Build a Workbench

A simple, sturdy workbench is easy to make and you can design it to fit into the amount of space available.

DIFFICULTY: Easy
ESTIMATED TIME: A Weekend
MATERIALS:

• 50 x 100mm pine – look for straight pieces Cut to sizes:
• [4] of 1950mm – side rails
• [4] of 910mm – horizontal braces
• [4] of 740mm – legs*
• [4] of 700mm – leg braces*
• [1] 22mm pine or 18mm supawood – 900 x 200mm for the top
• [1] sheet supawood or plywood – bottom shelf
• Cut screws
• Jigsaw or Circular Saw
• Drill/Driver and assorted drill and screw bits
• Tape measure and pencil*Extend the length of the legs for a higher work bench.

The first step is to construct the top frame and bottom rails. See pictures to the right for assembly. The bottom support is identical to the top support with the addition of two more cross supports.

Attach the legs to the end support stand to the side rails using cut screws. Make sure that the legs are perpendicular to the ground or it is going to make installing the bottom level difficuilt.

Attach the legs braces to the legs as shown in the picture above. The braces should be level with the ground before being attached to the legs. Attach the braces to the legs and supports. Make sure that the legs are perpendicular to the ground before attaching the leg braces or it is going to make installing the bottom level difficuilt.

Attach the bottom support making sure that it is level with the end of the leg braces. The bottom support should be about 220mm from the end of the legs. This distance is not critical so feel free to move the bottom support around. Make sure that the bottom bracket is the same distance from the ground on all four legs or the table will not sit flat.

There are many ways to attach the top to the base. You can use some angle brackets screwed to the side rails and the top. If you are using Supawood, you can screw the top directly on to the side and end rails. Which ever method you choose make sure that the top is centred on the base before permanently attaching the top.

The bottom shelf is cut from Supawood or plywood. Careful measure the bottom rails once fitted to get the exact measurements for cutting the shelf. The bottom shelf will have to be turned on an angle to get it to fit between the legs.