Workbench BUILD Project. Easy, Cheap, Solid!

$125 Work bench Build Project. Easy, Cheap, Solid! - The Next Project
Accessories not included, but who knows what the list of add-ons may be.
SPECS:
90 inches wide x 30 inches deep x 36 inches tall.
Three-ply laminated legs are 3.5 x 4.5
Bench Top is 3.25 inches thick.
Weight is ±300 pounds, but feels heavier.
Plenty of room for expansion and working on anything from wood, to engines or electronics, whatever you needs to be worked on.
First step is to identify the types of work a bench will be used for. Not all benches need to weight 1000lbs, have 8x8 legs, or be made from maple, hickory or oak. Nope, this no-frills bench will be just fine as built and who cares what the neighbor has in his garage with the high-gloss epoxy floor, diamond plate wall cabinets, $7K snap-on t-box and checked flag posters on the wall...Jeez, that guy needs a real hobby.
With lumber prices slowly returning to acceptable, it was time to jump on a project that's been on my list for a few years.
This is a butcher block style construction grade lumber workbench on the cheap-ish.
This is not a sheet of plywood and some sawhorses, but I've done that many times. We do what we need to do.
This project isn't the fancy show-room YT influencer display workbench, but rather a working workbench. I took the time to look at the type of work I do and typical needs, all led me to this bench.
Yes, it could be fancier, but I'll just be wrenching, cutting, sanding, grinding, welding and who knows what else on this bench. It's a workbench!
Materials used:
Southern Yellow Pine 2x4x8 framing lumber. Carefully selected from a large stack. Not all of that wood was good. I chose straight, heavy and as clear wood as I could find. There are still knots to be found, that add character and won't slow me down any.
Titebond original glue was used to laminate the top. One-third of a gallon to be precise. 5/16" threaded rod was used to "clamp" the top together as the glue set. Simple, effective and substantially more affordable than the racks of parallel clamps that would have been needed for this job.
A box of Construction Screws, NOT DRYWALL SCREWS, were also used at glued joints to add a mechanical fastening point where needed.
Total build time was right around 20 working hours, spread over 2 weekends.
Accessories and additional build elements include, adding retractable casters to make the bench mobile within the garage space. 1/2" plywood back and base self to add stiffness and temporary storage space. Additional upgrades will include adding side panels for added stiffness, a woodworker's face vice, and cast iron bench vice, bench-face threaded anchors, a few dog holes, and multiple drawer and cabinet build-out as time allows.
Before any additional build-out of the bench was done, the top and leg assembly weighs in at around 300 pounds. It feels like far more than that, but the lumber data sheet puts in in the 300 range ( still feels like more ).
Thanks for watching, if you enjoyed the project please hit the thumbs-up icon, leave a comment and subscribe if you don't mind.
Be safe and take care!
#workbench #diy #woodworking #projects #work bench

[@Alsukuty]

I got depressed looking at clamps prices and the rods idea is what I really need. Thanks for putting together this video.

[@theNextProject]

Thanks for watching! Agreed, clamp prices really bite. I looked at various long bar clamps, pipe clamps... nothing fit the budget. The threaded rod idea was borrowed from others, then updated with the straw liners. Made it really easy to remove the rods. If I were a bit better prepared, I would have had an extra set of hands and a impact to tighten everything up quickly, but it went well as it was. A project I'm glad I got around to. Using the bench all the time. Hope all is well, be safe and take care!

[@kcamp1640]

I can see why you needed a bench. My knees were aching just watching. Very nice build. You plan on adding a vise?

[@DavidWlodarski]

My knees are hurting watching you work. Great looking bench

[@theNextProject]

David, thanks for watching! Agreed, my knees were not happy at times. Glad that work is behind me. Really enjoying the better bench, more space, solid, portable... all good. Be safe and take care!

[@ZulhairieZulkafli]

I loved the way you clamps the table top ❤

[@theNextProject]

Thanks for watching! Always looking for a way to get things done without having the right tool. This worked really well. Take care!

[@Chris.Wiley.]

Love the McGuyver'd clamps 🙂

[@theNextProject]

Mission accomplished, thanks for watching!

[@patrickdingman1521]

The straw trick is Genius 👍👍

[@theNextProject]

Patrick, thanks for watching! The real trick is getting enough straws that are the right size... I think these were smoothie straws, maybe 3/8" ID. big, big gulp! Hope all is well, take care!

[@-canopus-513]

hopefully gonna make this and finally go from working on my floor breaking my back to being able to comfortably stand and work.

[@theNextProject]

Thanks for watching and good luck with your project.

[@achimdg6335]

Wow! Very cool! And you can even roll it!

