Modular Workbench for Beginners
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- Опубліковано 16 тра 2022
- The ultimate modular workbench for beginners and people with a tight workshop. The two work benches latch together to create either a wider or longer surface. This build only uses one sheet of plywood and 2x4s. Plus, you can build another set to make even larger tables!
*Project Plans*
Modular Workbench Plans
www.bearmountainbuilds.com/pl...
*Products Used*
Toggle Latch Clamps:
amzn.to/3Z7I091
4" Heavy Duty Casters:
amzn.to/3Mwd2RK
90 degree positional clamps:
amzn.to/3Tm5Ttd
Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig 310 (Budget Version):
amzn.to/3Pp2lCn
Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig 720 (This is the new design of the one I use most often):
amzn.to/3OActbD
100'' Straight Edge Saw guide:
amzn.to/3UhCOxz
DEWALT circular saw:
amzn.to/3MCtwsz
DEWALT impact driver & drill:
amzn.to/49SAvbc
DEWALT bit set:
amzn.to/3g7ddHT
Gorilla glue:
amzn.to/34ULnJK
6'' Clamps:
amzn.to/3IARLqM
12" Clamps:
amzn.to/38oDWMZ
*Filming Equipment*
www.bearmountainbuilds.com/po...
Disclosure: Links contain affiliates.
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Thank you for supporting Bear Mountain Builds and allowing us to continue to bring you valuable content.
*Bear Mountain Build things*
Instagram: / bearmountainbuilds
Facebook: / bear-mountai. .
Bear Mountain Builds (Free Plans): www.bearmountainbuilds.com/
Patreon: patreon.com/BearMountainBuilds - Навчання та стиль
I just made these as my first real wood project. I have to say you make it look so easy! Some things I’ve learned from this first project in case there are other complete newbies trying to make this:
A. Don’t use Phillips head screws with an impact driver. Seriously just don’t. I bought a full box and kept trying to make it work and it just ended up being a massive headache. Star-head screws all the way. I’m just going to throw out the box of phillips head screws purely out of spite at this point.
B. If you modify the design to extend the legs to install kick down casters like I did, you can also install leveling feet which honestly saved my butt because my frame was NOT square, my legs were not the same height, and my garage floor is not level. This allows me to set the height to be the same level as other things also like my table saw.
Sounds like you may have needed a larger pilot hole to begin with. And yes, get rid of Phillip head screws. T25s are your friend
Do you have the links to the leveling feet and the kick down casters you used ?
64 year old beginner that is having fun , I can’t thank you enough for showing this and so grateful for the free plans
I am 67 and thank you so much for ur tips and tricks. You made the so lap joint so easy. Was always worried about cutting the chiseling but no worries now. I also thank u for the plans. I’m clearing out my garage and going to put these in. 🔨🔨
This is a pretty solid little workbench. While once you figure out how it comes together, it is physically Easy to assemble ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxyFZUPFEey-PuqsPMxqaykBhgA1LWxFHh by yourself. But the diagrams explaining the steps are really pretty bad. I could not get the handle pins in all the way despite multiple attempts, so I just used a screw I had on hand for the 2nd handle. I could not get the first pin in further or pull it back out. You are supposed to hammer it in, but I had no leverage and the handle is plastic and I did not want to risk breaking it. I will get a lot of use out of the bench because of the convenient size and height. It does fold up nicely for storage. They even explain how to fold it so you don't get pinched...that is important!
I made my plain old workbenches 48" high, but I'm 6'8", lol. Not my problem if no one else can use them. After all, we have to deal with stuff like short sinks, countertops, furniture in general, lol. Let someone else struggle for a change. :)
Thanks for showing me how to use a ratchet strap to square it up. It’s small details like this that really help us beginners.
