These Make The BEST WORKSHOP TABLES / WORKBENCH!! (Tips, Tricks, Secrets--Workshop Table Full Build)

[@WoodsmokeSelf-Reliance]

I have made the same work tables in the past. The one added difference is I edge-band the door top with 1/4” oak that stands proud of the top by 1/8”. I then drop in a piece of 1/8” double tempered Masonite which becomes a sacrificial top that protects the solid core door top, and when the top-side of the Masonite gets damaged I simply flip it over and I have a new top. Once that sheet of Masonite is completely worn out I can easily replace it with a new piece. That way the bench top (door) last indefinitely and makes for a bench that will last for generations. FYI: depending on how you care for the work surface, a sheet of Masonite can last for years. My second work table is for assembling wood projects only and the original Masonite that I installed on it 22 years ago is still in near mint condition, so I have yet to flip it over to the second side. My first work table is on the second side of the original sheet of Masonite. I flipped it about 4 years ago. It was originally installed in 1993.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Good idea, Woodsmoke! Somebody mentioned something similar down below. Gives me something to think about. Great way to extend the table life!

[@TinManOutdoors]

I would prefer the masonite flip, keeping the one side for messy jobs, the other for complete flat and untouched...great add on to the Honestly Awesome Carpenter's vid! Postscipt, can always pop off the masonite for the new surface for "finesse" jobs...

[@rogerbaughman3542]

@@TheHonestCarpenter hello I watch a lot of your videos and they have been invaluable. One of the major things I seem to be having trouble with is developing a client base. I'm a one man crew, and I do work as a general handyman. I know how to do most things, but I keep losing work to my area's competition. What tips do you have for building a business to where I can actually start bringing in more money? If possible could you make a video on this if you haven't already?

[@kevinthomson6324]

Smart tip. Having a wipeable surface on a assembly table is a great idea. With drops of glue and stain everywhere a wood top gets messed up pretty quick

[@brandofluck]

Good idea. Do you secure the Masonite down or just let it rest on the top?

[@thakuralokpratapsingh6540]

As an amateur with woodworker, i typically feel overpowered with the entire arrangement kzbin.infoUgkxrYREG3-7f1Aqk9ams3ZESRNzGnfdUtyQ . Be that as it may, this arrangements drove me through with much clarity and effortlessness woodplans. Works i now work like a genius. That is great!

[@1988dgs]

Suggestion for the window corners, as you used a hole saw for the radius, use the hole saw to cut the corners

[@victorquesada7530]

My thoughts EXACTLY!

[@tassie7325]

Came here to make the same suggestion but thought I had better check if someone beat me to it 👍

[@henrylombard1965]

Haha, yup, that was my post as well… I guess we benefit from seeing the build and jigsaw struggles first though.

[@petedonna4894]

Great idea

[@71degrees]

Mmm Hmm

[@bobfinnecy4231]

Ethan…I really like your simple approach to solving some everyday issues. I think we like to over complicate things and you are very wise to show the simple yet effective solutions. Keep them coming..greatly appreciated.

[@GlasgowGallus]

Now THIS channel is what KZbin should be about: a sharing of skills that are essential, especially in these times where everything's disposable and not enough people make things. The past few years has seen me become a real 'wood' guy. I buy, or get for free, offcuts, pallets old furniture and actually get creative and USE these things. I'm not as skilled as I like to think I am, but I'm getting there😂, thanks to real craftsmen sharing what they know. Thanks man, keep it up. Oh aye: Subscribed👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@dannewman7974]

My father used solid core doors as well for work surfaces back in the 60's 70's and 80's. I've done my part to carry the tradition forward as well. Wasn't aware that it was perhaps a common practice.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

I’ve seen it in a few other shops over the years, Dan. Next step is to coat the top with minwax to prevent glue adhesion on the surface 🙂

[@cidercreekranch]

I did the same about 12 years ago. Though I mounted it on a double-wide drawer base cabinet that I harvested from a kitchen remodel 3 houses ago. The cabinet was made with hardwood plywood so it's quite stiff and the addition of a 3/4" back made it much stiffer. The cabinet was ~48" so I trimmed the door length down to 6 feet.

[@jfchapman42]

@@cidercreekranch Any issues with trimming the door? Thinking I have to do that because of space constraints.

