Bicycle Mechanics - what do you think of this workbench?

I need a workbench for my amateur bicycle shop I have in my basement. I've been meaning to build one but haven't gotten around to it. (I forgot where I stored all my round tuits.) So maybe I should buy one. And Harbor Freight, purveyor of cheap tools, in both senses of the word "cheap", is selling this one for $160. It's only 20" deep (51 cm) and that sounds a bit too shallow.

What do y'all think?

LINK (http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=93454)

I ordered another model of bench from them a month ago. It had a peg board back, a built in outlet strip, and an overhead light. A week goes by and I didn't receive a shipping notice. Finally, I called and was told it was on back order until the end of June. I cancelled the order. I have developed little patience for companies that build a website with a bunch of features, but fail to include a feature that tells you immediately whether a part is in stock or not. Harris Cyclery seems to be able to do it, why can't Harbor Freight?
Anyways, call before you order to be sure it is in stock.

Yup. Cheap is the word for that crap. Sorry, I have my own particular disdain for HF, it is pretty bad stuff, altho I have bought a few things like bits there that I considered 'consumable' and just threw away when done. I don't even like the smell of the cosmoline or whatever it is in that place. I am most certainly biased because I work as a carpenter and make my living with my tools.

That 'workbench' looks to me like it will be a bit rickety, and my notion is that a workbench really needs to be solid and steady. This holds especially true when mounting a vice.

I think 20" is a tad narrow. I have one 24" and seems good for bike stuff.

If I were to build a free-standing bench, it would probably consist of 4x4 legs, 2x4 framework, minimum 3/4" ply top, bolted and screwed together. Cost $50 or less for materials.

If you don't want to build yourself, I'll bet a carpenter would be willing to put a nice solid bench together for 160 bucks (materials included). I would.

If I were to build a free-standing bench, it would probably consist of 4x4 legs, 2x4 framework, minimum 3/4" ply top, bolted and screwed together. Cost $50 or less for materials.


Just built mine ... about 10d ago ... pretty much to that spec. Used two layers of 7/16" OSB on top, and then added 1/8" masonite over it as the consumable top surface.

Cost was pretty much right on. Took a couple of hours. Has a 2x4 sheet of pegboard on the back, too!



I could park my car on the DIY workbench.

My thing about HF is pretty simple: there's a place for them, but ... until you know their merchandise really well ... I don't think it's ever smart to buy from them without first laying hands on the thing in question.

The Depot has a $160 Husky bench that -- while different -- is probably a better built product. I've seen the bench you linked to, but ... since I wasn't considering a buy ... didn't /really/ look at it.

Are you near a store, at least, to check it out?

I can front you a "round tuit," if that would help. The joy [I]was in the build!

The 20" depth probably wont make you happy if you're going to keep anything on the work surface (like storage bins, tool organizers, etc.). I think an equally important dimension is height. My workbench is a bit over 40" high - perfect for me to work at while standing (I'm 6'1").

Ken the Carpenter's advice above is sage... You can build a very sturdy workbench out of wood and simple fasteners. Mine is similar to what he described, and it probably cost me $50-60 in materials. I did it myself and I most assuredly am NOT a skilled woodworker!

Go ahead and DIY it... You're a good mechanic, this'll be a piece of cake.

Thanks for talking me out of it, folks. I haven't been to a Harbor Freight store yet, and I've bought a few things from them online and understand what they're about.

Their web site sucks, too.

You know, I'm weird. I consider myself a good mechanic. (And thank you for the compliment, dwr1961.) But I'm intimidated by carpentry and home repairs. Silly, I know.

A friend of mine says that Home Despot has a kit for building a workbench. It's just brackets, and you fill it in with lumber, so you can alter the width and whatever. Sounds like my best bet.

Thanks for all the encouragement.

Speaking of my amateur bike shop, I'm going to have some really good news to post soon. But I can't tell you yet. You'll have to wait a few days. I'm ready to burst with the secret, but I have to wait.