I had a hell of a time working out the fasteners using the video and the plans. The video will note one thing, and the plans list another. So if you're having trouble like I was here's a list to help:
~64 2-1/2" pocket hole screws for the frame
~32 2" pocket hole screws for attaching the 21" cross braces to the frame face
~40 1-1/4" pocket hole screws for attaching the top and bottom shelves
24 5/16" x 1-1/2" lag screws for attaching the casters
24 5/16" washers
~40 3" deck screws for screwing the legs together
I also HIGHLY recommend picking up some trigger clamps if you don't have them. You will not regret the investment. The cut list is excellent and the color-coded assembly instructions are helpful and a good companion to the video. Just needed to get the fasteners all sorted. Hope this helps! These benches are excellent.
Thank you. You clarified some questions i had about the shelves.
Disclaimer have I literally zero experience with woodworking and building stuff. A few months ago I made my work table with basically just guessing on how I wanted it to be. It's functional but really not good. I have been watching a ton of work bench/table builds lately and this one is my absolute favorite. I am planning on building this while my wife is on holiday this month and super excited about it. I downloaded your plans and have been making a Lowes shopping list for what I need. Thank you so much for this.
Saw your channel for the very first time. I'm74 and just bought my first compound miter saw so have a lot to learn but am sure enjoying it. Thanks. Love and prayers sent your way.😘
The latch clamps -- genius.
Right! That’s what sold me on these plans. Small space, but sometimes I need a big table to work on.
Love the video and plans. I built one table for my son-in-law’s tiny workroom. I was able to build in my shop, disassemble the cross braces and reassemble in his shop. Worked perfectly.
This is a solid bench design. I’m thinking double sheets on top to add dog holes.
Thank You
Ok I finished this build and have a couple comments/corrections. First off, thanks for the free plans that go with the video. They were helpful and, even though they had some mistakes or missing info, the video helped to clear up those issues.
Now, the instructions say to use 1/4” x 1 5/8” lag screws but the video says 5/16” x 1 1/2” lag screws. Use 5/16”. Also, get washers to go with them.
The 2 1/2” pocket screws work great for the joints with only 2x4s but they went through the 3/4” plywood tops so go with 2” unless you like that torture chamber look.
The latches that connect the benches together don’t come with any screws so make sure you either have the right size or buy them for the project.
Last recommendation is to mount your wheels a little further in from the long edge so the wheels don’t interfere with each other as much with the benches connected.
Thanks again to this channel. It was a fun build.
PURE Genius, simple/elegant , if height is reduced 4", you can get it down to Materials: "1, 4x8ft sheet of plywood & 12, 8ft 2x4's" for TWO WORKBENCHES (that is insanely efficient use of materials!)
I have a tight workshop and I was thinking of the same idea for workshop tables. I stumbled on your video and you have inspired me to make these tables. I want to take these tables to the next level and make then one with my talbe saw integrated in one and the other as a work table unit with bench dog holes. Thank you for the video.
I measure diagonals to square as you do. What I really like about this video is you explain how to straighten it out. I never thought of using a strap clamp. I previously used my entire body force to will the things square. Your way is a bit better. Lots of bits better really. Great tips all along the video. Thanks for the nice job.
Let me start off with saying this is one of the best / most common sense design ideas yet. This video addresses probably the oldest debate: table size. BTW, I think that was great way to illustrate height of table not being uniform for everyone. I have been wrestling with ideas that would give me flexibility of size. Currently I use 2 old flat surface doors on saw horses, that I can stack or spread out which worked when I built my 84 x 64 book case. I have watched a few videos that talk about size width/depth and everyone has their ideas. But if your not sure or have a variety of projects that would require different sizes, this seems to be best idea yet. Also just as you showed the the 4 tables clamped together with clamps, I was thinking ahead to have some type of latch systems that I have seen to lock together, and not to be disappointed you had already thought of that with the toggle clamps.
I also see making one to integrate a flush mounted table saw, router table and maybe others. Not to mention maybe updating from my fixed very over sized miter saw table and maybe building some sort of lowered platform that attaches between 2 of the tables.
That being said maybe one (or 2 or more) comments. I think the 4" casters are way over kill. 2" casters are way more than enough in my opinion. I am thinking there is much most people would do that required more than 400 lbs load capacity per table.
