Workbench Frame Material Advice

[supertom44]

I'm looking to build an all in one workbench/station that will hold my table saw, mitre saw and router table, so I can free up some space.

The top of the workbench will be either plywood or mdf.

I was going to use 4x4's for the legs, however where I was planning on purchasing them from only does that size in Redwood.

I was wondering if this is going to be ok, or if I am better off trying to source from else where.

I've attached my rough design.

Thanks

 

[Phil Pascoe]

For your intended purpose, 4" x 4" is overkill anyway. Softwood will be fine.

 

[Thingybob]

100 X 50 cls two pieces back to back glued and screwed it will simplify your half lap joints

 

[Spectric]

however where I was planning on purchasing them from only does that size in Redwood.

What is wrong with redwood ?

 

[Bingy man]

I made one very similar to your design and included adjustable legs to cope with uneven ground ( outside use) but used 2 x 2 and gave it 3 coats of yatch varnish. It’s also part knockdown and it’s as strong as you need.

 

[supertom44]

Thanks all for the replies.

@Phil Pascoe I had a feeling 4x4 might be overkill but wasn't sure.

@Thingybob I think I'm leaning towards approach, will be cheaper too which is always a bonus.

@Spectric I've seen people say redwood is too soft. But I think they were mostly refering to using it as a workbench top.

@Bingy man Good to know, do you have any pictures? Curious to know the joiney used for stretchers.

 

[Molynoox]

I'm just going through this sort of thing now, I've built 2 benches and about to finish the third.

I've settled on using 4x2 for frame, and 2x2 stretchers notched into the 4x2 legs. It's glued and screwed and feels very strong.

Is that fusion 360 btw?
Martin

 

[supertom44]

@Molynoox That looks good, never thought about using something smaller for the stretchers and notching it into the legs.

Yeah it's Fusion 360, currently rebuidling my design with parameters so I can play around with different material sizes.

 

[Adam W.]

You should look at southern yellow pine for a top, it's very good but you can't get it in B&Q.

 

[supertom44]

@Adam W. I did consider solid wood for the top but thought mdf or plywood with a melamine surface would be easier to work with.

 

[Bingy man]

Thanks all for the replies.

@Phil Pascoe I had a feeling 4x4 might be overkill but wasn't sure.

@Thingybob I think I'm leaning towards approach, will be cheaper too which is always a bonus.

@Spectric I've seen people say redwood is too soft. But I think they were mostly refering to using it as a workbench top.

@Bingy man Good to know, do you have any pictures? Curious to know the joiney used for stretchers.

Yeah but I was struggling to find them -will however try harder, the frame for my saw can be used independently from the rest of the frame or bolted to it . Joints were mainly housing joints ( I think that’s what they are called) the main idea was to give me a much larger working area for larger projects while working single handed but make it knock down for easier storage.

 

[supertom44]

Yeah but I was struggling to find them -will however try harder, the frame for my saw can be used independently from the rest of the frame or bolted to it . Joints were mainly housing joints ( I think that’s what they are called) the main idea was to give me a much larger working area for larger projects while working single handed but make it knock down for easier storage.

That looks awesome thanks.

I'm currently toying with the idea of making 3 modular units that can be attached together as opposed to one large unit.

This will not only make it a bit easier to make but will give me greater flexibility in the long run. My workshop is a narrow single car garage (although you'd stuggle to get any modern car in there ha), so space is a premium.

 

[Bingy man]

That looks awesome thanks.

I'm currently toying with the idea of making 3 modular units that can be attached together as opposed to one large unit.

This will not only make it a bit easier to make but will give me greater flexibility in the long run. My workshop is a narrow single car garage (although you'd stuggle to get any modern car in there ha), so space is a premium.

Ultimately space for me is limited but this works well for me , your 3 modules should work out well for you but be careful when gluing up as you need to remember which joints are permanent and which are removable. Look forward to seeing your progress.