I built this in a weekend, loosely based on plans from Family Handyman Magazine

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r162/jsharr/cub%20scouts/100_0960.jpg

I built this in a weekend, loosely based on plans from Family Handyman Magazine

There ya go! I like the bump out/peninsula on the right.

I built this in a weekend, loosely based on plans from Family Handyman Magazine

Awwwww, crap.

How do I remove my photo ;)

Well played, Sir!

There ya go! I like the bump out/peninsula on the right.

It is made from two pieces of 3/4 plywood glued and screwed together and then attached with door hinges so it folds up and down. Give a nice deep work space and when folded, still allows two cars in the garage.


Awwwww, crap.

How do I remove my photo ;)

Well played, Sir!


Thank you!

The bins underneath are on casters and roll out to provide more storage for bulky items. I bought the cabinets pre built from a home center. The rest was built from 2x4's and plywood. It was a two man, two day job. My father and I built it in two leisurely paced days.

I just built one with a 2x4 scrap, 2 old 6ft boards, and an old fence rail.

You can also use an old, used or cheap door and buy some premade legs. It should be easier to assemble than 90% of the ikea catalog.

Both the houses we have owned came with pretty good work benches in the cellar. The first was a mess and I built it up over the years. My current house came with a great bench that had been badly beaten. I replaced a couple of 2x8s and put a new fiberboard top and bolted on a 4" machinists vice and was good to go. I recently added a bench-mount magnifying lamp as a sop to my 50+ eyes - best decision I've made in a long time.

The cellar is "Dave's World"

jsharr, I bow down before you!

A friend of mine says that Home Despot has a kit for building a workbench. It's just brackets, and you fill it in with lumber, so you can alter the width and whatever. Sounds like my best bet.

Chances are, he's talking about this
http://www.2x4basics.com/WorkBench-Legs.asp
As long as you can use a circular saw and a drill, it sounds like a good deal.

Maybe. But by the sound of it, I think it's this (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100375388&N=10000003+501544+10401007).

Some years ago I owned an oak bench very much like the one you were considering from HF. Although it was a woodworking bench, I found it quite functional for most any mechanical job. I wish I still had it. The lack of depth can be overcome by moving the bench away from the wall a bit. I added two diagonal stringers between the back legs to make it even more solid. I think the oak top is an advantage; impervious to most everything and very tough. At a Harbor Freight store, it is good to examine the item you are considering rather than making a blanket assessment, as some do, that it's all junk. Sign up for HF's email specials because 20% off coupons flow freely.

I can build a bench for less money that kicks that Horrible Fright bench's ass! It's garbage. Looks can be deceiving.

I just don't understand why folks get so addicted to that HF junk.

Or, maybe I do. All these shelves full of crap selling for next to nothing.

Don't mind me, it's just a personal rant. I was being nice to HF in the other post.

But tell us how you REALLY feel, kenhill3. :lol:

I have to admit that I looked at the same bench at HF. After realizing that the legs were too weak to really support the bench, I searched for plans on the web and found one I liked, well thought out and sturdy. If I recall correctly, it may have been on this web site. Follow this link:

http://dmroth.com/woodworking/workbench/workbench.html

But tell us how you REALLY feel, kenhill3. :lol:

Don't get me started.

Wait........I already AM started!

I have a friend who is contractor, I have worked for him a coupla times. Helluva nice guy. He has the sickness, the HF addiction. Well, out in his shop there is a BIG pile of HF trade tools- routers, cordless drills, laminate trimmers, rotohammers, etc.- probably 30 or 40 of 'em. They are all dead, this is the boneyard, what a pitiful waste of pot metal and that terrible HF pink plastic. At least it didn't cost him TOO much money.

Like I said, good guy, but frankly he's a hack and buys tools commensurate with that. I suppose a a high quality tool would be a waste in his hands anyway.

And here's (http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/workshop/bench/below20xl.html) the starting point for the one I built....