[@theNextProject]

Achim, thanks for watchin! Yep, so far I can roll it. Those casters will get it up 1/2" (12mm) off the floor. As long as the floor is smooth and clean, it rolls okay. Not sure how well it will roll when it has cabinets full of tools and such. Time will tell. Have a great weekend, take care!

[@robira1313]

The bench top is a giant cutting board!

[@theNextProject]

Yes, it is! I've cut a lot of stuff right on it, no worries about scratching or gouging it... it's a bench! Thanks for watching, take care!

[@adamcone6856]

I have to build a bench to house my new woodworking tools. I will likely use this project plan. Thanks for the video presentation.

[@theNextProject]

Thanks for watching! Good luck with your bench project, and all the following projects that will soon be on your bench. Take care!

[@chashint1]

Nicely done, thanks for the video.

[@theNextProject]

Thanks for watching, take care!

[@CalvinRoyHarrison]

My second time watching all the way through. Great video!

[@theNextProject]

Calvin, thanks for watching, _twice!_ Be safe and take care

[@stephenpiersa8377]

Smart build! I'm going to try this for myself! Fingers 🤞

[@theNextProject]

Stephen, thanks for watching. I've really been enjoying having this "heavy" bench. Working on some cabinetry for it now, drawers and doors. Good luck with you build project!

[@kmichaelp4508]

Good job ole buddy! Hi Laura 😊

[@theNextProject]

Hey Mike, thanks! I'll let her know ya said "Hi"

[@staipari6244]

I've enjoyed your last few non guitar videos. I came for the guitars but liked this just as much. Nice work. The bench looks like it will last well.

[@theNextProject]

Thanks for watching and glad to hear you are enjoying things without strings. I'm finding every project I work on, I'm gaining a trick I can use another day, maybe even in a guitar project. This bench build was really so I can do more controlled work on guitars. A good solid, level bench will be a pleasure to work on. Thanks again for watching and the comment too. Take care!

[@jurgenzoller4407]

Not that I need a bench currently, but I just enjoy your vids john. I always enjoy your ingenuity and design know how. Excellent bench

[@theNextProject]

Jurgen, many thanks. I've put this bench build off for a number of years. Material costs and endless relocations, ugh. Glad to finally have a solid surface to bash on. Hope all is well, take care!

[@joshjames253]

I enjoyed your video. Would watch the follow up with the “finished” bench

[@theNextProject]

Josh, thanks for watching! That sounds like a good idea, I have made some upgrades to the bench, drawers and cabinet doors... Nothing fancy, utilitarian more than fashion. I may put a short follow-up video together. Thanks for the idea. Hope all is well, take care!

[@Earthstein]

Wonderful demo video. Thanks.

[@theNextProject]

Earthstein, thanks for watchin!

[@realitystudioscustomshop]

That's a very tidy bench... look forward to seeing it's evolution

[@theNextProject]

Hey man, thanks for watching. I'm hoping the bigger, sturdier bench will help going forward. I've got 2 vices mounted now, one "woodworker" and one "mechanic" vice. Luckily I'm neither, lol. Next project "on the bench" will be a non-pedestal buffer. Stay tuned! Take care brother!

[@craigmonteforte6111]

Well Done , I really like the overall Cost on the Bench that IMO is a very affordable Tool for any WorkShop no matter what Trade Is your Specialty or Focus a Quality Bench like yours could be easily adapted for Automotive work , Machinists,Woodworking or just about anything making it having a great resale Value if you ever wanted to go that Route all you need to do is look at Commercially Available Benches and their Pricing Which are Rediculously in the thousands Of Dollars

[@theNextProject]

Craig, thanks for watching! Agreed, this is a pretty good bench, especially for the money. It's been about 2 years now, and I really can't complain about anything, it's been holding up great. If I were to do it again, I would be more picky with the lumber I chose for the actual top. I have a mixture of tight grain, and some wider (fast growth) grain. The tight grain is very stable, the wide grain has shrunk just a bit. No issues with the top, other than noticing a little wave in the wide grain lumber. Glue seams are all tight, so I think this bench will last longer than I will. Hope all is well, be safe and take care!

[@oldmanzen6682]

Fantastic job. I'm using old kitchen tables at the moment. Heh.

[@theNextProject]

Yep, that's what ya gotta do at times. I finally found a place to keep my tools for the foreseeable future. I was also tired of hammering on one end of the old bench, and having things fly off the other end. I'm really enjoying this bench, just heavy enough to hold it's ground.

