DIY work bench/table

diyAudio Member
Joined 2007
My wife has stolen the kitchen table back so I can't make any new boxes.
I need to make myself a new work table.
[ the kitchen table was a bit small anyway]
Before I outlay cash for materials I'm asking what the smallest size table people find useful for making full size boxes is and secondly is there a preference for a ply work top or boards, a sheet of hardwood marine ply is $150- and DAR hardwood in larger sizes for the rails is almost unobtainable just at the moment so I'd need to use pine for those.
Luckily I have 4 large bits of 120*120 spotted gum I can use for the legs
 
Depending on where you live, the second hand market is hard to beat for workbenches/old school desks/used office or industrial furniture, even if you need to modify them a little. I prefer several tables to one large one. You’ll usually work on one speaker at a time so each table does not need to be particularly big, although not sure what you mean by full size.
 
I went back and forth on this a few times. I made a nice 8’ deep bench for to build stuff on but was so sturdy I use it in the garage for heavier projects.

Now I use 3 5’ ikea desk/table tops that easily can break down and they’re cheap enough I don’t mind drilling holes for light and magnifying stands.

Each table seems to have their own function with reasonable space: soldering, computer and assembly.

Initially I used the Ikea tables as a way to figure out what I wanted and was worried if they were sturdy enough with the plan to build another sturdy desk but they seem fine.

For the sturdy table I used two grizzly legs with a stringer and glued three sheets of 3/4” plywood together, edged it with 1x4s and varnished all sides to help prevent warping. It’s been a good bench too.

https://www.grizzly.com/products/shop-fox-adjustable-height-workbench-leg-28/d2659
 
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The linnmon top with the adils legs, probably the same as your wife’s table.

Maybe borrow hers for a trial run since she stoled the kitchen table. 😈

There might be larger tops, but I ended up wrapping two sides of the formal dinning room. With those tables and two kallax shelves for storage.
 
Now I use 3 5’ ikea desk/table tops that easily can break down and they’re cheap enough I don’t mind drilling holes for light and magnifying stands.
+1 for IKEA. I have two of their Bekant standing desks. They're quite affordable, especially if you don't need the adjustable legs. You can also buy the tabletop by itself ($50). It's veneered particle board, so not fancy. But it's a nicer finish than plywood.

Tom
 
I may have just found a workable solution in a sawhorse adaptor from local maker Rhino
Neat as I do need a couple of extra saw horse for work around the house
https://www.bunnings.com.au/rhino-trade-saw-horse_p5820759
https://www.bunnings.com.au/rhino-100kg-saw-horse-work-platform-attachments_p5820810
I already use one pair of the saw horses and I can afford the second set if I don't buy all at once. The WLL can be increased to by using F17 hardwood or LVL and not the cheap pine that is supplied