Workshop Workbenches and Work Tables

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a worktable that has casters which flip up at the pull of a rope (allowing the table to rest firmly on its legs) and lower back into place when the ends of the table are lifted. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

This workstation has it all, a space-saving, fold-down workbench, easy-access tool rack, and plenty of storage in a wall-mounted cabinet. The cutting diagrams and materials list are available to download in this Online Extra.

This work center for your sliding compound miter saw is more than just a cabinet. Laminate tops provide smooth surfaces to work on and easy cleanup once the project is complete. The two shelves add efficiency to the cabinets storage capacity. And if you need even more storage, there is a matching wall cabinet. The cutting diagrams and materials list are available to download in this Online Extra.

The only reason that I can afford building this worktable at this time is that virtually all of it is being built out of scrounged materials.

This is a huge worktable that you can make in a few hours. We made the frame (shown on the right) out of 2 inches x 3 inches (35 x 65mm) spruce. It is a very straightforward layout that was fastened solely with self-tapping wood screws. If some increased rigidity is required, the layout of the frame allows for a long angled gusset to span between the undershelf and the parts of the frame just below the tabletop. As you can see from the image on the right, we omitted these stiffeners.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a rolling worktable with flip-up shelf and retractable casters. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

This is a three part free downloadable woodworking plan. Part one is the stand, part two are the extensions, and part three is for the hood. Here are the free plans.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a mobile assembly table with built-in outlets, parts drawers, tilt-out drawers for clamps, and large drawers for other storage. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

You can easily build this work table for your workshop. Build just the top and place on sawhorses or finish it off with 4 x 4 posts for legs.

Air-operated tools are a great addition to any shop. But the problem often becomes how to keep all the tools, hoses, and accessories efficiently organized. This mobile work center is the answer. The cutting diagrams and materials list are available to download in this Online Extra. This project appeared in ShopNotes Issue 101.

Build your own workbench that measures approximately 5 x 2.5 feet. With a few 2 x 4s and a sheet of plywood you should be done in no time.

This assembly bench measures approximately 4 x 6 feet and is a little lower than a standard workbench to make it more comfortable to assemble. At the link you can download the free plan to build it.

This project was inspired from an article I saw in one of my woodworking books. Unfortunately I could not find the book again so I made my own plans. If you have a small shop like mine then every square inch of space needs to be optimized. This miter saw/planner stand helps serve that purpose. It will get my planer off of the bench and not take up much more area than my miter saw currently uses. It also gives me a couple of really nice drawers to store things.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a simple woodworking bench made of 2X4 Pine, 3/4 inch plywood and features a replacable hardboard top. Total cost of materials around $70 and easy to build in a single day. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

If you want to add even more storage to the heirloom tool cabinet, then these shelves are just the thing for you. Best of all, they put the open space in the base to good use. This alternate design option is available to download in this Online Extra.

This simple workstand is both stable and mobile. It provides a great surface for cutting, routing, sanding, assembly etc. You can roll it around your workspace by simply tipping one end a few degrees to engage the wheels. In the resting position, the wheels are disengaged and this is the key to its stability. There are no obstructions on the underside of the worktop which allows for efficient clamping. These mobile workstands work very well in pairs, so after you finish your first one, you may want to build another!

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a mobile woodworking assembly table. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

This folding, portable project center features adjustable, clamping tops and a rock-solid base with a large shelf for storing your tools while you are working. The cutting diagrams and materials list are available to download in this Online Extra.

Upgrade your contractors saw by building this custom work center. With a large work surface, loads of storage, dust collection, and a handy built-in router table, you will be able to handle any project. Plus, there is an optional table for extra out-feed support and even more storage. The cutting diagrams and materials list are available to download in this Online Extra.

Avoid smudges and sticky fingers with a mini-lazy Susan that turns while you stay put and spray.

Ever wish you could raise (or lower) the top of your workbench just a few inches to make it a little bit easier to work on a project? Or use the bench as an outfeed support by rolling it around the shop so it is right next to one of your stationary tools? That is where the idea came from for this adjustable-height assembly table. The cutting diagrams and materials list are available to download in this Online Extra.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for an eight foot long workbench that can fit four of the roll-away carts underneath it. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a workbench. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a workbench measuring 95 inches wide x 27 inches deep x 36 inches high. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for n easy to build workbench. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a sturdy workbench base. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

Gordon Gaines of Oakdale, California wanted to extend the short tables on his thickness planer, but did not have room for a large, permanent setup. His solution: these fold-away extension tables.

Vises can make or break a workbench. But you will not need to worry about that with this workbench vise. This vise is rock solid and will handle the most demanding tasks with ease.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a European-style workbench. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a 2 ft x 8 ft basic workbench with drawers. You will need the SketchUp software to download this drawing and its freely available online. We do not provide support for this software. Not all drawings have the measurements displayed but you can use the measurement tool in SketchUp to easily and accurately determine the dimensions of each lumber part. Most drawings do not have instructions, its assumed you can build it based on the completed drawing provided.