[@billotto4499]

I built a similar bench 18 months ago and it only cost $150 and it is steady so you have also proof that you do not need a fancy bench Good on you

[@theNextProject]

Bill, thanks for watching and the comment too! Agreed, this is a pretty substantial bench. This bench is around the that age too, and no issues that I know of. The fancy bench are...fancy. Nice furniture definitely. I can't image, nor justify the cost of a maple bench right now. This bench in maple might be $1500, or more just for the lumber locally??? I'd still spill paint and stain on it. I'm happy with the pine! Hope all is going well for you, take care!

[@islesbelarus]

Looking to build my first workbench and while there are some easier builds, this right here is quite straightforward, absolutely beautiful, sturdy workbench and it moves to the top of my list. It will be more than 20 working hours for me for sure, but I'd love this workhorse in my basement. Great job, TNP!

[@theNextProject]

isles, thanks for watching! In the basement, nice! This bench will be heavy, so it may want to stay in the basement, forever! Be sure to modify the build, size and process to fit your needs and workflow. That's one reason I built this bench, to fit "my" needs. As you mentioned there are a lot of easier benches out there. This is a bench I wish I'd had years ago. One thing I didn't mention and really didn't pay attention to when I was making this bench. Be sure the wood you are using for the top slab is not heartwood - the center rings of the tree. It will dry at a different rate than wood from the outer rings. Overall I'm lucky, only have a few "center" type pieces of wood in the top slab. Good luck with your build, be safe and take care!

[@michaelnicholson572]

Paint roller for glue-up was genius.🏆

[@theNextProject]

Michael, thanks for watching! The paint roller is the perfect scale for doing the glue up in this scale. Use a deep nap roller, 3/8" nap or bigger. Short nap rollers won't hold enough glue. Oh, the weather was also cool when I did this glue up, so the glue didn't instantly tack-up. Good luck with your projects!

[@mark64tanner]

Very cool 🤟 Clamping solution (including the setup drill guide down to "push the rod through as you glue up" 😉 Priceless and fun vid and build. Cheers

[@theNextProject]

Mark, thanks for watching! The threaded rod worked really well. I was concerned it wouldn't have enough "squeeze" power, but it appears to have done a great job. The top looks seamless other than seeing the wood grain, and the fender washers actually crushed into the sides of the lumber a bit under clamping/tightening pressure. I had considered using 3/8" rod initially, but couldn't find enough at the time of purchase. I was concerned the 5/16" would snap, but it worked out well. A good project. Take care!

[@tomeuler1979]

Great work sir. Thanks for the video.

[@theNextProject]

Tom, thanks for watching. Good luck with your projects!

[@bubastro1959]

Hello TNP, congrats for another great job. That work bench looks at "bomb proof" !!!

[@theNextProject]

Thanks for watching! I think it actually weights more than the spec'd amount. Foolishly, I did most of the grip'n lift with my left arm...it's 3" longer than my right arm now. Hmm. Take care!

[@bobvador]

Nice project, at least on this one you didn't have to sand ;) take care !

[@theNextProject]

LOL, that is so true! Good to hear from you Bob, and thanks for watching! Hope all is well, take care!

[@Campelover]

Awesome bench

[@theNextProject]

Thanks for watching, be safe and take care!

[@enochpage1333]

Good planning. Great job.

[@theNextProject]

Enoch, thanks for watching! Always looking for a different way to do a job. Be safe and take care!

[@philipchandler330]

Excellent workmanship love the planning and cost savings

[@theNextProject]

Thanks for watching! The planning was a result of looking at a lot of other bench builds, a little of this and that. It all had to fit my projects. So far so good. The cost was sky high about 6 months earlier, as I kept putting the project off. That's probably the biggest gamble at the moment, which way prices are going. Good luck with your project(s), take care!

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

Look into the bar clamps from Harbor Freight! Paul Sellers recommendations! No rods!

[@theNextProject]

Thanks for watching! Yep, I did look into the Harbor Freight bar clamps and have some on hand. There are a couple versions at my local HF. One is an aluminum box material for the bar, I don't find the longer version overly aggressive in clamping, which I needed. The bar stock tends to bend at length. They are affordable, but not near as strong as a slightly more expensive pipe clamp. The other HF "F" style bar clamp uses roughly 1/4" x 1" stock for the bar. I have a bunch of this style HF clamps, but not enough long 36"+ for this project. The longer HF "F" bar clamps also flex a lot when clamping. I'm finding anything over 16", and I need to go with a pipe clamp, or higher quality bar clamp. The smaller HF "F" bar clamps are great, I use the heck out of them. Using the threaded rod, was a very affordable alternative, cheaper than buying longer lengths of pipe for my existing pipe clamp ends. I've since re-used most of the threaded rod also. So, I've kinda recycled the material into other projects. Good to have lots of options. Thanks again, be safe and take care!

[@jimmylovesbikes]

Really awesome design and build!

[@theNextProject]

Jimmy, thanks for watching. Glad you liked the project, take care!

