The clever Workbench

I have been using these stage pedestals as workbenches for years and I love them. Now I made two super useful modifications to them that makes them even better.
The hole grid is the same that Festool uses for their MFTs.
And making Adapters for the side railing allows me to attach accessories and clamp my workpiece vertical.
Super useful.
If you like what i do you can support me at:
/ laurakampf
For more Infos visit
www.laurakampf.com
/ laura_kampf
/ laurakampfkoeln
Music by Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsou...)

[@AvilerED]

After doing a little bit of digging, these seem to be very similar to the Mott Stage Platform 2,0 x 1,0m ODSC (€559 /£476.67 new on the retailer website I found), if they aren't the actual one. I also stumbled across a similar looking model by a manufacturer named Diprofa, but the images I saw didn't resemble what Laura had quite as well as the Mott. Hope this helps people find ones for their use a bit quicker, depending on how much info a seller provides. Laura, I don't suppose you have specific model info you'd like to put in a pinned comment?

[@laurakampf]

Mine are from the company Schnakenberg. But there are many other companies that make them. If you don‘t need them to be height adjustable you can also just get the Pedestal and cut the legs to your desired height. Those are even cheaper.

[@AvilerED]

@@laurakampf Cool! Thank you :)

[@josephfloyd727]

@@AvilerED @laura kämpf I was about to post this too. I've never seen this type in the US. I would love to have these personally and at our local Hackerspace. Thanks to you both for sharing.

[@micah7492]

@@laurakampf do you buy them from Ebay or something or directly from the manufacturer?

[@JGUNW1R3D]

www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Top-quality-adjustable-mobile-folding-stage_60079718307.html

[@simonegiertz]

You are my idol

[@laurakampf]

❤️❤️❤️

[@thebiggerbyte5991]

@Boris Crismancich Already done!

[@CRAVTBOARD]

Good old Schnakenberg stage elements. :) I am a sound engineer & stage technician from Germany & share a hate love with these elements. Nice concept, but if you're building a stage with 100 of them, you're getting wasted, because they're really heavy. Great idea, I got a bunch of these old elements too & also decided to use one as workbench. I use the element with a motor & a lift, so i can use it also for working on bikes etc..

[@cycoholic]

Genius! Prices of second hand stage elements has just skyrocketed! ! 😀

[@uatu3021]

Adam Savage uses doctor's stools as shop stools, Laura uses staging elements for workbenches. I think once you reach a certain level as a maker you start seeing the potential in equipment outside of the standard range of what's found in a shop. Then it turns out that creative hunch leaves you with something that works better for less money than what's available on the market.

[@ChrisPage68]

Dentist chair as a recliner?

[@BrainFizz]

When you start looking at the problem you have rather than the solution to someone else’s problem, thing start to become clearer. 🛠👍💡

[@SullenSecret]

I am a home computer enthusiast. I use a dining table for my computer. I have a full surround sound system connected to it. The subwoofer sits on a little side table which sits on the dining table above my computer's monitor. It's stacked. :-)

[@buddyclem7328]

All of you sound like people I would like to hang out with!

[@mthandlebar8160]

Adam also uses the carts that Stewardesses use to serve drinks

[@make.anything]

Using the clamps through the table + the magic arm for filming are both *such* awesome time-savers. Love it!

[@Wintergatan]

that magic arm holding the camera idea is so nice. you always want that camera angle above the middle of the table where a three leg tripod cant reach.

[@laurakampf]

Yes-it works so well. Even having the magic arm on a tripod is a really cool solution for interesting angles and quick changes of perspective.

[@tjsabino1991]

It's always enjoyable to watch someone take something and repurpose it, even down to milling the bolt for the bench dog and modifying the f-clamp, it shows a lot of ingenuity.

[@lindyashford7744]

Absolutely love this workbench, I am a wheelchair user so the height adjustability really is something else! Now just hope my new home to be will have space for something this size, especially love the ability to add lighting and cameras, and I love the colour you chose too. Thanks so much, I know people who may be able to find one of these for me.

[@raebuilds4586]

Re-watching this and i still geek out the moment the lamp / bolt fit perfectly in the grid. 😶🤯

[@Dr_V]

Making one of those from scratch is also an option now that you've shown us exactly how they're built. I'm watching this while repairing plastic toys for my kids, I'm really missing my carpentry shed over winter...