[@MarkCleugh]

@@jfchapman42 I have this question too. Thanks.

[@davidguenther8170]

@John Chapman, etal: If you don't mind the particle board core showing on the end, it should be okay. Personally, I'd rout out enough particle board to install a solid piece of wood between the top and bottom veneers.

[@denafredrickson8699]

Would you please consider doing a really slowed down version of this for us beginners? Love your videos!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Dena! I’ll try to do some longer tutorials in the near future! 🙂

[@mtmaniacs]

Hit the settings and watch it at .25 playback speed. I watch ALL videos (especially movies) at 1.25 speed. Saves time!

[@stede9304]

This is legit the most No BS starter workshop table I’ve seen. Looking forward to giving it a go.

[@dirtyvet5404]

Being a metal fabricator, I made kind of the same table using 3/16" metal plate for welding projects, although as a first time home owner I am learning quick the joys of carpentry. I have viewed several of your videos and I appreciate the tips and tricks. I am now on my voyage in purchasing all those fun (tools) toys to get the job done. Thank you

[@Enthrallogy]

Damn son

[@brianbirish]

Love the solid door idea. I worked in cabinetmaking in the 80's and we always used 1/4 masonite (hardboard) with one smooth side on top with solid wood edge. Contact cement it on so it's easy to remove with lacquer thinner. Very durable and cheap. Easy to wipe glue off and clean.

[@GabrielCsaba]

The little mounting blocks at the bottom of your table legs blew my mind. Such a simple, beautiful solution.

[@jsm8116]

Excellent video. I’ll be building one of these very soon and will use your plans. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, JSM! Good luck with the build, and work safe! 😄

[@kenkre1212]

solid core doors are the best. made a dining room table from one many years ago. made a trestle to hold the top. had it for years. great simple shop table.

[@benjaminguidry5827]

I love it. Simple, easy, functional, and extremely practical. Edit: I recently threw one of these together. I have a DeWalt 7491RS jobsite table saw, and I built this about 1/4" shy of that height. So I'm using your design as an outfeed table slash assembly table slash mobile workbench. It's extremely convenient. Thanks for sharing this!

[@williamdaly1005]

My dad built his workshop table with a solid core door much the same way about 30 years ago. My dad is gone but I have his workbench, tools, and an incredible old Stanley vise! Love this channel and the builds.

[@donb8447]

I've used a hollow core door and folding horses for field work the last 20 yrs... the hollow core door is just lighter to move around, and doesnt add extra weigh on the work truck. For stability, I fasten it to the horses with 2 1/2" screws and fender washers. If I ever get a shop back, I'll definitely build the work tables in this matter.

[@piotrkopczynski6875]

Seriously the best design for workbench on entire YT... 1) Looks refined 2) Stupid simple to make 3) Actually possible to execute with just hand tools + one drill 4) Solid core doors... genius... Way better idea than kitchen countertop... And if someone needs smaller table it is easy to cut to size with circular saw...

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Piotr!!

[@jameswilsey1254]

We finally reclaimed the carport now that we have an empty nest and I was talking to the wife yesterday that we would need to start with a work shop table. BOOM you dropped this video in the Nick of time. As always - a carpenter that’s trustworthy. Oh...... and honest😀

[@joelombardo5378]

The door hack is genius. All the best ideas are the simplest. Thanks so much for this!

[@cartermorganayres5263]

I agree with everyone who said this project is doable--and very helpful when setting up a shop and beginning to work with wood. I bought my solid core door and was wondering how to support it. Many thanks.😅

[@darkpassenger65]

Dude, you're a genius. Just one more shelf near the bottom and with those casters she's good to go.

[@dockjm]

Super clean build. I have been flip flopping between the 2×4 90's legs and 4×4's. Liking your build so much, I think you might have sold me. 👌😁

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks Dock! I really like this way because you can cradle horizontal members in the L of the 2x4s 🙂

[@rosario5972]

nice build. I like the table top idea and will check out my local re-store store. One question on flipping the top. Since glued the shelf in, won't it be in your way when you try to unscrew the top and then rescrew it? I'd think the bottom shelf would not need to be glued to make the flipping easier. you could use wedges in the corners if you wanted a sturdier feel to the shelf. Or is it glued to add support to the legs?