[@jimsturgill4620]

That turned out to be a very nice workbench. I think it will last you a long time. Nice job. Don't know about you but I'm always happy when making sawdust.

[@theNextProject]

Jim, good to hear from you and thanks for watching! Yep, I enjoy making sawdust too. Feels like progress, a good thing. I was using the bench today, hammering in some fittings and it was such a joy not having parts bounce off the other end of the bench. I enjoy the simple things, LOL. Take care!

[@MarriedManWoodworking]

Nice build. Subscribed and looking forward to watching more of your videos

[@theNextProject]

Married Man, thanks for watching! It's been a great bench so far. Not so fancy it hurts to drill holes in, not too expensive, flexible design for easy future changed. Fits my needs and projects, not my living room, lol. Hope all is well, take care!

[@hartleyhubbard3827]

lol.... that's funny right there... 20+ seconds into the video, "this video is for those of us who have worked on trash cans and chunks of plywood..." look forward to the rest of the explanation. Greg (garden grove, CA)

[@theNextProject]

Greg, thanks for watching and greetings from Orlando, FL. A lot of great things are built and broken on plywood and trash cans, good times! Hope all is well, be safe and take care!

[@nemik1vzw]

Love watching these vids

[@theNextProject]

Thanks for watching! Glad to hear you're enjoying the projects.

[@NWGR]

Excellent job and advice at the end, especially to build a bench to fit your own needs rather than just copy and past another's design. Looking forward to more. Subscribed.

[@theNextProject]

Thanks for watching, and I greatly appreciate your comment. I pondered making a number of different style benches. Knocking off what others had made. Then I realized those plans/ideas really didn't fit my needs. Not saying what I built is a 100% there either, but it is in the right direction. It was a fun project and I've been using the heck out of it. Good luck with your projects, be safe and take care!

[@flynow5614]

i learned a lot form this video. THX

[@theNextProject]

Thanks for watching, glad the vid was helpful. Take care!

[@GeeDeeBird]

FYI... Harbor Freight has 36 inch bar clamps just like Paul Sellers uses for $13 each. 48 inch for about $16 each. Thanks for sharing!

[@theNextProject]

GeeDeeBird, thanks for watching! Thanks for the heads up on the HF bar clamps, I'll have to give them another look. Hope all is well, take care!

[@outersketcher]

Hey, I just picked up a pair of 3/4", 6 foot, parallel pipe clamps at a local antique mall for $9.00 each. They were leaned up in a corner of the consignment area. Obviously, the seller didn't know what to make of them, and was happy to get rid of them. Just sayen, check out your local flea markets, antique stores, swap meets, etc.

[@theNextProject]

SCORE!!! OuterSketcher, thanks for watching and WOW what a great deal you found! I try to hit garage sales and such on occasion, not much luck there. Haven't been to a flea market in years, I'll have to look into that again. Be safe and take care!

[@michaelkulman7095]

I think I'd make some saw horses...they are good to have around anyway...

[@theNextProject]

Hey Michael, thanks for watching! Saw horses are a good idea. Be safe and take care!

[@jstriker623]

If this is what you consider easy, I'd hate to try one of your more difficult builds. Easy is definitely relative to people's woodworking experience, and access to tools/machines. I gotta say that was great ingenuity on the cheap clamps, using the rods.

[@theNextProject]

Thanks for watching! I hear ya, I guess this isn't "easy, easy", but it is kinda easy, in a semi-complex sort of way. I like finding alternative ways to accomplish tasks, so the threaded rod thing worked really great. I borrowed that idea from somewhere, a lot of great ideas out there floating around. Good luck with your project(s). Take care!

[@charliet5990]

Using threaded rods with nuts, etc., on each end running completely through the top that had holes drilled through in line was an interesting and secure way to accomplish the massive one piece glue up. Is there a reason you opted to not use 36" pipe clamps alternating top and bottom or bar clamps? Both would have been much less $ than the Parallel clamps also.

[@theNextProject]

Thanks for watching! I had originally planned to used pipe clamps, but I didn't have enough of them, nor enough pipe at the time and the cost of pipe and a few more clamps ended up being more than the threaded rod and pieces. Otherwise, the plan was pipe clamps. Parallel clamps would be nice to have, but I've just never been able to justify the cost, at least for the type of projects I work on. Maybe someday, but no time soon. Hope all is well, take care!

