioritized what was actually important. Everything he touched came out awesome. His quality of work is high. Absolutely nobody is going to see the bottom of the bench, that was in pretty good shape anyway. It had clearly always been the bottom. Also the inside of the drawers on this style bench get beat up pretty easily with how they slide.

[@bengrogan9710]

@@Name-vu1kn Indeed - The fact that the draws and legs are held on by threaded inserts means there is no way for that NOT to be the underside

[@Name-vu1kn]

@@bengrogan9710 why couldn’t you remove the inserts, fill the holes, flip, and redrill the inserts. The shop I worked in used Vidmar benches like this and it was easy to flip the tops.

[@bengrogan9710]

@@Name-vu1kn You could remove them, but you are creating needless complexity. You would need to template or accurately measure the hole patterns, then by using the insert side up you now have bigger holes to fill than any damage that exists on the top face - for what benefit?

[@Name-vu1kn]

@@bengrogan9710 template? Do you mean marking the holes on the legs to the top? I think your overthinking it. It’s pretty simple.

[@dbstelly]

I did something similar back in the day. When you start to reassemble it much easier to do upside down. Place top on the floor with bottom facing upward. You’re not fighting gravity that way. Very nice work, really like the castors!👍🔥

[@heroraven1337]

big brain time

[@sabilce]

Overall it’s a decent table. If you’re not using it for big heavy projects. Its gets unstable when using my jigsaw and handsaw. Table starts to shake and lifts off the ground. Maybe I’m doing something wrong?Also the folding mechanic works great kzbin.infoUgkxyFZUPFEey-PuqsPMxqaykBhgA1LWxFHh when setting up, but I can’t get the table to fold down. It gets stuck 3/4ths on the way down.

[@kjamison5951]

Over three summers, I had to find another desk for a teacher in the workshop. More areas were being used for academic rather than practical lessons. Every year someone had got a brand new modular desk and the old worn beat up desk was being tossed. Mostly particle board construction with a veneer, I have new life to those desks with four coats of satin yacht varnish. Each coat was rubbed down and the finish was great. Thank you for this video. I have an old workbench in the garage I need to update…

[@jamieburgess8525]

There is something really satisfying for me watching things look new again. I’m thinking of starting a business doing this.

[@lilTryhard]

And a youtube channel please. These type of videos never get old

[@tattoosteveneo]

Whew. I felt so relieved when you packed those bearings with grease 👍😂

[@ChipChannelRestorations]

Great work Restoration Station!

[@LadyLeigh]

It was a great restoration and the castors and steel top “add on” was the icing on the cake!

[@mattpeterson7074]

I got one one of those Lista benches out of my Mother-in-Law's garage! Might have to add a restoration project to my to-do list after this! Beautiful work.

[@MTMKillah]

This guy does heavy collision and body work foooooooor sure

[@commoncents456]

Fantastic job. I don't remember him asking to use my tools. If he asked, I would have suggested bench dog holes. Maybe he will be asking to borrow my mag drill for the holes. Great job 🤣👍👍

[@henrymorgan3982]

It's too nice. LOL!!! Good job!

[@ztechrepairs]

I love the look of a used wood surface. Nice end result either way though!

[@TN_HondaDad]

Wood is such a cool medium to work with, all new just a few 32nd's below the surface. Nice job.

[@JulioCesar-vd6em]

WOW Nice work table. The project is finish really good!

[@scharferschnitt1071]

great outcome. I'm sure you looking forward to using that beauty in you future projects

[@tomswindler64]

Good video ready for another 20 plus years.keep it up 👍👍😎😎

[@daltondunn7856]

We have Lista desks at work, super nice. Well worth the time to restore one.

[@brycecrousore1985]

That is just wonderful!! 10-stars, and then some.

[@evelpug]

Pretty good. People need to be reminded that this will be used to work on. It is not supposed to be a showpiece.

[@DeanG55]

So good, I had to watch it twice!!

[@TylerSnyder305]

Great score, Lista is top notch stuff.

[@gergemall]

You sir are a brilliant craftsman and artist.

[@terryrogers1025]

Sweet restoration, nice touch adding the steel top on hinges. Makes for an excellent work surface option. Thanks for the video.

