Workshop Workbenches and Work Tables

Two drawings of a workbench utilizing construction-grade dimensional lumber. DXF format

Chris Swingley based these plans loosely on the Roubo workbench that appears in The Workbench Book by Scott Landis. It is basically a sturdy table with a thick top that uses timber frame joinery in its construction. His version is built using construction grade lumber (2 x 6, 4 x 4 pine or fir).

Finding the space for lumber storage has always been a problem for me. So when I built a new workbench recently, I decided to incorporate some lumber storage. The base of the bench is built primarily out of two-by stock. It consists of four trestles that support the benchtop and provide a place for creating a rack to hold lumber.

By Robert Lanham - Each leg of the lathe stand consists of two plywood panels cut from one sheet 24 inches x 48 inches. The pattern is 20 inches wide at the bottom, 8 inches wide at the top and 32 inches tall.

Cutting diagram only from the Workbench Magazine Issue 297.

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 stable utility bench fits the bill for benchtop tools and its ample worksurface makes an ideal layout and utility table.

Build a sharpening station like this with help from a free plan by Tom Fidgen.

This is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for woodworking 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 is a link to a Google 3D SketchUp drawing for a base for a worktable. 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 for the workshop. 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 miter saw 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 portable worktable. 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 an easy to build 7 ft x 3 ft work 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.

Build a scroll saw stand that will give you maximum comfort while you work.

Build a worktable or workbench using these free woodworking plans.

Not only is this workbench sturdy but its mobile too and features fold out wings for extra work space. Download the free woodworking plans at the link.

This workbench is low on purpose for a workshop with low ceilings like a shed. Follow along and build your own. Of course you could extend the legs to any height that is comfortable for you.

5 Detailed drawings for a shop workbench. Includes jpg photo of bench. DXF Format

One of the first tools a beginning woodworker needs is a good solid workbench with a real woodworking vise. This bench need not be a fancy affair made of expensive woods in some classic style. The first bench must be cheap, easy to make, and solid. The following design meets this need.

Build a custom L-shaped workbench of three separate tool benches that join to form a fourth work surface--a dropped well for your miter saw.

The average DIYer would probably be content with a less elaborate workbench than a woodworker might otherwise demand. The average DIYer does not know what a mortise and tenon joint is, or a lapped dovetail joint, or a blind mitre joint, or a bridle joint. In fact, he does not want to know. The average DIYer secures all joints with bolts and nails. He is usually a jack of all trades and generally useful at most of them. This workbench is put together in typical DIY fashion. It is basic, requires the minimum of tools, is easy to construct and very, very sturdy.

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.

Putting a new spin on finishing your projects. Painting a door is one of those projects that always seems to take twice as long as it should. That is because after painting one side of the door, you have to let the paint dry before you can turn the door over to paint the other side. To get around this problem ShopNotes Editor, Phil Huber, came up with a simple solution. He built a couple of support stands that hold the door without touching it, allowing you to paint both sides at one time.

To load a sheet of plywood onto the table, tip the table onto a pair of scrap 2 x 4 spacers, lift the plywood onto the spacers and against the table, and lift the plywood and the table together. You will find that gravity does most of the work.

A wide variety of air-tools can be used in the shop to assemble projects ranging from small craft items to cabinets and furniture. In most instances, a sturdy workbench or table is needed as a work surface to assemble projects. The air-station shown provides a sturdy work surface as well as storage for air tools and fasteners.

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

This is a 10 foot Work Bench I made for wood working, however it could be used as the every day work bench. Classic dovetails for the drawers, half lap for the beams and legs.

A woodwork bench derived originally from Todayâs Woodworker issue 25. Back issues seem to be no longer available. Simple joinery, bolted construction for easy dis-assembly and transport.

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.