[@logandwilliams]

Simply brilliant, Laura! Cologne is gonna be sold out of stage elements in 3...2...1...

[@Bambibol]

This is genius! I love the combination of the blue legs, the beat up frame and the gorgeous top 💛 Looks amazing AND is practical.. awesome!

[@laurakampf]

Thanks!!

[@saralucas551]

This is amazing. I love your channel. It's great to see makers who are women. And you're German! Meine Mama kommt aus Mainz.

[@glowerpower]

Absolutely insane how good these ideas are. Inspirational.

[@camillecrestani3499]

I love Smudo 🤩 such a funny dog , and his name suits him so well 🥰

[@hshwhitten]

This is genius. The camera arm is perfect. The power strip.

[@suzil7687]

You are simply a creative genius with an unmatched zeal for life. Ich liebe dich! ❤️

[@tpsmith14]

You're always a Sunday morning highlight. Well done.

[@Doc_Fartens]

I've been looking for a new workbench for a while and was going to make one out of Aluminium extrusions and plywood. I might now try to source one of these stage sections locally to me. Thanks for the idea/suggestion.

[@dirkholzheuer8755]

Sehr gut! Very clever. Ein würdige Nachfolge von „Zugeschaut und mitgebaut“

[@bellarocha8073]

smudo's participations are always awesome

[@natepaynter1594]

That is the most creative and functional desk I've ever seen! If I had to make any modifications to it I'd hammer metal inserts into the grid holes so they don't wear out with frequent use.

[@Benzelf]

I once saw old hospital beds used as workbenches. They can be height adjusted very easy also and, they have wheels so you can move them in your workshop if needed.

[@topherglatastryuser]

I work with this sort of staging the rails around the outside allow for bolts to be slid in for handrails and curtains to hide the underneath of them, but I'm sure you can use that system better than I could think of

[@laurakampf]

Great tip! I will try bolts-that would be perfect actually!

That rail idea is very nice. Thanks 👍🏼

[@goldengayboy]

Really appreciate your verbal/visual organization of all you videos. The information is top notch. Wishing you great continued success.

[@MichaelHonsinger]

You are as adorable as your cool projects. Very inspiring! Thanks!

[@shanehertzog5812]

You did a superb work bench. I have seen woodworkers use the uk parf drilling .You did not need this uk drilling guide save your self some money. Laura you make nice woodwork projects.

[@billofalltrades1468]

Very nice ideas ! Looks like I'm changing my work bench layout.

[@Eless20]

This is amazing, we have a yearly play that involves a lot of construction, painting and mostly shoddy use of powertools for the set and we use the exact same stage platforms as workbenches for the construction part of the project (and they utlimately go back to be the stage). They are sturdy as hell and the best thing is that they are lent to us by for almost nothing.

[@thomsonm5]

What a creative build! Additionally, I'm building a cart for my MFT and your power strip solution is a perfect addition - thanks for the great idea.

[@Outsideville]

I've been tinkering with making a height adjustable desk/project table. This could work quite well. Glad to have had this channel suggested for me.

[@michaelhazen8658]

Nice. this has given me an idea. There is about 4' of space under my shop. Now Im thinking of using electric screw jacks to lift a bench from floor to working height. Thats a long travel though :D

[@brotschuh]

Nachdem ich über 20 Jahre als Veranstaltungstechniker gearbeitet habe, habe ich diese Scherenpodeste zu hassen gelernt. Sie sind unzuverlässig und teilweise gefährlich. Ich bevorzuge Bühnentische mit 4 Füßen. Dafür gibt es Variofüße, die man stufenlos in der Höhe verstellen kann - somit wackelt der Tisch auch nicht auf unebenem Untergrund. Und man hat viel mehr Beinfreiheit bzw. kann etwas unter den Tisch stellen. Ansonsten finde ich deine Modifikationen sehr sehr geil. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@edshelden7590]

Excellent use of recycled products. The only thing that I would add would be some sort of a mount for a bench vice on the corner. Maybe a project 2 for the bench. Mount a good vice Wilton or Cheap vice Harbor freight, on a platform that would lock onto you grid hole. The electrical power strip mount is a jewel.

[@Geeksmithing]

Neat idea! Pegboards are great!

