Who Needs Workbench Plans?
Today my knees are really killing me, again. Even after promising myself I would never try to build anything on the floor, I was in the basement last night, back on the concrete, trying to replace a vacuum cleaner belt. I tried to make the job more tolerable by throwing in one of those foam pads you see for yard work. I even tried throwing out some old pillows and blankets, but nothing seemed to really work. Then I started thinking about those pro-style knee pads I always see at Lowes, which I always go through because I think I’ll only use them once.

So today I decided that what I really need is a way to lift my work off the floor and keep it at a reasonable height…something my back will appreciate. That is easy. But where do I get one? I’m not even sure what “get” means at this point. I guess I’ve seen a couple of workbench kits at places like Home Depot and Lowes, but I didn’t really see much of a selection. You could buy one of those bright red metal frame workbenches that have a particle board top and a pegboard back. Those workbenches would probably be easy enough to install without too much trouble. That is, if I’m willing to pay the $100 or so to buy it…and also if I have a way to get those huge boxes into my car.

Build a workbench or buy one?
I guess I’m thinking that a simple workbench should be something pretty easy to build. And doesn’t it make sense to build my own…especially if I’m going to use that workbench to build more stuff? That makes sense. Also, a lot of the workbenches I’ve seen in other people’s basements look pretty plain…as if they were rigged up with 2×4’s. I could handle that. If only he could remember (or even understand) how it all came together. That’s the kind of problem. Even with my rough sketches of the type of workbench I think I’d like to build, I’m still a bit confused as to what type of joinery I should use at the corners where the legs meet. After all, I’m not an engineer and I don’t want this to be wobbling all over the place after I install it.

A little help with a plan
What I’m looking for is just a little help with the overall design of the workbench. So with a quick google search for “workbench design” and “workbench plans” I see many websites that say they can help me with a plan…and most of these I can get for free. At first I’m pretty excited that there’s so much to choose from.

Carpentry or just work?
The first thing I noticed with my web search for workbench plans is that the word “workbench” refers primarily to woodworking… which might not be exactly what I’m looking for. Here’s the proof: If you have no idea what a mortise and tenon joint is, then most of the workbench plans that come up in a Google search are probably not what you’re looking for. Nothing against carpentry, really. In fact, I hope one day to delve into the fine craft of building fine furniture. That would be wonderful. Maybe build a crib for a grandson. If this is something you are inclined towards, then you should consider taking the leap and building (or buying) a good woodworking bench.

A workbench can be a beautiful piece of shop furniture, actually. And experienced woodworkers take no more pride in having a beautiful workbench to show off to their friends. It is a very exciting type of hobby, where serious woodworkers get pumped up and excited by just a little whiff of sawdust in the air. That kind of things. But believe me, serious carpenters pay the wallet for their passion for woodworking. Most really nice woodworking benches (made from hardwoods like oak or maple) will set you back no less than $500 for a kit (as at Rockler.com) or at least several hundred dollars for wood and materials alone. to build it yourself. Not to mention, you’ll also need some pretty fancy shop tools to build really nice woodworking benches… like a planer, a drill press, a router table, that sort of thing.

something simple
But back to my original problem, what I need is simply something to lift my work off the ground and to a reasonable height, and not spend a lot of money doing it. The kind of bench I’m talking about goes together with really simple materials…like 2x4s and wood screws you can buy at Home Depot or Lowes. And this is something that could even fit in the back of my hatchback (and save $50 on shipping). Heck, you can even slide 2x4s into the rear trunk with some cars (if you have an open panel behind the rear seats).

But I’m not ready to go to the lumber store yet. I still need to get a rough idea of ​​how the 2x4s should go together, and then how many boards I’ll need to buy once I get there. This is where at least some kind of workbench plan can come in handy, especially if you want to get started on the project right away. Believe me, starting with someone else’s design can eliminate a lot (and I do mean a lot) of the guesswork you’d face if you designed your bench from scratch.

Finding a simple workbench plan
If you haven’t already noticed, there are tons of websites on the subject of building a workbench. However, be prepared to do some research to find the kind of simple workbench layout I’ve been talking about so far. Remember, most of the “workbench” plans you’ll find on the Web are designed for some pretty serious woodworking. They might look cool, but be prepared for instructions that require you to work on a planer, drill press, router table, and a few other tools I’ve never heard of.

Free Plans?
The next thing you’ll notice with your online search is that many of the listings advertise free plans. Believe me, I have thoroughly reviewed these “free workbench plans” websites and I can tell you without hesitation that this is mostly rubbish. Like many things on the Web, it’s simply a ploy to get you interested in looking at something else…like a new cell phone or a free credit report.

A better plan… for less than $10
My take on workbench plans in general is that you’re better off spending $5-$10 and getting something that more closely resembles what a real workbench plan should look like step by step instructions with good illustrations , cutting diagrams and shop tips and techniques. What I’m talking about here are plans that have at least five pages of content (as opposed to the photocopied isometric drawings some free sites have) and some reasonably good quality photos of the finished product. Photos alone can be a real lifesaver when you’re trying to put everything together the way it should go together.