Workbench Build

I listen to the Ham Radio Workbench podcast. Their question is "what's on your workbench". For quite a bit, it was my workbench that was on my workbench.

I wanted a tech bench built to a specific size to fit a specific space. The height and length of a fixed size with an upper shelf and a backing with a set of french cleats.

I decided to build it with a metal frame to reduce the size of the support structures. The choice was 1" square steel tubing and welded joints. I decided a simple square structure with some triangulation on the back wall. I used a steel cutting blade on an inexpensive harbor freight chop saw to cut the tube to length and to cut miters on the corners.

Then I welded.

I painted it with spray primer and followed with matte black paint. I wanted the frame to blend into the background, where it belongs.

I built the top out of 3/4 MDF. I doubled the 3/4 MDF along three edges, front and each side so the top appeared to be 1.5" thick from the edge. I then glued 4/4 maple 1.5" wide to the edge with dowels for alignment. After I sanded the top, I laminated black formica on the MDF with contact cement and extended the formica over the maple edging.

A bevel applied by a router to the edges finished the top and it was ready for installation.

Built:

The workbench has been a great addition to my workspace. I'm now working on organization with the cleat wall. I really love the top surface, the formica is very durable and easy to keep clean.

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