[@woodworksbygrampies1284]

Hola! 🖐Excellent, excellent build! That looks like a good workhorse of a bench. I'm just a few short weeks now from building my first workbench. I was considering putting together something similar to your bench but I believe that I should begin on a more lower skill level and then one day move up to this level. I really enjoyed your video and how you found a solution for several of your "obstacles". Also for your detailed responses to a lot of the questions in the comments below. Take care and have a good one, Adios! 👊

[@theNextProject]

Hola, and thanks for watching! Yep, it's a bit of a brick, big enough to hold my projects, heavy enough to keep parts from bouncing off to top. As for building yourself a bench, there are so many options and ideas to choose from it can be confusing. I stood back, looked at the type of projects I typically work on, made a list of what I really need, what I don't need, how much I wanted to spend, how much time I could set aside to build the thing.... I wanted it semi-heavy, something that could be moved, big and flat, modular... So, I borrowed a lot of ideas and did my own thing. Good luck with your build and future projects. Be safe and take care!

[@woodworksbygrampies1284]

@@theNextProject Hola! I hope you had a nice weekend. Thanks for your insights. I fell into the "paralysis by analysis" situation. This is why I've chosen to go the "less is more" approach. Grow and learn from there, and enjoy the ride. Take care and have a good one! 👊

[@byrne1916]

What happened to the rebar you used to clamp with? Is it still in the top? Going to make something similar for an outside bench and I really liked your design.

[@theNextProject]

Thanks for watching! I've used up 50% of the threaded clamping rod. Various little projects, surprised how often I can use that stuff. An outside bench, cool! Good luck with your project.

[@byrne1916]

Thanks! I mean the rebar you used as a clamp, is that still inside the worktop now or did you slide it back out after clamping? I was thinking you'd leave it in for added strength.

[@theNextProject]

That was actually threaded rod, not rebar. Probably looked like rebar in the video, but was 5/16" threaded rod. I think it was 6' sections all cut down. I did pull it out of the top once the glue dried. Had the rod covered with drinking straws so the glue wouldn't bind it to the top. Sorry if that was confusing.

[@mariondorsett]

I'm curious on why you used the router sled to flatten the top instead of using the bench plane that you used later? Was there a benefit to using the router sled vs the bench plane? I don't have a bench plane, or a fixed based router to mill lumber, and I opted to used plywood for my bench, so it's flat enough :) Thanks for the video.

[@theNextProject]

Thanks for watching and that's great question! I had a few different/optional plans on how I would do final leveling of the finished top. A large hand plane was one idea, but would require me to be in better condition than I probably am. My arms would have likely fallen off before I finished. I also considered a different style glue-up of 10" wide gangs of top lumber which would then be run through the power planer = a really heavy beast to wrestle. I would have then had to glue those large sections together and do a final assembled planing, and that seemed needlessly redundant. Finally, just using a router with a wide flat bottom bit seemed - easy-ish. The more I thought about it, none of the options seemed enjoyable, but using the router appeared to be the most "do-able", and least painful. There are many different types and styles of bench, and each will have its place. Some are over-the-top, others overly simple. I've worked on metal benches, plywood benches, solid-core door benches, countertop benches, on sawhorses and garbage barrels. Everything works, and there is nothing wrong with any of those options, they all did the job. Glad your bench is delivering what you need, that's a perfect bench! Hope all is well, be safe and take care!

[@mariondorsett]

@@theNextProject Thank you for the reply & the insight. I've been woodworking for about 18 months now, and I find that I gravitate to a hybrid style between power and hand tools. I've only worked with project panels and dimensional lumber because I've not had a creative way to mill it.

[@theNextProject]

I hear you, milling large chunks of lumber is an issue. Hybrid work style is a great idea! I don't have a large jointer, so I do work arounds for that. I do have a planner, but it's not always easy to navigate - my work space is fluid, so some tools don't have a fixed base and such. I work on the floor, on a bench... where ever there is a free space. Being able to plane with the router has been a handy way for me to rough out a lot of material. I can then clean things up with a large hand plane or sanders, but it depends on the scale of the project too. I'm always looking for ways to make a big task smaller and easier. Good luck with your woodworking adventures and projects.

[@davidaustin1875]

Passed this on to a gunmaker.."Exactly what I wanted!"

[@theNextProject]

David, thanks for watching!

[@ronin2963]

Is this bench supposed to be bullet proof? Have you considered adding a steel plate for high power rounds

[@theNextProject]

Ronin, thanks for watching! Didn't plan on shooting at, nor finding cover behind the bench, so no, not really bullet proof. An add-on metal "drain pan worktop" has been considered for oily projects such as transmissions however - again, not bullet proof. Take care!

[@fredzaspel7350]

How did you attach the top to the frame? Did you need to do anything to allow for wood movement?