[@danielstephenson7558]

5:38 I see you, Cheeky transition, I see you. Loving these vids.

[@JM-sx9yk]

Lista, that's top of the line industrial stuff.

[@Bertdevries4865]

@ Restoration Station, You did it again. Many subscribers wanted you to plain it, but the thing is.......All those extra effort you put in this bench, will pay you back in the end. And now you know every Cm2 of that top. Amazing job...as always. Greetings from the Netherlands. Bert

[@Marcelo-56]

From the way you use the belt sander and how you use the brush, in addition to the neatness in your way of working, I already realize that you are a professional👍, I don't see the video as a hobby, I care about learning and I pay attention in the details.

[@stevenguevara2184]

That thing has some great bones. I prefer the original blue. To each His own. Great job

[@tombruno3986]

I really enjoyed watching this video. Thanks.

[@YepItsBill]

Excellent work! I hope we get to see a restoration on that Beverly sheer you've got there some day

[@G__Mason]

Great work! There’s nothing more satisfying than doing these types of restoration projects imo… man I gotta get me some of those tools 😂

[@Texray1]

My old USAF shop had all new Lista benches in the mid 90s. Nice stuff.

[@iispjhanna]

Verly nicely done. Makes me think its time to clean up my bench.

[@crowindof]

this should have an Oscar, beautiful pictures

[@wendyt23]

Amazing! Great work. I really enjoyed watching this video.

[@playablemovies]

Although this was a nice job done, I believe a restoration is how it came out of the factory, original color and everything, I honestly would have left the blue

[@BelieveNoGod]

Wow, that table top, would have made a beautiful dining table. 😃

[@bigfredscustoms9498]

I dig the color change from blue to red! Great job!

[@SteveAustin-jp3ev]

I would have stuck with blue

[@shottyshot]

my favourite part of this: why not both?! amazing video bro thank you

[@Momster1000]

Beautifully done,love the red color.

[@jeffplawrentz269]

Wow! that looks great

[@candacestevenson8006]

I loved the blue paint and was so sad to see it get sanded and powerwashed off - I'm so glad you repainted the metal parts red!!

[@ochoch9345]

Great job with the refurbishment and upgrades. I love the red casters. Happy making.

[@cmcnichols4]

Excellent. Thanks for this - inspired me to do the same with mine.

[@rosetodaro5081]

That wood too looks amazing!

[@zekecorder8226]

Nice finished project. A good bench to start with and reasonably well cared for. Other than the top, little damage. Looks good finished.

[@murphymmc]

The steel top is a nice add on . The wood glue is stronger than the wood itself, biscuits or dowels help with alignment and that's about it. If the glue fails in your lifetime, you'll be glad you didn't use either of those. As for wood finish, you did well, any product will need to be touched up or redone in time. Solvent finishes do make the wood look nicer, water based polyurethanes hold up very well and are easy to reapply when needed. The only other upgrade I'd see as useful is a back panel to increase rigidity in the long run. Nuts and bolts will loosen over time and use. I had a metal cart that had nuts, bolts, lock washers. As a job-site cart it got moved frequently, it always needed tightening. Solution, tightened them all one last time, welded every joint and lap, removed nuts and bolts.

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

@Seek Him with all your heart and you will find Him Remember that Jesus worked as a carpenter, skilled at working productively with his hands, as part of his preparation for his ministry.

[@RestoreMore]

Now THAT'S a workbench! I'm so jealous :O Amazing work you done a wonderful job! Looking forward to seeing it in action in future videos :)

[@kidwehrex5895]

What an awesome old workbench

[@aldosorgentini]

awesome work !!! o love the color, the wood, all is so perfect!

[@kunzesaur]

the more I watch these kinds of videos, the more I realize like 75% of it is having the right tools for the job.

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

This was great. Thanks for just letting us hear the sounds of you and your tools working, instead of putting in an inane musical soundtrack as background, and for clearly showing each step of the process you used to make it happen. The video overviews and close-ups were especially good, and showed in detail what had to be done to restore such a great find to reliable shop use for years, if not decades, to come. I was not aware of Lista workbenches until I saw this. Now I know what to look for at yard sales, estate tag sales and flea markets.

[@Cliffepoos]

Very nice resto job. I'm sure it will give you many years of good use.