[@dfurey9446]

Excellent communication abilities

[@DirtbikeXpeditions]

Haha…my father worked for a door manufacturer…..he would bring home reject doors all the time….we built a garage out of them

[@rollthers3157]

☺️

[@republicofvegans712]

The moral of the story: reuse

[@kentlovelace4108]

Thanks for this post. I’m going rip off your design for my work table but I’ll be adding drawers beneath the shelf for storage. Very nice design and execution!!

[@jimaronson2323]

I've heard that solid core doors make great work surfaces before. It makes a lot of sense. I like your work bench build. I wish I had the room for something like that. I use 2 sawhorses and a piece of 1/2" plywood. Not ideal.

[@erikandmarcie]

Just purchased a solid core door today per your suggestion, thank you!

[@davidbemis1832]

I love this whole series on your new shop. And great idea for use of the door. I also recommend hollow-core doors for planks on saw horses. Lightweight and very strong.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks, David! Definitely save about 100 lbs. with the hollow core 😅 Thanks for watching!

[@johnlechago8109]

Love it. I'm a hobby workshop guy so this kind of video is great for me. Biggest takeaway for me was a temp storage space under the work-surface. Why didn't I think of that? Well, thankfully you did. You have my gratitude!

[@afualani4562]

Did you mean you ripped the skirts to 10 1/2 instead of 11 1/2 like you stated? If you have a 5 1/2 inch window with 3 inches of wood above it and 2 inches below, that would be a total skirt width of 10 1/2. Forgive my OCD lol. I'm trying to make it look exactly like yours.

[@jonhatton4354]

Using a solid door is a FANTASTIC idea! I’m currently building out my new shop on a very tight budget. Def going to Habitat

[@billyblackie9417]

I never thought of that,you a door would make an ideal worktop flat surface. You could put an under shelf to put tools you might need very convenient. I also like the over hang for clamps and I saw someone with a vice on a hinged board a great idea I just wish I could that video. I'm going to check prices for doors overall less costs and headaches and time and energy. Would enhance your enthusiasm to getting set up thanks a million

[@fmrana]

Request you to do an update and recommend how a face or tail vice can be added. I am just starting my journey into woodworking and need a bench to start with. Seen a bunch but all required a bench, tools, techniques which I have not picked up yet. This is simple and straight forward. Thanks.

[@danw4930]

Solid core door! What a great idea!🙂

[@websherpa]

Built it! Had a solid core door in shed that I’ve used for years, lugging out the saw horses for outdoor projects. Was great for my new smaller retirement shop. Made perfect height outfeed for my table saw and added a bottom shelf to hold even more tools to roll around. Now going to add wing shelves ala Family Handyman “Do-it-all mobile workbench.” Thank you for this great video and others… you are a great presenter.

[@philiptefarikis1933]

Excellent. To the point. No fluff. Concise, I informative, easy to replicate.

[@MarkNiceyard]

That door tipp was great! Thx a lot!

[@hosainparchment5692]

I really love this build only thing I'm gonna change is that I'm not gonna make the tool shelf flush with the windows. Gonna have a one inch depth. THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@really2345]

I have used door slabs from my days in a dorm, apartments as countertops, workshop tables, and 40 years later my girlfriend has one as a sewing room work table. Thanks for the tutorial. The editing was professionally done.

[@mikeclarke1651]

Great idea. I would have considered screwing the bottom shelf on to make access easier at a later date when you flip the top over. Well done, thanks.

[@leftykelly3944]

I've watched a ton of bench build videos. This is definitely one of the best.

[@ernieengineer3462]

Great design. Great video. Plan on building this soon to match height of my tablesaw. Thanks for posting!

[@valborchardt3596]

Brilliant. Thank you for this. We have also recently moved and my hubby is needing a work table so this video has come at the right time,. As always take care

[@carolewarner101]

Great! Only think I might add is a cross piece or two of plywood under that bottom shelf just to give it more weight bearing capacity. Then it could actually be used for some permanent storage without causing bowing in the shelf if someone is REALLY strapped for space! Cool idea and build. Thanks for sharing.

[@glendavis1389]

This is a GREAT Idea. Thanks for the upload.

[@markgleason5933]

Looks good. Could trim the top out with maple or walnut. Then put black formica on the top. Great build

[@trent3288]

Excellent table design !

