Portable work benches?

rbstern · Jun 28, 2022

A few my own suggestions, along the lines of what has already been suggested:

The Keter worktable is good if portability is key. So are the new-ish sawhorses that allow you to join them with 2x lumber and throw a sheet of plywood on top.

Harbor Freight has a couple of good alternatives: Their Windsor workbench has a very decent top and side clamp which is excellent for woodworking projects. The draw and shelf storage is handy. They're a bit of a pain to assemble, but sturdy when done. They also have some good sawhorse alternatives.

If the OP's B&D Workmate tables are truly shot, consider using them as the base for a work table. Build a nice benchtop and mount it to the Workmates. Could put casters on it for mobility

A miter saw stand is excellent for a miter saw, and not terribly useful for other work.

The 2x4Basics bench kit (Lowes, Northern Tool) is excellent. I built a 4x8 bench for my wife's art studio (woodworking and painting) in 2018, and it has remained 100% perfect and solid, getting used all day, every day, most business days since it was built. Holds a lot of weight, gets hammered on constantly. The brackets, white wood 2x4s, and a 3/4 MDF top.

I use my truck tailgate frequently. Also the flip rear seat of my golf cart.

I would definitely encourage OP to think of this as two separate tools: Stationary workbench for upcoming shop, and portable bench for outside projects.

Egon · Jun 28, 2022

Outside bench that holds a portable planer. Treated lumber construction supported by two three legged saw horses.

MSU 21 · Jun 28, 2022

I had the top keter The plastic holding the leg broke. Lasted 7-8 years.

Oz_Kioti · Jun 29, 2022

Not exactly in keeping with the concept, but you use what you've got.

2.4m x about 1.6m (8' x 5'), the flat bed of the ute (Aussie for "Utility Vehicle", in US a Flat-bed pickup, I guess) serves as my portable work bench and works a treat!

gwhizz63 · Jul 1, 2022

Root Cause said:
I've been thinking about this as well.
It seems that I need to drag along the entire shed with me when I do something. I leave a trail of tools it seems for even small projects.

I want something on a small trailer that I can pull around with SXS and just roll it into the barn at day's end.
Glad you posted this so I can follow others smarter than me.

I find myself doing the same thing so l use my Atv as a rolling toolbox. Put everything in the back that l might need as well as a piece of wood to use as a work bench. Works great.

bigtiller · Jul 1, 2022

For outside projects I use my Gator and a miniature hayrack that I built. It is about 5' wide and 9' long on a 2000 lb. running gear.

The tools go in the Gator and the work gets done on the wagon.

bigtiller · Jul 1, 2022

jjeff said:
Those are nice work benches, probably Build or find an old warehouse cart for it, imo. If you end up using castors probably make sure they lock. Or use the running gear from one of these for more off-road capability and build what and mount how you want and what you need off it. I built this one awhile back it has held up really good endless uses, plenty of room, backing it hooked to a lawn tractor is a challenge it's small enough I can unhook and manhandle it though.

Hey jjeff: I think that is the same running gear I used.

jjeff · Jul 1, 2022

This months Popular Mechanics has plans and a good section on workbenches, toolboxes for the diyr's. I've made dozens of simple sawhorses using one 2x6, some 2x4s, occasionally a small scrap of plywood for the gussets. I still have one set up north that's over 15 yrs old and spent a few years in the elements.

coast40 · Jul 2, 2022

Oz_Kioti said:
Not exactly in keeping with the concept, but you use what you've got.

2.4m x about 1.6m (8' x 5'), the flat bed of the ute (Aussie for "Utility Vehicle", in US a Flat-bed pickup, I guess) serves as my portable work bench and works a treat!

View attachment 752072

I want an early Ford Ute 1932-1948.

Gordon Gould · Jul 2, 2022

Before you have a portable work bench you have to use what you got

No angle grinder or torch either just had a sawzall. I find these amusing to look at now. Clamp it and fashion a blade guide.

gg

Tinhack · Jul 2, 2022

dannoGT said:
I like this style of saw horse from toughbuilt They are rated at 1300 lb each or 2600 lb per pair and you can put a couple of 2 x 4 in the clamps and throw a sheet of plywood on and make a table. Plus the legs fold down into the top "box" to take up less space for storage or for transporting in the pickup.

Sawhorse Table | Jobsite Table | ToughBuilt — TOUGHBUILT

The C700 is a serious sawhorse table constructed of 100% high-grade steel with 1300 lb. capacity alone and 2600 lb. per pair. C700, the ultimate job site table!

toughbuilt.com

Danno

That's exactly what I do.

On mine, the height is adjustable too. I have a ~500lb. back blade sitting on mine at the moment. They're sturdy as a rock.

GeneV · Jul 2, 2022

Gordon Gould said:
I build this 2'X3' work/welding table and use it every where inside and out. Big caster makes it easy to move. Vise folds down for a flat surface for big stuff.

View attachment 751865

View attachment 751866

View attachment 751867

gg

I like this a lot Gordon! I need to fab me one, something like it.

Here's something similar, my Youtube buddy Andy built one using a HF cart as a foundation:

bdhsfz6 · Jul 2, 2022

I use a pallet topped with 2x10's clamped to the FEL forks. Easily moves to wherever it's needed and the height & angle can be adjusted to a comfortable level.

oldballs · Jul 2, 2022

Mine is made of scrap lumber and is portable.......sorta......

Cheers,
Mike

HS345 · Jul 2, 2022

N80 said:
Now that I have a saw mill I'm starting to do more projects around my cabin. Put new rails on the porch last weekend. Planning a carport soon.

I have two old Black and Decker Workmates. One was a gift. One was my Dad's. They have been okay for simple projects but really don't cut the mustard for any serious work. Plus, all of the plastic parts have failed so they're a real pain to work with now.

Looking for recommendations for a better alternative.

I suppose most of what I'll be doing with them would fall under carpentry. Sawing. Electric hand plane. Bench top planer etc. After the carport my next big project will be a 40x30ish shop on a concrete slab. Those are the sorts of things I'll need it for.

Of course I can and will put together some saw horses. The reason I'm looking for a workbench is that I do a lot, probably most, of my work alone. It is nice to have a bench that I can easily clamp things into.

Any recommendations or experience much appreciated.

I have an old shed door made out of 1x4 and plywood for a workbench, and I use two heavy duty folding galvanized metal sawhorses. I also have an old Agrifab metal wagon that I load whatever tools I need into, and pull with an old four wheeler. Works great. You do have to screw a 2x4 to the top of these sawhorses to make them more better. I've been using this style of sawhorse for many years, they fold up fairly small, and are fairly lightweight yet heavy duty enough to handle quite a bit of weight.