[@HunterThinker]

Amazing work!!! Would love to see you show it off a little more in the end 🙌🙌 You deserve it!

[@jeffr0]

Very nice restoration Nice touch adding the casters and steel top with hinges.

[@Habu71]

Love the size of this bench and man that gorgeous work top. Wow

[@dirtyhairy8884]

Beautiful & solid restoration! That bench will last forever.👍👍👊

[@nordicson2835]

Happy to see you save this bench... l worked in a restaurant , in the garage in the back was one of these benchs, it was always cool to go back there and use the "shop" . Would love to be able to grab one now that l have a house and a garage... great work , thank you.

[@erictoddw]

Very original and great work,

[@mitchmurrell753]

Beautifully done! Subscribed.

[@grumpfcatarso2453]

Better than new👍- have two old one of these benches from Hoffmann Group, a good project for winterseason 2024/25.

[@aqacefan]

The addition of the locking casters was a good move. Cleaning up around the unit will be so much easier.

[@andrewgrace4410]

Beautiful restoration

[@pqworks9019]

That was a remarkable restoration. It was super satisfying to watch that belt sander grind that wood surface clean again. The surface turned out perfect and the paint job looks really good! That was cool how you made a metal surface that you can put on and that you put a nice bluing on it as well!! You did a perfect job start to finish! Great video!

[@steveo5174]

The timber surface was nice before he burnt it welding the hinges on.

[@elmermason9685]

Nice job. Looks like a show piece. Almost too nice to use. Thanks for the video.

[@DevengerKott]

Very nice! Your restoration was spot-on! I would have cut the metal bench surface in half and hinged each piece so I could have dual work surfaces if I wanted, but that's just a preference thing. Otherwise this looked incredible!

[@gergemall]

Beautiful

[@michaelskinner896]

Nice job, and that was a lot of work!

[@37Kilo2]

I enjoyed the entire video, but the creation of your custom emblem was awesome. I didn't realize it was that "easy". I was kind of partial to the beat up wood block. The new, sanded, and varnished slab looks nice, but the old surface had more character. Either way, nice work.

[@amystreasuresdesign]

Looks good. I would attach a magnet or two on the wall so you can leave rhe bench in place and simply life the metal top off when you want/need to work on the wood surface.

[@chandarussell]

Well done. It looks great. I’d love to get my hands on one of these old benches.

[@jimmccormick6091]

While a workbench by nature is supposed to take a beating, still, at some point, they get to the point of "ya know what, workbench? You deserve better!" Great restoration, great modifications!

[@atcdan133]

What a great idea. Well done

[@garyleitz3865]

You do good work. Very nice job!

[@RichardThomas-db2pw]

Lista is a very good brand of work bench, and tooling cabinets also!!

[@beverlypearce4191]

Wow! Great transformation.

[@heddaacevedo]

Such a good work. Thank you so much for sharing your restoration. Love the stainless steel cover …great idea.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@038Dude]

That….is a nice bench my man. That would fit my garage very nicely hehe.

[@DrMrSmooth]

Good work 💪

[@garyelrod8856]

Extremely nice work!

[@briankissel7661]

Great job! Thanks for sharing.

[@timmymartin317]

From OTC blue to craftsman red. Nice work.

[@bigtonka82]

From a wood working perspective it would have been best to use biscuits or dowels to join the split pieces back together and then 3 coats of oil based polyurethane but that's just my opinion though, it turned out really great.

[@firesurfer]

If done properly, the wood joint is stronger than the wood. I've beaten on a glued plank with a sledge and the joint held together. The wood split an inch away. No dowels or inserts of any kind.

[@rileyswoodcraft]

@@firesurfer the biscuits would be to help align the pieces

[@firesurfer]

@@rileyswoodcraft Not needed. Use clamps.

[@wills5482]

Biscuits and dowels don't do anything structurally, the glue does the heavy lifting, you only strengthen the joints with Dominoes/tongue and groove/mortises/screws but there's no need

[@sav1239]

Should have ran them through the planer and jointer while they where split to save on all that sanding!! But maybe he doesn’t own those tools

[@tattoosteveneo]

Love it. Nice job. Only saw one paint run but hey. Gives it character if you ask me.