[@velocelt]

This was an interesting project. With a lot of folks you either love "shop organization" videos, or hate them. Me, I'm somewhere in the middle. What I really like about this though, is that it's repurposing an existing product, especially if it can be found used and considerably cheaper than buying something new. I'm not a woodworker so much as a fabricator working with all kinds of materials, so something simple and sturdy like this appeals to me. You really increased the utility of these benches amazingly by drilling the holes and adding the edge details. I don't have the space for something like this right now, but you can be sure this idea has been committed to a short list of "great shop ideas" and I'll be on the lookout for these sorts of "benches" in the future when I'm able to set up my own dedicated shop space.

[@hinterwaldnews5878]

Hallo Laura, super Idee. Ich habe mächtig über mich lachen müssen, dass mir die Idee nie selbst kam. Ich habe 5 Jahre Theater gemacht und ständig diese Teile durch die Gegend getragen. Aber die Verbindung Holzarbeit und Bühnenpodest. Danke für die Idee!

[@bluzshadez]

No video is ever complete without the appearance of Smudo!

[@martinlamarche7568]

You are just... AMAZING !!!! Always enjoying your videos !!!! 😍

[@captivatethem]

this is the greatest thing i've ever seen, and i must make one immediately. thank you so much for this Maximum Utility gift, it's such an elegant solution to so many every day challenges.

[@molegrip3860]

OUTSTANDING! There is nothing more satisfying than successfully modifying a workspace. Cheers, Laura - Thanks for sharing & Happy Sunday:)

[@alsmith1025]

Very creative. Its crazy how many times i had been amazed on they way she sees things and projects she does.

[@aksting]

My cat was absolutely mesmerized by this bench modification build video.

[@aaronbono4688]

I have been wanting to build a table that is adjustable in height so we can serve as a coffee table as well as a dining room table and a gaming table. This would be absolutely perfect! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@stefanhennig]

Ich sehe diese Bühnenelemente an vielen, vielen Wochenenden, aber da bin ich noch nicht drauf gekommen. Die ersten zehn Sekunden im Video -> Facepalm. So einfach. So genial. Ich werde diese Idee stehlen.

[@lanavesiete]

I love your projects Laura. Thanks for this interesting video !!! I really liked the versatility of your table and I bought a used Rosco Nivoflex that I also use as a work table. The best workbench I have ever had. Great idea!!!!

[@jpgregor]

Laura … that’s a gamechanger. Thank you!

[@gerjaison]

Clever, pragmatic and stylish!

[@BlueyMcPhluey]

I'm obsessed with this concept! So practical!

[@jocool7370]

My new favourite DIY channel!! Everything from Köln is good, even water!! 😊

[@alberttetley]

it's always fun to watch you work and modify things

[@randyrandolph9709]

Awesome job love it. Please keep the dog in the videos love him

[@wguerra]

Nice work ! You should use UJK Parf Guide System next time to ensure squareness of dog holes.

[@theferalmaker]

Haha I have exactly the same - four of them. I use them as stages AND as workbench as I am storing them in my shop anyways. Bought them used, 20 years old, but they are still super solid and will last me at least 20 more years ;-)

[@jimmypilgrim]

Superb craft and creativity. I’m in awe.

[@Gerkozielman]

Wauw, what a very nice workbench!! with that handy grid! Wonderful!

[@kaferrat]

Excellent way to repurpose something for your use. The height adjustments on those legs are such a great feature. Your videos are such a treat to watch...always look forward to notifications. 😎

[@wings0sgniw]

A movable power strip!? Great idea! The bench modifications look perfect for your setup and are very inspiring. Another awesome video :) Also your pup looks adorable! Always a fun addition to your videos.

[@ErvinKrauss]

I like your use of Festool.

[@ACe-zg1je]

Love your videos! Not to mention your ideas.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

slamming the like button for the cinematography alone, honestly! fantastic work!

[@jamesbrennan5360]

Just came across this older video of yours. Awesome bench, love the additions especially the sliding power board.

[@elusivemite]

Nice use of staging. You can buy Cnc cut jigs for routing the holes at exactly 96mm centers. Makes it useful with your tracksaw for square and 45 degree cuts.