Another thought would be to check Craigslist. Last winter I found a bench that a guy had built himself years ago when apparently lumber was a lot cheaper than it is today. This thing was heavy and obviously wouldn't fall apart in my lifetime. The top was covered with some leftover hardwood flooring. It also had a built in bench vise... which I wasn't really looking for... until I saw it!! I bought it for $50 which included delivery.

gbalke and neil0502:

Those are both great! The only thing I would suggest would be NOT to use OSB for a work surface- it chips and gouges and just kinda falls apart when you apply various 'working forces'. OSB also does not handle liquids very well AT ALL, it just sucks 'em up and swells and turns into spongy crap. Maybe try 3/4" ply, even double it up for solidity.

For my own work bench I used 1 1/4" MDO (medium density overlay) which is essentially plywood, and is sold as concrete form material and comes in 24"x96" sheets- it's HEAVY. I did plastic laminate countertop on it which give a very durable and cleanable surface. I'll see if I can get some pics of this workbench for y'all when I go by my shop tonight.

Ken,

Great advice.

On mine, I used two layers of 7/16" OSB, but then threw 1/8" masonite OVER the OSB and tacked it down. It's now nearly disposable, since I got 4 slices from a cheap 4'x8' sheet.

Please do put up some pics of your creation if you get the chance....

Remodel you kitchen and put the old cabinets in your shop.

http://inlinethumb08.webshots.com/5319/1519987069068014369S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/1519987069068014369QFzHEY)

Remodel you kitchen and put the old cabinets in your shop.

That rocks! I've done similar for clients.

Dirtdrop, I have the same bike stand. Looking at the Park Tool website, it seems they don't make it any more.

I made this out of scrap.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l156/Wordbiker/Shop%20Remodel/P3150259.jpg

Then again...I'm a professional carpenter. :p

Benches are 24", 20" and 18". I like the differing depths for differing purposes, and to save floor space. The 24" depth tends to collect more crap in the back.

Word-

Do I remember correctly? Is that your shed, or something similar?

Be-au-ti-ful :thumb:

My little workshop
http://www.gotbiz.com/usr/friends/aa/aa/aa/aa/briansworld/image2.jpg

I made this out of scrap.

(image)

Then again...I'm a professional carpenter. :p

Benches are 24", 20" and 18". I like the differing depths for differing purposes, and to save floor space. The 24" depth tends to collect more crap in the back.

OK, that's it. I give up.

I made this out of scrap. Then again...I'm a professional carpenter. :pBenches are 24", 20" and 18". I like the differing depths for differing purposes, and to save floor space. The 24" depth tends to collect more crap in the back.

Excellent workspace. Nice job cleaning up/ organizing before you took a photo.:thumb:

OP/Noglider-

Don't let any of these discourage you. The two links posted earlier show some inexpensive and simple benches that you really can do. If you're not confident by yourself, get a bro/friend to help you.

I made this out of scrap.

Then again...I'm a professional carpenter. :p


Nice one, Wordbiker!

With a set up like that, you can attack a stuck seatpost from a multitude of angles.
Framing hammer, claw, ball peen, other framer, smaller claw, pry bar, roofing hammer...

OK-

Here's my workbench. I have have no shame. It's not pretty. What a friggin' mess! It works.

I have no room at home for a workspace, other than bikes scattered all over the basement, my GF has commandeered it with all her crap!

This bench is in one corner of my man-cave inside the warehouse where I do my bldg. maintenance side job. As I said, 1 1/8" MDO formboard with plastic laminate top. 24" wide was all I could spare for space. 2x4 braces back to the wall. This bench is actually very stout, I can can do heavy work in the vice with almost no movement of the bench.

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd228/kenhill3/Cycling/Bikeforums%20Posts/CIMG0633-1.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd228/kenhill3/Cycling/Bikeforums%20Posts/CIMG0637-1.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd228/kenhill3/Cycling/Bikeforums%20Posts/CIMG0638-1.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd228/kenhill3/Cycling/Bikeforums%20Posts/CIMG0639-1.jpg