The other issue is if you work with a lot of hand tools such as hand planers and chisels and sanders Swivel casters can be problematic. While you can lock the wheel it does not prevent the table from moving around with in the 360 degree pivot of the caster. I went to a side mounted wheel that once in place you unlock the wheel so it lowers to the legs. However those may not work with this design since the whole idea is that you connect. Maybe the best alternative I think is that these tables are small and light enough that maybe not use casters at all. Just lift and move or use a tri-dolly swivel caster to move and remove while working on them.
Updated: I see that the casters you show seem to lock both wheel and the swivel. I may have to give them a try. That is very important info I see someone going to the local hardware store and buying regular locking casters that only lock wheel.
That ratchet strap trick was a great idea
I built this pair of solid workbenches with the plans you generously provided. I have a small workshop so they needed to meet multiple purposes. I added T-Track to both units. I also made the tops from 2 layers of 3/4” plywood. On one unit the upper layer is removable, revealing a hole cut through to accommodate the placement of a simple portable router table. I installed an on/off kill switch within reach so I can operate the router without reaching under the workbench. When not in use I can hang the router unit on the wall and reinstall the T-Track top. Works great.😊. I have pix! Thanks again. These benches have transformed my modest workshop
Sounds like a great build! I’d love to see the pics!
Dude! Perfect timing. Just got my first table saw. Love your channel, recently subscribed. You’re killing it! Thanks for the content.
Finally!! Everyone says stuff like "measure the diagonals to make sure everything is square". This is the first time I've seem someone say what to do if they are not.
Finished building it tonight. I like to say the latches did not come with black screws so I improvised. I thought they would send screws.
Also, I had to use 1 1/2” pocket hole screws. 2 1/2” was too long and went through the sanded plywood from the bottom through the top.I used the Kreg pocket hole kit. I used their recommended depth, maybe I should have moved the coller down one so I would not have drilled too deep. It’s okay, I improvised and it works and looks great.
Thanks again for the video.
Fantastic channel, this has given me the boost I needed to sort my cluttered garage out. This will give me all the space I need. Keep going with the channel and I hope to be making more stuff soon. The miter saw bench was great as I have just bought a new mitre saw, so will be building that first.
Finished building this today with your plans, it’s awesome!! I also wanted to build the miter table you made but my girlfriend had a fantastic idea. We built a box for the saw and put it between the two tables connecting them together with a French cleat. I’d post a photo but I can’t in the comments. The saw could be removed and the two tables function just like you showed in your video. It’s so awesome!!
Great idea!
i had the same idea watching this video. Glad to hear it worked for you. Look forward to seeing the photo
@@moddymeadow I have photos but can’t seem to post them here 😞
@@davidelswick9320 I can’t post a picture or video in the comments so I’m not sure how to send it to you. Any ideas?
@@zachpetz6610 Start your own channel to post photos and videos! Clever idea she had with a lower bridge between the 2 tables for the miter saw, thanks internet.
Love the ratchet strap trick! I will definitely be using that in the future
So glad you showed what to do when it's not square - as I am sure almost everyone watching this video has ran into and something most videos don't show because it's naturally perfect for them. Thank you!
I’ve watched at least 50 workbench tutorial videos. Thank you for the free plans and not requiring $5k worth of tools. Subscribed
What a great video. I've watched several of these trying to figure out how to design my modular benches, but I think you added a few novel ideas on how to keep things looking clean and even. Thanks!
Ya know, everyone is always saying to check for square by measuring corner to corner but never explain how to fix it if it isn't. I'm still fairly new to the game so thank you for showing how you fixed it!!
Thank you Sir.🎉
This is a brilliant design! I plan to use them separately as shop carts to help me move heavy material around my shop, and then together as an assembly table. I’m 5’4”, so thanks for the heads up on the table height! Your plans are always easy to follow. Liked and subscribed. Thank you!
Good idea using the ratchet strap to square it up. And I like the clamps to connect them together. Well played, sir!