[@Nandel67120]

Excellente idée que celle de recycler cet établi. Celle qui consiste à utiliser les rails latéraux de cette façon est encore meilleure 👍 Toujours un plaisir de regarder tes vidéos 😉 Merci

[@marcinsykut497]

Smudo is the best . Bench too . Thank you Laura !

[@batterymakermarkii2654]

My god, a Black & Decker workmate on steroids! It's brilliant!

[@darth0227]

Amazing! Simple and elegant in it's function driven design.

[@dariosierra2278]

Excelente!! Voy a tratar de hacerlo. Saludos desde Buenos Aires!

[@Streetsy]

That doggy is adorable.

[@Tangably]

Great video and adaptation of abandoned hardware from event staging. Making call to get a couple of these right now. 👍🏼

[@geoffjohnston1531]

Excellent as usual.

[@jeffspackman3805]

I use these stage decks at work. I have not seen those style legs before. Ours use 5cmx5cm square tube legs.

[@alexjenal5638]

Yeah! So many cool things in one video! This rusty desk lamp looks amazing!

[@Clairvoyant81]

Great idea if you have the space. A stage element should definitely be solid enough to be a good work bench.

[@JimNichols]

So.... you actually know how to use an old school folding rule and slide pencil markings, you weld, grind can use a lathe..... if you know who Schrodenger is....it might be love. You have an amazing talent I'm glad you share your work with us. Keep up the good work thank you

[@jevenja]

Well done Laura. Es ist immer wieder so schön zu sehen was du so zauberst!!!!

[@jevenja]

Man könnte auch sagen "The cleverLauraBench"

[@diystuff3354]

great working bench and good luck 👍🏽 I am Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 woodworking youtuber

[@irenedevore]

Nice bench! Love it! I built my workbench out of wood and it took me so long to make. I like that your height is adjustable. That's a nice option!

[@shermanlab9477]

Beautiful project, as indeed all your creations. Thanks Laura, your dexterity and your inventiveness are spectacular. I always follow you. SL

[@nobelhobel]

Super Idee und ein tolles Ergebnis

[@ConwayT91]

You rock Laura! Your content only keeps getting better and better. This project is awesome, im gonna try to find a second hand stage piece as well!

[@T-800..]

Sunday morning, just finished making my coffee and I get a notification about a Laura Kampf video. This is a good morning! Also, awesome work bench! 👍

[@woodysallen]

Frühstück mit Laura.... 👍👍👍👍

[@swierczekflores5626]

Super nice, lovely way to share.

[@kenshepherd6831]

You rock Laura!

[@GNU_Linux_for_good]

Laura is happy.. and I'm jealous. Great job!

[@Eurok666]

Nice upgrade for that stage pedestal !

[@KeithOlson]

FWIW, you can get *MUCH* better quality light by using 90+ CRI LED strips. If you rig them for 24v and run them off of 19.5v laptop power supplies, the LEDs will last a lot longer. A 1m arc attached to a 5mm thick strip of aluminium will provide a lot of light while helping to eliminate shadows.

[@MisterE428]

Gen-i-us! Wow, so cool!

[@AlexKahl]

Price of stage elements since now: 100€ Price of stage elements since Laura‘s great video: a Zero more :)

[@tombuildsthings]

With all the random things I have attached to bench dogs, I never thought of putting a lamp or camera on one. I guess you just showed me the next couple of projects for my welding bench 😁👍

[@waltdphila]

Lee Valley sells an insert to adapt a standard (Ikea) lamp to a 3/4" dog hole. I think they have a 20mm variant as well.

[@tombuildsthings]

@@waltdphila awesome!

[@1230986666]

Aaaaand subscribed. The production quality is incredible

[@HyperactiveNeuron]

That's just awesome! Wish these were more easier to find a good price on here. A quick look online have me sticker shock. Love how the elements fold up. That's ideal.

[@JakeThomasCreative]

You are a genius. That is so practical! Great video as well.

[@patrickvanovermeeren4513]

Brilliant !! Allways enjoy your content. Presentation and camera work are top notch ! Thanks for sharing !

[@nicolaszwahlen9766]

Great job! Simple and practical, it deserves a blue thumb!!

[@mopemaster]

Super Idee mit der Steckdosenleiste. 👍🏻

[@justingould2020]

So many good ideas in this video! I love the lamp and camera mounts.