[@jlirving]

Moving into my new house in December I have a nice large double garage that's going to be my workshop! Very excited to start my woodworking journey!!!

[@MrSteeDoo]

Good for you and don't you dare think about using that garage for cars.

[@zumamaya2396]

Great video. I will match the height to my portable table saw to make cutting large sheets easier.

[@edreusser4741]

I have looked at at least 20 different workbench videos. This is the one I have decided to build.

[@samallred]

A few years ago I built a stationary worktable out of a solid core door that I purchased from a university surplus sale. Local university has a surplus store that sells old cabinets and doors occasionally. Mine was a true solid wood core door (like you said HEAVY). It was only $20. I like the tool shelf below the worksurface. I put 1/8" hardboard on top which can easily be replaced when it becomes unsightly or uneven. Nice video. Thank You for sharing.

[@ginacase5994]

That is awesome. I think I could even build this. But it would take an entire weekend. Maybe this summer.🙂

[@markkoons7488]

Excellent build. Knock the square edges off the top with a chamfer and if you have a chance to choose veneer vs masonite door skins, choose masonite. A fresh round over on the square edges let the table/bench age more gracefully. So do a couple coats of water based poly. The 6" casters are worth the extra money.

[@mariotommadich357]

Thanks for the shoptable idea, I'll definitely try this

[@gsfuentes57]

Excellent idea! Very practical and uncomplicated. Love it.

[@flatrocker6675]

Your videos are most helpful. I just built a shop/storage building in the back yard and equipping it with shelves for storage and designing the shop side. I built your workshop table pretty much like you did. I added a shelf about 6" above the floor for additional storage and used the side mounted casters to set it down after I move it. You have great ideas and I thank you for for your suggestions!

[@rayhuntermusic]

That’s an excellent, simple, and functional design.

[@Andy.of.all.trades]

Perfect timing. On the back of this o ran out and bought a 29kg solid fire door for my new workbench, which am building next weekend. Never occurred to me to use that and, you're right, ideal. Thanks!

[@shopnwoods9901]

Nice table. That was a great idea to get that bottom shelf in there before you attached the top. Before you showed it I was wondering how you planned on getting the lower shelf in and lined up to the openings.

[@FranciscoAfricano]

Wow. Excellent build!

[@sharonhendricks9706]

I love this! I might consider routing the window openings once cut if I wasn't happy with my jig saw work....which means probably I would! Thank you for this!

[@joeschmoe1301]

We use solid doors for model aircraft building. Very high precision is a must in our craft.

[@TheListener01]

Thank you for all the help!

[@photogartho]

Great build.! Just the idea I need to steal. Thanks!

[@jeezusjr]

Simplicity is best in life! Thanks for the great video!

[@madcacher1119]

Exactly what I use as a track saw table and for assembly. Great video as per usual!

[@marcuspullan1142]

Wife found a beast of a table on Marketplace for $50. Guy used it to make concrete forms. I’d love to add a tool shelf

[@brodonh]

I like it and I'm building one to double as an out feed table. Got the door and the other wood and I've drawn it up for myself with 2D software.

[@grumpywiseguy5992]

I am serious now, this is the best video on a common sense shop table I have seen yet and I have probably seen 200 videos. No BS, simple, straightforward, no complex joinery, not even an expensive screw!! The shelf idea is genius, that is not original, but very well explained and I think you are actually going to use it to hold miscellaneous tools. Currently I have to reach around to my cabinet table for this stuff. AND I didn't recess the verticals and so clamping is difficult. The only problem I have is that this is not drillable for 18mm MFT holes. My table is 30x60 inches and covered with them. They have saved my bacon several times and I can do precision track saw cuts with ease. Either or I guess. You could do a 3/4 inch MDF top and get the MFT effect. Also, this design can be sized appropriately, especially with a solid MDF core. Thanks, take care and stay safe!!

[@mikeebee]

I'm so glad I've seen this video, I'm about to build a workbench and the door idea is GOLD

[@leroymellix5647]

I enjoy your work method for the presence of simplicity.

[@ElectricIguana]

Simple, inexpensive, and fast...sir, you just earned a new subscriber.