Very nice work. I'm building a saw bench now but then have to build 2 more like yours to make assembly bench.
You get a "like" from me for explaining what to do when the frame isn't square. Because they are never square.
I'm so grateful I came across your channel. The videos are full of the right information, and you have a natural way of communicating to keep us glued to our seats. Keep up the great work.
This is a great way to build a sturdy shop table, thanks for providing the plans and keep up the good work!!
Funny we’re all on the same page. I’m going to do the same as some others and create separate tables for a miter and my planer. I finished my tables and so happy with this as I finally have workbenches that are mobile. I wish they looked as clean as yours do. But I guess as I do more wood working projects they’ll get better. I don’t have my miter yet, so I cut everything with my circular saw and that created small 16th to 1/8 inch differences no matter how much I tried to clean up the cuts. And I used a speed square and had everything super lined up. I also noticed that for the pocket holes to use the specific kreg flat bottom screw heads. I started blowing out wood with construction deck screws. Lastly, the greatest part of mobility, is I can take my projects out the garage and work on my side yard for messier jobs. Things are killer. Thank you for sharing this👍🏼
This is the setup I have for my sewing/assembling/cutting table. But made of 3 cabinets. More like Ikea's Kallax but I made 2 other versions/partitions to the Kallax.
Can assemble and this assemble fast and easy.
*Very Space Saving* 😁😆
Projects like this, presented by someone who clearly loves their craft, give budding diy woodworkers like myself a lot of confidence to tackle the more "scary" projects we'd like to try. in the middle of a complete redesign of my workspace in a long, rectangular stoarage shed right now and these modular benches are exactly what I need in my workspace. MUCH appreciated!
Rock solid! Seriously, this was excellent. Thank you for sharing such a creative idea in a concise, understandable way.
One little improvement would be instead of pocket screwing the outer cross pieces to the double thickness "legs," notch out the corners, half lap the outer members, and face screw them. It would be a little stronger. Possibly. Pocket screws have been proven to be plenty strong, and you're screwing down a plywood top. I like the design. Thanks!
65-year old beginner here! Just retired and putting together my very first shop. I will be using your strap clamp idea to add versatility to my 17'x21' brand new shop. Thanks!
Just downloaded the plans and let me tell you I am so excited to get started. I have been looking for a workbench for a while and you have made the type of workbench I've been looking for. Your plans are great and well laid out for anyone to follow. Thank you.
This is totally what I need! I think the only change I might make is leveling casters for my uneven floor. I really like the simplicity and it’s totally doable with my skill set! Thanks! Joe
wow thats an awesome work bench. i'm gonna attempt the build.
Another fantastic build! I think modular is the way to go.....Now, if you could fold the legs and store along side your garage wall, that would be outstanding!
Hi from South Africa. I absolutely loved these workbenches. Going to try it next week.Given that you reach an international audience, have you considered putting the metric equivalent somewhere on the screen?
I, for one would really appreciate it. The latch idea is phenomenal. Don't know why no-one thought of it before.
Thank you so much. Looking forward to your other videos.
I really like how you also demonstrate using the budget friendly method!
i’ve watched about 500 videos in my time re woodworking and this is very close to being my favourite.
I’ll cinch that number one spot some day 💪🏼
This is a genius, very diverse design with a lot of modification opportunities. It just needs a shelf between them sitting long way to be a miter saw station (may need to be a bit wider for some saws), and it’s a few modifications away from being a 4’x4’ outfeed table/assembly bench that’d fit perfect in a garage shop. Putting them together in the long configuration and you’ve got a shop desk that could wrap around a corner. You could design almost all your major shop furniture based on this design with some modifications. Well done sir.
This channel should be called "ROCK SOLID BUILDS"
Great idea for the two separate tables that can clamp together. I'm setting up a tiny workshop in 10x16 shed and these will work great for that! Thank you for posting!
Love your channel. Thanks for the plans as well. It’s good to see people like you and Matthew Peach helping people.
I had a blast building these benches. Now I have movable workbenches and lots of storage and work space.
