Mark Almon
12-28-2013, 6:05 PM
Just wanted to get some advice/opinions about a bench. I now have sort of a Frankenstein bench. The base is an old 6 drawer military desk that I was given. it is all metal and built like a tank. it is extremely heavy and does not rack or flex at all.
For now I am making do with a get by plywood top, but I would like to have a real workbench top. I am getting started with traditional wood working tools, and I am trying to decide if I should try to make this metal desk work or try to get/build a more traditional bench. I do have the metal desk mounted on a base with casters and I can roll it out when working. I am limited to working in a garage and will have to roll whatever type of bench I have out when working then back out of the way for cars, etc... just wanted some guidance on whether this hybrid bench idea is worth pursuing. The desk does not ever attempt to move even though it is on casters. It is so heavy and has enough mass that it is stable. I could attach a bench top with angled brackets under the bench top, or drill directly though the top and use counter sinking bolts that would be below the bench surface. please let me know what y'all think.
For now I am making do with a get by plywood top, but I would like to have a real workbench top. I am getting started with traditional wood working tools, and I am trying to decide if I should try to make this metal desk work or try to get/build a more traditional bench. I do have the metal desk mounted on a base with casters and I can roll it out when working. I am limited to working in a garage and will have to roll whatever type of bench I have out when working then back out of the way for cars, etc... just wanted some guidance on whether this hybrid bench idea is worth pursuing. The desk does not ever attempt to move even though it is on casters. It is so heavy and has enough mass that it is stable. I could attach a bench top with angled brackets under the bench top, or drill directly though the top and use counter sinking bolts that would be below the bench surface. please let me know what y'all think.