A question for all builders...

[teleamp]

I've got a question about your workbench concerning the depth, no shallower than 24", 30", 36"? What works best for a base on which to work. I'm designing my workbench now and am thinking 60"X30".

Thanks
Mike

[Jim_H]

30" is deep enough, but you can never have too much work area, so make them as deep as you can.

For me, the ideal benches are the big square ones that sit in the middle of a room. Unfortunately I don't have that much dedicated space.

The benches I have are 36" deep, but I have some shelves and storage along the back edge. Heck, people have done this using a black and decker workmate :p.

[mjmeehan]

Five instruments on a black and decker workmate for me! Sometimes you gotta work with what you have/ have room for.

Good luck with your bench.

[tippie53]

There are many options out there. I started with kitchen cabinets but found the drawers wear out if you have any weight in them . I found a very affordable bench and top at MSC. The adjustable legs make leveling a breeze and they have a knock out area to wire in receptacles.
A 30 inch deep top would be the least you would need 36 is about as wide as you want . I have both use them for different tasks. Grizzly bench legs while adjustable don't have the receptacles plus cost more.
You can also make benches affordably. You want sturdy benches that don't flex and are level. Formica , maple , even MDF and Plywood make decent tops.

[deadedith]

I bought a 1/2" x 96" x 48" melamine covered board at Home Depot. I set up two sawhorses, fastened two 2x4's to the horses, put the melamine on top and fastened it to the 2x4's. The sawhorses support two more 2x's closer to the floor and make a very nice shelf that holds all kind of stuff.

In a year or two when I have worn it out, I will turn it over to expose the clean side and there we go.

It cost $20 or so. I do have other benches along the wall in the shop, but this one is spacious flexible and inexpensive.
http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad22 ... C00108.jpg
http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad22 ... C00105.jpg

[tippie53]

In ergonomics were were taught , that you want the work to be about navel height . Plan accordingly it makes for a comfortable work height

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Isn't that the distance from the ground to the poop deck?

[johnnparchem]

I have 24 inch work benches and they work. I had space issues so I went with 24". While they work 6 extra inches would really help.

[Jim_H]

(I think I might have seen one of these in someones pictures on this site)

I used some of these 2x4basics workbench legs to build my sister a garden work bench.

They are pretty handy, and can build a decently sturdy bench in an hour or two with a few 2x4's and some plywood.

http://www.amazon.com/2x4basics-14429-W ... 757&sr=1-5

[Jim_H]

I was going through some old pictures and found this gem. it reminded me of this thread.

I don't recall the specifics but it was posted on one of the guitar forums. This guy lived in an apartment or condo with no suitable shop space, and so he converted a bathroom into a workshop.

That's dedication!

bathroomshop.jpg