Love this. I feel like you could build a shorter one in the middle to put your miter saw onto have an infeed and outfeed table. Defnitely could use this in my small shop. Glad I ran across this. Good timeing to since I am about to reorganize my entire shop. Definintely going to subscribe to this channel.
Great video and even better plans! I am 6’0” and was hesitant about using the same leg length of your original plans. However, I wanted to modify one of the workbenches into a flip top for my mitre/miter saw. The clearance provided by your original height was perfect for my Bosch! I used 2x6 for the upper horizontal supports to give me the space needed for my flip top bearings & bar and modified the vertical legs mid support to accommodate the wider 2x6. Thanks for the great content and inspiration!
Great build vlog - definitely on my list to build for my workshop in the new year. Love the ease of combining the units and locking them together :)
As a retired guy just starting out with a new workshop build this is precisely what I need for my small shop. My shop is only 13x13 but the biggest problem is my small door coming into the shop, at 30" I want to be able to move the workbench through the doorway in case I ever need to do so. I just subscribed, as I was very impressed with this easy build. Well done young man ! Cheers...
I have downloaded a few different plans from different ppl and I have to say these plans are genuinely the best ones so far! Very clear and easy to understand for literally anyone!
You're the goat. I was actually looking to make a modular workbench but I forgot the adjective "modular" and was looking at regular DIY workbenches lol
Your work is second to none may God continue to bless you and your family. Bottom line
Just wanted to say thanks for sharing your knowledge and free plans with everyone. Seems everything costs money these days so it's nice to see people still in it to help others out rather than a quick buck. I'm a big fan of a lot of your designs. Take care.
Great build and thank you for the plans. Might want to mention that 2 1/2” pockets screws go right through the 3/4” plywood though. Gonna try 1 1/2” pocket screws instead.
I tested b4 I ran the 2 1/2 screws thru the top. 1 3/4 should work.
Haha 5 months later and I’m literally at the exact point of the build where I realized this too. FWIW, with the beginner’s jig set at its max thickness of 1 1/2”, a 2 1/2” screw sticks out just a little shy of 1 inch. So either a 1 3/4 or 2” pocket screw should be okay with 3/4 plywood. 1 1/2” is just a tad too short.
The 2” ones worked fine for me as long as you don’t torque them down too much.
I did this very thing just yesterday. Doh! Thanks for reassuring me that I didn't miss something somewhere.
I honestly don't think I've learnt so much from one video before. I think this will be my next project.
ASTOUNDING! STUPENDOUS! HOMERIC!
Thanks for a great easy to understand build, I am using a conex (cargo container) for my permanent shop. Have been having a hard time in deciding the layout for my work bench and miter station. I think you design is quite the ticket. Thanks for a good vid. O btw....lived that young lady popping in and out, added a little humor and pizzazz to your vid....you got a subscriber! Keep them (vids) coming.
Welcome aboard!
Bravo for sticking to simple tools an average person's space and budget allow.
Keep making these builds for tall people. My back thanks you!
Don’t worry, I will. I’ve lived too long in a world designed for someone that’s 5’9” to not want to treat myself to a more vertical experience
@@BearMountainBuilds I’d love to see a large L-shaped desk build if you ever feel up to it.
@@nantztopher1279 actually, that is on my list to do. I’m thinking I’ll make one by this fall
I built a smaller version for my DeWalt table saw. Rock solid and handsome.
Great vid. One question though; I noticed the wheels don’t stay within the frame when they do a 360 swivel. This would cause the wheels to interfere with each other when connecting 2 workbenches and move them around. I do understand that wheels traveling in same direction rotate the same way mostly. But just not all the time.
pretty good build there , thank you for the free plans . waiting to see you build something in the kitchen hutch type build . great vid , thank you for sharing.
I'm about to renovate my kitchen so there might be something there
Think I saw fix this build that do the same with magnets. Pretty sweet. Nice build well done.
