Tim’s Workbench – Materials List & Illustrations

Material List for Tim's Workbench

This workbench will set you back a little bit of money - possibly $150 - but it will last several generations. The workbench is incredibly strong if you assemble it with 3.5 inch long screws or 1/4 inch lag bolts where the frames attach to the legs. Once built, the workbench will support well over 1,000 pounds. If you plan to move it or take it with you for any reason, do NOT screw the plywood top down into the 2x4 frames. Remember, once the hardwood top is in place, you can't get to those screws. A better method would be to use eight L brackets under the top.

I suggest you use treated 4x4's for the legs. These can take abuse and can get wet with no concern whatsoever. Untreated lumber is susceptible to rot over time. All other materials can be untreated lumber. Use square edge plywood for the top - not tongue and groove subflooring. You want a smooth surface to act as a guide for the oak edging. Remember, the only time you can use nails is when you nail the oak flooring to the plywood top. All other fasteners need to be screws or lag bolts!

The offcuts from the two sheets of plywood can be used to make a shelf unit or two that can sit on the back of the workbench. Use your imagination and make a multi-level system depending upon your tools and needs.

• Top:
  1 pc. 4 x 8 x 3/4" CDX plywood - cut to 27.5" x 70.5"
  19 square feet of 3/4 x 2.25 inch strip oak flooring
• Stabilizing Frames:
  Two 2x4's by 10 feet long - cut two 54" pieces each
  One 2x4 by 8 feet long - cut four 20 inch pieces
• Bottom Shelf:
  1 piece 4 x 8 x 3/4 inch CDX plywood - cut to 54" x 23" - make appropriate notches at each corner depending upon size of legs.
• Legs:
  One 4x4 x 14' CCA Treated Post - cut 4 pieces exactly 31.5" long
• Fasteners:
  16 - 3.5" x 1/4" lag bolts with washers
  16 - 3" coarse thread screws for frames
  8 - 2" x 2" L brackets with necessary 1.5" screws
  2 lbs - 6d flooring nails

Simple Workbench Plan Views

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