How to Build a Custom Workbench

They positioned the fiberboard with a slight overhang in the front and flush with the back and then attached it with screws, making certain that the screw heads were at or slightly below the surface.

• With the first section complete, they moved on to build the other two sections. After each of the sections was assembled, they began setting them in position in the corner of the garage.

5. Recessed section:

• The lowered section of the bench, designed to accommodate the saw, was supported by two 2 x 4s attached to the base legs of the sections on either side.

• The same fiberboard was then measured and secured in place to form the top surface of this section.

6. Replaceable surface:

• Because workbench tops often take a beating, they decided to add a replaceable surface made of ¼" hardboard or masonite. Once they cut these to size, they applied double stick tape to the bottom and pressed the disposable panels in place.

• The lowered section of the bench top had been designed so that when Mel's new miter box saw was positioned, the countertops to the left and right were the same height as the top of the saw bed and would support longer pieces of lumber as they were being cut.
• Once the miter saw was in position, the new bench was complete.

RESULTS:

Mel has been pretty handy most of his life. That's why he wanted this new workbench! Bertella, on the other hand, had not gone near Mel's power tools. Ron changed all of that. Now Mel has to worry about what Bertella is doing when he steps out. She certainly had a good time learning to operate a few tools! Now that she knows what to do, and she has a beautiful new workbench in the garage, there just may be no stopping her!