[@theNextProject]

Fred, thanks for watching! Great question, I used eight #10, 3" construction screws. 4 across the front and 4 across the back. The holes are slightly over-sized, so the head of the screw, not the shank, contact the leg structure. The screws thread about 1" into the bottom of the top. It's been almost a year since I made the bench and no issue with wood movement so far, at least nothing noticable. Maybe 3, 4, 5 years will tell a different story. I chose not to do a mortise-tenon attachment, as I expect to either need to move the bench someday, resurface or flip the top over. I wanted the top to be simply attached/removed, not permanent. Since the top weighs a lot, and the 8 screws keep it in place, I haven't had any issues so far. While I was influenced by a number of other bench builds, none of them really fit my needs. I didn't want to build a "showcase" bench, but I needed an upgrade from using plywood and solid-core doors as benches. This build is somewhere in between. At this point, there are very few things I'd do differently, as it fit my needs, tools and abilities. It has been fleshed out with some drawers and cabinet doors since the video. The rollers added allow me to easily move the loaded bench across the garage floor, really nice when needed. Good luck with whatever you build, make it fit your needs and have fun. Be safe and take care!

[@fredzaspel7350]

Many thanks!@@theNextProject

[@daveschreiber9587]

Why do you have the 2x6 as part of the legs?

[@theNextProject]

Dave, thanks for watching! Great question about the 2x6. This style leg could be built without the 2x6, or all 2x6 if extra strength was needed. For me, it could have been all 2x4, and it would be just fine. Probably the biggest reason I did add the 2x6 in as the center laminate of the legs, was to give me a mounting surface at the face and back of the base structure for future cabinetry. A recessed yet protruding surface for door hinge and drawer faces to mate up to. I'm hoping to do a follow up video, showing what the bench is today. The general structure is the same, but it's fleshed out considerably. Hope you are doing well, good luck with your projects!

[@daveschreiber9587]

Thanks. How has your bench held up to wood movement? Any problems with the laminated top coming apart? Did you leave those threaded rods in? Or did you remove them? It looks like your front and back stretcher are screwed to just one 2x4 in the top. Was that intentional so that any movement in the 2x4 top wouldn't tear apart the stretcher? I am building something similar - about 27" deep and 48" long. I will use it to mount a vise that I need for my next project and probably station my planer underneath in a way that I can pass boards through from left to right and have them fit through the legs.

[@theNextProject]

Dave, the top is holding up really well. Only movement is with a couple of poorly chosen 2x4s. In my haste, I managed to get a couple of fast/wide growth ring pieces of lumber in there. Not much of an issue, but they are a bit softer than the tight ring lumber. I'm really surprised overall at how hard the tight growth ring southern yellow pine is. My original plan was to give this top a couple years of dry/seasoning time, then resurface as need. At this time, the top is still close enough to perfect for my needs, but I may still give it a once over next year, we will see. All the laminated glue seam are holding strong, nothing delaminating. I did remove the threaded rod, and put threaded inserts in the holes along the edge. I've mounted things to those spots a number of times, like and extra clamping point. Yes, the top is only screwed on at the face and back stretcher. I think it was 4 screw each. The top is heavy enough to stay put, so not a lot of screws were needed. I thought that a few years down the road I may want to flip the top over, surface what is now the bottom and have a fresh clean top. It may never happen, but it's an option. I don't expect too much movement, as the top and the stretchers are of the same material, so maybe they will move together. If not, they are gently fastened to allow nature to do it's thing. I had originally planned to give the bench topcoat finish to protect and slow seasonal expansion... Haven't gotten to that... probably won't. Darn! I plan to do a quick "a year in review" video soon. The base is full of drawers and a wide double door cabinet area. A small face vise and casters have been added. A hideaway router tabletop fits in the cabinet area... Dents, dings, paint, stain, dirt and abuse added for flavor. It's a workbench, not a coffee table - it has had plenty of coffee on it however. Good luck with your build and projects!

[@cjbarahona5770]

Neighbor- What are you doing? Me- Isn't it plain to see???🤓😎

[@theNextProject]

LOL, that's so spot on!

[@mrcorm1]

Why is one end 16" and the other 12" ?

[@theNextProject]

Thanks for watching and a great question! The bench top overhang variation was planned to maximize work space on top and storage space underneath. I have a portable MIG welder that just fits under the 16" overhang, and currently I have a trashcan under the 12" overhang. Additionally, the 12" overhang allows for a clean installation of a face vise. The top is mounted to the leg assembly in a modular way, so if I need to change the overhang, it will be somewhat possible. I have added threaded inserts to all the original threaded rod "clamp holes" along the front edge of the bench. I've used these mounting points to clamp additional items to the bench in various ways. The 16" overhang also has some threaded inserts added to the end grain of the bench top (not ideal, but...), I clamp/bolt a long beam to the end which in turn has projects mounted to it... I chose not to build a bench exactly like anyone else, but chose to figure out what types of projects I work on, what it needed to do to fit those projects and also what items I need to hide/store in and under it. I'm nearing completion of adding drawers and a base cabinet area. Retractable wheels on the legs have come in really handy, and work great as the bench rests on a very smooth concrete floor. It's heavy, but rolls very easily when the wheels are locked down. Really glad I finally got around to making a bench. Hope all is well, take care!

