Sturdy free-standing work bench

[Justin Urbantas]

Hello folks. I am looking for ideas on how to build a sturdy free-standing work bench that won't wiggle around when I'm rasping and filing or carving. I am not allowed to attach it to anything where I am living now to secure it. Advice would be appreciated

[David Rase]

Justin,
Here is a photo of my freestanding work benchs.  The one in the foreground uses 2 Pana vises and the bench in the background to the left is setup to use a vise I bought from Woodcraft.  The pedestal vise between the 2 benches is an old postal service stamp stand.  The base is cast iron and very heavy.  I use this vise for engraving.  This picture was taken on the day I was moving into my new shop.  Too bad it don't look that clean and organized today.  It now has that "lived in" look.      
David

[Justin Urbantas]

I like the wide base of that bench. Are those 2x12"? I have one of the patternmaker/gunstock vises from Woodcraft, and I use a sandbag for forward support.

[David Rase]

I like the wide base of that bench. Are those 2x12"? I have one of the patternmaker/gunstock vises from Woodcraft, and I use a sandbag for forward support.

The base and top are 2 x 12's and the uprights and shelf are 2 x 10's.  The tie bolts are 1/2".  There are other examples of this freestanding bench on this site as that is where I got the idea.  I now have one of the pattern makers vises mounted on the bench in the background.  It works well, holds the work firmly and the jaws tilt.  I have found it to be a good vise.
David

[Pete G.]

Weight and triangular bracing are your friends.

[L. Akers]

Take a look at the Winter 2017 issue of Tools and Shops magazine.  There is an article on building a workbench of your specifications.  Best of all, it is a knock-down design that requires no fasteners.

[Daryl]

I like the wide base of that bench. Are those 2x12"? I have one of the patternmaker/gunstock vises from Woodcraft, and I use a sandbag for forward support.

The base and top are 2 x 12's and the uprights and shelf are 2 x 10's.  The tie bolts are 1/2".  There are other examples of this freestanding bench on this site as that is where I got the idea.  I now have one of the pattern makers vises mounted on the bench in the background.  It works well, holds the work firmly and the jaws tilt.  I have found it to be a good vise.
David

That's in incredible room/shop David - so much empty space for "stuff". Look at all the floor space going to waste!

[draken]

My workbench is similar to the large one below the window in your shop.  I cured mine of the "wiggles" by fastening a sheet of 3/8" plywood to the entire rear framework; top, bottom and legs with wood screws at ten inch intervals.

No more wiggles and shakes   

[t.caster]

Dave, I like the improvements you made to your bench from my design. You added another vertical 2x10(?) on each end and rails around the top to keep things from rolling off, like chisels that always land chisel point down! Oh, and the long 1/2" tension rods are a good idea too.



Tom C

[David Rase]

Dave, I like the improvements you made to your bench from my design. You added another vertical 2x10(?) on each end and rails around the top to keep things from rolling off, like chisels that always land chisel point down! Oh, and the long 1/2" tension rods are a good idea too.
Tom C

Thanks for jumping in Tom.  I could not for the life of me remember who the member was that I patterned my bench off of.  It is a good design and has served me well.  I have it on a rubber horse mat to keep it from rocking and moving.
David

[David Rase]

I like the wide base of that bench. Are those 2x12"? I have one of the patternmaker/gunstock vises from Woodcraft, and I use a sandbag for forward support.

The base and top are 2 x 12's and the uprights and shelf are 2 x 10's.  The tie bolts are 1/2".  There are other examples of this freestanding bench on this site as that is where I got the idea.  I now have one of the pattern makers vises mounted on the bench in the background.  It works well, holds the work firmly and the jaws tilt.  I have found it to be a good vise.
David

That's in incredible room/shop David - so much empty space for "stuff". Look at all the floor space going to waste!

Daryl,
You should see a picture after being in the shop for 5 years.  In the winter Gail brings all her plants in and this January I inherit my oldest daughters cat for 3 months.  Good times!
David

[Mikeh]

David, would there be any possibility that you could post a close up picture of that butt stock support that you have came up with on that fore stock bench? That one looks rather neat and functional. I have made a few of those and have yet to come up with one that i like as much as that one. Hope its not too much trouble. Respectfully, Mikeh

[Justin Urbantas]

Thanks for the replies guys. I like Dave's bench idea, and that adjustable stand on it. I think I'll get to work on it this week.

[David Rase]

David, would there be any possibility that you could post a close up picture of that butt stock support that you have came up with on that fore stock bench? That one looks rather neat and functional. I have made a few of those and have yet to come up with one that i like as much as that one. Hope its not too much trouble. Respectfully, Mikeh

Mike,
Here are 2 photos of the stand.  It is made up of 2 pieces of 3/4" square tubing welded to form a T.  The cross bar has been wrapped in leather.  Holes were drilled through the upright and a stop pin inserted to adjust the height.  I then drilled and chiseled out a 3/4" square hole through the double thickness bench top consisting of one 2x10 and one 2x12.

[Mikeh]

David, thank you very kindly for that reply and the pics. on the support. You must be in the category of a gentleman and a scholar regardless of what your better half might say. Respectfully, Mikeh   

[elkhorne]

David,
I love your bench design! I have been trying to come up with a design that I can move around and into our back rec room for the winter. Yours looks perfect while being very stable. Could you give a few more facts as I would like to get one started soon. First, how did you attach the legs to your bench top? Second how long did you make the bench? I, like many others on this website, have back issues and have seriously thought about making a standing and a sitting height bench to ease the back pain. How high did you make your bench is my final question? This is the best design I have seen on the forum and seems to be very practical and easily built. Thank you for sharing with the rest of us on the site. If you have any other detail photos, it would be great to see them as well. Congratulations on your new shop. Fresh space is always an inspiration for new work.
elkhorne

[raa]

Here is a picture of my bench I made a few years ago.  Its made of rough oak and is heavy.