That's awesome 2 tables that makes 1 long table! Jim Greszczuk
Great idea for garage shops. Can be used for outfeed tables, assembly tables, miter saw stations, etc.
Finally a woodworker willing to help others.
Makes me want to support him!
I feel am going to be using the phrase, " Rock Solid", more than I expect in the next few days. Good video.
Great video plus Free plans !!! Subscribed !!!!
Fun project... very helpful
Great video! Thanks.
If you live near a Menards (MidWest version of Home Depot) , they carry "Handi-Panels", which come in 2x4 and 4x4 sheets. As I was researching and planning the build, I decided to to use MDF I think a little dustier when your making the grooves etc, but once done, much cleaner look. If you buy 4@ 3/4 2x4 sheets, only about $5.00 more than the 4x8 sheet. I don't know about you, but my time I save cutting is worth the $5. Plus easier to carry etc. Probably similar with other material such as plywood.
Using 2x4 to make 4x4 + lap joints ... +1 bravo man... tons of videos use planers or 2-3 saws to make different joins or cuts. Thank you! Subscribed!
I'm getting ready to put a workshop together and this workbench set up was the one I was looking for. Thanks for the great idea and for making an easy to follow tutorial!
Plan on making this as my first big project! I appreciate the availability you have and the style of videos you make
Your videos are very well done and I love your passion and simplicity in explaining all your builds and the tools you highlight!!! Great Job! Subscribed!
This is excellent. A lot of the time I look at stuff and go "Yeah, no way could I do that". But this I can do. and will do. I really love this idea. Thanks.
I like how you simulate real shopping for the FREE plans 🙃. Thanks for the video and plans!
Best I’ve got. It’s the only way I could make it work on my website
Duuuude, super thank you for your vids. Super helpful, insightful, and digestible. Appreciate the accessibility of your projects and attention to detail. Great projects that are practical and helpful and really take into account the reality of many of us not having a fully equipped industrial shop with every tool ever made, ye know. Greatly appreciate everything you've done, my dude!
Rock solid. Thanks for the build. Definitely gonna use this. Rock solid.
Unfortunately I cannot add the photo here but I finished my tablets based on your design, just a bit different size.
Thanks for the tips and even though it didn't turned out as slick as yours I'm happy with the results.
I only own very few tools and now I know why it's handy to have two drills for the same job
Thanks
Thankyou so much for your vid and free plans! Have subbed and liked. Good work, and good luck with the channel!
YOur work is so clean and simple!! I have been watching tons of videos to make these and the others would take a month to make and use thousands of dollars of machiness!!! thanks
Two Thing I would suggest, get a six inch Milwaukee T25 bit and just use 2 inch construction screws for the top, perfect length just do over screw, if you want to be extra cautious use 1 3/4 they go in much easier with the T25 vs. square Kreb bit and a lot less $. 2. screw the top on upside down, just make sure its square. The bottom shelf can be put on sideways with a couple 2x4's to allow clamping.
Liked, subscribed, and downloaded the plans. Will share progress and final product when done. Needed something like this for office storage in my home office. Thanks so much!
Wow, ratchet strap trick to get the frame square blew my mind!
What a great video. I really like how you showed people without expensive tools a workaround. I think the idea of two of these is brilliant. Working out of a garage, space is always an issue and the way these come apart is just what I needed. I want to build them with dog holes and a vise so I'll need to add a different top but the rest of the plans are solid. Thanks, new subscriber.
Great video! Love the energy. You packed so many little tips in this, helpful for the beginner, or advanced.
Made the benches using your plans, thank you! Very happy with them and now plan to make a mitre saw station. Much appreciated!
I'm a beginner and have been looking for a First Project Work bench build! This will be the ONE!
I appreciate your explanations. More so showing the tools and methods of your building. And then working in the beginner fashion. I am a beginner. God Bless. - Jim
Clever! Building a new house, need new garage workbench plus feed bench. Voila! Now know how to have both in a small'ish space. Thank you!
Rock solid!
Awesome build and appreciate you sharing with everyone!! Definitely build these!! Thank you!!