[@marklaforest8804]

Why not pipe clamps?

[@theNextProject]

Mark, thanks for watching and great question about using pipe clamps. Pipe clamps were my first plan, but I only have 2 sets on hand with ± 30" pipe, guessed I'd need 8 to 10 sets total with up to 40" pipe lengths to clamp the top (48" stock"). 3/4" end sets range from $10 to $20 each, so that's anywhere from $60 - $120 for 6 sets, just for the end clamp portion. Then I needed a bunch of 48" pipe. Where I live, 3/4" galvanized is hard to find. I guess code and building practice is thinning it out. Black pipe was my second option but natural gas is not common in my area, so black pipe availability is also limited. Then there is the price of galv, or black pipe with black pipe being the most affordable, but less preferred option. Pipe isn't cheap either, ranging from $100 to $175 for the pipe I would need = ouch! My local big box stores (blue and orange) list galv on their web site(s), but is only available as a delivery item, so it's not local to me. HD lists 3/4" x 48" = $24 per length...ouch! I also looked at long quick-release clamps, but they typically have too much spring in the long lengths and I was concerned they wouldn't apply enough clamping force. Again, 8 to 10 of those would be $80 - $100 or more, and not an ideal clamp for this reach. It really came down to money and attempting to save a few dollars on the build. Since completion of the bench, I've reused about half of the threaded rod, so it's serving a purpose after clamping. Recycling in a way. Pipe clamps would have been great option, I just didn't have enough on hand at the time. Hope all is well, take care!

[@marklaforest8804]

I would call your 2x6 risers. Since you did drill and use the threaded rod will you utilize the holes for built in side clamps or jigs?

[@theNextProject]

Risers, I like that! I have added threaded inserts along the front edge of the bench in those clamping holes, and have used that to create some long clamping points. Wasn't an original plan, but just kind of presented itself. I've since made a bench top buffer, and added a cleat along it's base, which also uses those threaded inserts to help hold it in place. I'm guessing there will be a lot of other nice accidents that happen as the bench hosts more projects. A face vise was also installed at the left end, a removable machine vice on the right end, hmm, a few holes with threaded inserts here and there for other transient attachment needs. As I add and drill into the bench, my lady says "why are you hurting your bench?". I had wondered this too, but realize it is a tool, that can be modified. It's not a fine piece of furniture or jewelry, it's a bench! : )

[@TheElrondo]

New project, no 🎸 this time. So let's see what you got 😎 Edit: Idea for cheap workbenches. I made mine from old wooden doors. Carpenters often have used ones for cheap or beer money. I glued two doors flat, so i got a decent hight of the top and they are dead flat. Just saying, not as fancy your's is going to be.

[@theNextProject]

Elrondo, thanks for watching, and sorry no guitars this time. I hear ya, many ways to put a bench together. I'd been using an old cubical desktop as my bench surface for the last few years. Depending on if I had it attached to a wall or not, it did the job, but barely. I'm hoping this will last me a number of years. A guitar repair project is next in line...stay tuned. Hope all is well, take care!

[@TheElrondo]

@@theNextProject Over here the materials would have cost 2-3 times the price. Construction wood went up 300% the last year. Even things like simple cement went up from 8 to 15 $ a sack. Bad times for DIY.

[@theNextProject]

@@TheElrondo I hear you. The cost of a bench can be really high, that's why I had waited so long. I had priced materials for this project in early 2022, the 2x4 lumber was $8.89 per stick at that time. When I purchased for this build the same lumber was at $3.35. I checked just a couple days ago for yet another project, it was $3.25. Prices will be up and down, like a yo-yo. It's all too expensive.

[@ronin2963]

What's the market value in your neighborhood? Can you rent a house down in the bay area? I would love to get a place on the cheap

[@theNextProject]

not good / no / good luck.

[@bobbg9041]

At that cost it might have been just as ez to buy a harbor fright bench. You can catch them on sale for close to the same money.