[@martincaruana6632]

Discovered your channel and I'm very pleased with your presentation and the builds that you have shared. I'm in the process of setting up my own woodworking /welding/farm repair shop on a farm we just bought. I find myself coming back to your channel and reviewing your ideas. Thank you.

[@DaninVA]

Great bench and design! As an RC plane builder, I use one of those doors as a building surface on top of my regular shop table.

[@bjohnjunior]

Great idea! On my "make list" now. I've been using hollow core bifold doors (~ 16-18" wide ) for many years as lightweight temporary work tables and tool benches on job sites and outdoor projects for years. Ditto on the Habitat for Humanity ReStores. Good stuff, but you have to be persistent in checking back regularly for the best "finds".

[@TheFireman1926]

I’ve been looking for the perfect mobile workbench and you nailed it. Thank you

[@georgespeake5089]

Very helpful and informative. Thanks.

[@petedonna4894]

Awesome build. Now I want to re build mine.

[@ww3lads]

Outstanding! Thank you so much for sharing it!!! I just built a 4'X6' workbench with table saw built in one end and my miter saw on one side which folds down so I can drop in an additional piece of 3/4" ply (red oak) to make a decent sized work surface and out-feed area for the table saw. It's on casters also. I've been pondering another work bench, along the lines of what you made, here, and ... man, your design is much better: I love it!!!! Can't wait to make one of my own. Again, thank you sooooooo much for sharing this - AND all your other knowledge, tips and tricks. You rock, bruddah!!!

[@draxxx_exe]

This is actually so genius and will save me so much time setting up my shop as I’m currently a “weekend woodworker” thanks for this video man!

[@woodyal3726]

Excellent Build !!!

[@SynapticTransmission]

Very impressed! Thank you!

[@johnbory5162]

Thanks Ethan…GREAT work bench…I have 3 solid core luan doors that I almost tossed…after seeing this great video I started building 2 work benches…thanks again for sharing your ideas 👍

[@tellitlikeitis1828]

I finally found a workbench and benchtop solution that I can build with the tools, and skill level I have. I live off grid and most of my tools are cordless...I will have to buy a table saw ...and this is the perfect excuse. I will also try to duplicte the miter saw table. Thanks for your video!!

[@mrozhere]

Excellent! And the shelf dropping into place, genius.

[@yorkshirefazer]

very nice! i may "borrow" the idea when i come to build my new workbench. i will probably add drawers underneath also for extra storage.

[@bobcochran9259]

Picked up a 27x60 x1.5 laminated birch bench top from Woodcraft for $150. I'm good to go with this simple and functional workbench build. thanks

[@williamarrowsmiith8380]

Absolutely brilliant!!!

[@alexdavidson9204]

Loved this. Simple, practical, sturdy, & very functional. Great idea to use a solid door as the workbench top.

[@gregoryherring5880]

I rarely comment on videos, but had to say that this table looks like a great idea. And kudos to whomever taught you about using solid core doors for a table top, that is brilliant and makes for an easy top. Thanks for making this video!

[@mikeburton8687]

I liked this table especially the lower shelf and cut out sides to access it. Good job!!

[@jetbug5812]

i HAVE BEEN USING A DOOR AS A WORK SURFACE FOR ABOUT FIVE YEARS AND IT WORKS GREAT

[@MisterHen]

Super cool design! Thanks for the video.

[@matthewmills6452]

You nailed it on this build! The perfect table to roll out into the driveway when the weather is nice. I'd have no reservations screwing right into the top or adding a dog hole wherever I needed one for a project. It's almost exactly what I will build. I will add a low shelf for extra storage. Also I'd like to make one of the long sides flush with the top, to facilitate vertical clamping.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Matthew! My first online course later this year will conclude with a more elaborate version of this build-but it will still work off a very similar premise 🙂

[@patrickarchuleta9594]

Awesome work may God Almighty continue to bless you.keep being the Honest carpenter 🙏🙏👍👍😊

[@jcepri]

I love this door idea. I'm going to build one...This will be the very first thing I build.

[@larryquinn9790]

I like your idea for the Workbench, basic simple and be accomplished. with what most wood workers have on hand. I was going to build a Ron Paulk style workbench with one end solid plywood, so I can put casters on the end, turn the bench on end when it is not in use for storage. My shop is in my garage and with little room to work on projects. I will use folding saw horses for support of the workbench.