[@theNextProject]

Thanks for watching! I hear what you're saying, and I did look at other options, Harbor Freight benches were on the list. Some similar benches to what I put together are closer to $1000, some had higher grade materials, some are branded, some are over the top. While others are no better than what I was replacing and had been using for years. One similar(?) bench option at my local HF store looked cute, but felt rather cheap. At the time I was building this, the closest HF bench was +/- $200, 5'-6" x 20" top, weight around 100lbs. They probably had a bigger bench, but not on the floor or on their website at the time. This bench has a 7'-6" x 30" top, weighs over 300lbs. This bench is built around what I do and what I work on, not someone else's idea of what I do. This bench needed to be solid, to a point. Not a tank, and not a toy, somewhere in-between and easily modified and upgraded as tasks required. It would have been far easier to open the box and bolt the HF bench together, but I like to make things, and learn from the experience. It's all kinda fun and rewarding. Would I change things if I built a similar bench again? A few things, but not many at this point. I had looked at historic style bench designs, torsion box designs, MDF, maple, oak, this and that. Some great ideas, some boat anchors. This design had a requirement of being able to be partially dismantled in the event of a relocation bug-out... it's happened 3 times in the last 3+ years. Ugh! So the top bench slab is anchored to the base, but not permanently pinned and glued - at this time. Also, having a removable top allows me to flip the top, or resurface the top, or change the top - that won't happen. There are a lot of good, better, best benches and designs to choose from out there. This project had goals of size, weight and cost. Pretty much all spot on for me. It did take a some time to build, a couple weekends, but the lessons learned and satisfaction of completion are far greater rewards that any pre-fab bench would have offered - at least to me. Thanks again for watching and the comment too. Be safe and take care!

[@rickybranch4717]

New to woodworking and looking for a good workbench like this. Do you have a materials and cutlist for this.

[@theNextProject]

Ricky, thanks for watching! I don't really have a materials nor cut list. If I recall, I used 25 Southern Yellow Pine 2x4 and 4 SYP 2x6 framing lumber. Take your time to sift through the stack of lumber at the yard, don't just take what's on top... I probably moved half a stack of lumber to find what was good-enough. You can reverse engineer this bench by looking at the initial dimensioned sketches in the video. Adjust the height of the bench to fit you and the work you will be doing. I made this bench the height, width and length to fit my workspace and allow for some items of a fixed height to fit underneath. If you want to beef this bench up even more, you can use 2x6 SYP for the top bench slab. That will add more weight, harder to move without help. If I find some of other dimensioned sketches for this, I'll follow up in this message. Good luck with all your future projects. Be safe, have fun and take care!

[@kennykyle4813]

Look at getting pipe clamps.

[@theNextProject]

Kenny, thanks for watching! I do have a few pipe clamps, but not enough for this project. I had strongly considered using pipe clamps, but picking up more pipe and the clamps was more expensive than using the threaded rod. Pipe was sooo cheap at one time. Now it seems everything is made of gold. Be safe and take care!

[@pedrobisono747]

with the amount of wood alone i dont believe it was that cheap

[@theNextProject]

Pedro, thanks for watching! I put the material costs, at the time of the project, in the video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3SQpGhqabCNp8ksi=_Sf5gj0hTCROQ-FW&t=1107 Southern Yellow Pine material costs as of "today" are actually lower than when I made the bench. Right now, the lumber (locally) would be $85 US. At the time I made the bench the lumber cost was $100 US. I had planned to make a bench for a couple of years prior, but material prices were double, so I put the project off, and off... If I built this bench today, total material cost would be around $100 US (lumber, screws and glue). That's for the basic framed in bench, no add-ons. This bench is made from southern yellow pine, not maple or anything fancy. Good luck with your projects, take care!

[@stevewallrichs3892]

Do you ship to Ohio?

[@theNextProject]

Steve, sorry, cant' ship this. I'll have to deliver it personally. Hope you're doing well brother!

[@manningchiro]

Dude - that is a KICK ASS bench. Not sure it's quite sturdy enough for most around-the-shop projects though. Ha haaaa :)

[@theNextProject]

John, thanks for watching! I tell ya, after tipping the bench upright and pushing it around a bit - I needed a chiropractor! Hope all is well, be safe and take care!

[@manningchiro]

@@theNextProject Subscribed :)

[@ranman58635]

Seems like people like wood benches over guitar builds. Or they are tired of working on their wives kitchen table. 😆 🤣 50 thousand views!

[@theNextProject]

Randy, hope you're having a good weekend. Yep, bench builds are popular. I've used the kitchen table and countertop for projects a few times. The punishment was worse than the crime for sure. Take care man!

[@KennethBlinston-om2dr]

😢making very hard work of that my friend, NO NEED

[@theNextProject]

Kenneth, thanks for watching! Yes, it was a lot of work, not terribly hard, a bit heavy at times. What would you suggest to lessen the hard work? Hope all is well, be safe and take care!

[@malkiatsingh3297]

Too complicated and sorry I can’t do it

[@theNextProject]

All good, thanks for watching!

[@sot11cat]

Why was this "complicated"? 😮