Need a source for very large work bench [Archive]

AllenGregoryIV

01-01-2014, 16:15

We are going to be moving into a new lab next season and we are looking for a 4' x 8' work bench.

We actually have one in our current location but that one will be staying there and we need to find a new one. We have asked around to people at the school but no one seems to know where it was purchased from or where it was made. It was installed when our current building was built in early 2007. The current workbench can be seen in the attached photo.

Does anyone know of a source for something like this?

Coach Norm

01-01-2014, 16:22

You can check out McMaster Carr for table tops and legs.

We made work benches for our shop in a very similar fashion except we used MDF for the benchtops. We purchased legs from McMaster similar to the ones linked below.

Here is a link to table tops that might be watch you are looking for:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#workbench-components/=q2dijd

http://www.mcmaster.com/#workbench-components/=q2djxp

AlecMataloni

01-01-2014, 16:23

Not sure about a source, but have you guys thought about building your own? I think it'd be a cool exercise, plus you get the complete creative control to add in features like outlets, lighting, etc.

Phyrxes

01-01-2014, 16:29

Bizzare, I just looked at the vendors my school division uses for furniture and couldn't come up with something similar.

I agree with a previous poster, it may be a case of someone put it together and didn't buy it as a complete unit. That would explain why no one remembers the source.

DRH2o

01-01-2014, 16:53

We have several like that in 3 of our shops/labs. We modified them from something like some of these from Paxton Patterson. I agree it would be quicker / cheaper to build your own. http://sales.paxpat.com/furniture.html?cat=221&p=3

ebarker

01-01-2014, 17:19

We have three of these (http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/work-benches/systems/adjustable-height/72-l-x-36-w-production-bench-maple-square-edge-blue-2) and love them. They are the basic 72" x 36" inch butcher block tables.

You can start shopping here (http://www.globalindustrial.com/t/work-benches) and work your way down the product selector by clicking things on the left side. We select the 'Global Industrial' brand.

Personally there is no way I'd build tables if I could find the money to buy these.

If you are buying them through the school then there may be a dedicated account rep and might can give you a discount. We got three for just under 1 grand with the discount and avoided going for bids (missing the 1K number).

loyal

01-01-2014, 17:40

First thing to do is try Craigslist. If you have no luck build them. Purchase the legs and build the tops. If you build the tops an easy short cut is a door. Yep a door. Look for an old solid one with out a window. A class room door from a school or an office would be the ticket. Usually they are made of maple or oak. Even a small window would be ok because if you removed the glass the remaining hole would be nice to sweep stuff into a trash basket. Think along those lines that's what I would do.

AllenGregoryIV

01-01-2014, 18:02

Thanks for the help so far but we had already looked at most of those options. The real issue is finding one that is 48" deep. I wouldn't want to attempt to make our own butcher block table top we don't have any where near that kind of woodworking skill or equipment.

This won't be the only table in the lab it's used for bench top power tools and it works really nicely in our current setup. we will have other tables for assembly and projects.

sanddrag

01-01-2014, 18:03

These (http://www.samsclub.com/sams/ultra-heavy-duty-workbench/prod1490086.ip?navAction=) are a bit smaller than what you're looking for, but work well if you're on a budget but still want a nice commercially-made product. We have 5 of them. I have 4 of them bolted back to back and end to end, and probably 1000 lbs of sheet metal tools across the 4 of them. Also, standard 26" wide tool chests fit nicely underneath.

Also, this (http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200466790_200466790) works okay if you're just looking to make you're own simple workbench.

JB987

01-01-2014, 18:17

AllenGregoryIV

01-01-2014, 18:31

If you need big 4x8 table just buy 2 24" wide tables and push them together. Allows for more flexibility to change/ move things around in future. You can buy a 3/4" thick 4x8 sheet of plywood or similar mdf sheet and mount on top of tables and not worry about damaging tabletops below (other than a few holes from screws/bolts used to attach sheet to original table top).

That would be alright but one of the best parts of the table we currently have is that the shelf on the bottom is also nearly 4' x 8'. It holds large bins for scrap material and long lengths of stock material. The same functions can't be had by combining tables since the legs would get in the way.

JB987

01-01-2014, 18:47

2 of these side by side with 4x8 sheet on top?
http://www.shelving-direct.com/asp/producto.asp?id1=70101010&gclid=CPCM1M-T3rsCFeo9QgodKi0A0w

Greg Needel

01-01-2014, 22:27

I am going to echo what others have said above about your team building them. In our new shop this year we just built 8 new 4x8 tables and instead of butcher block we just have 3/4" cabinet grade plywood on the top and they work great and a plenty sturdy. We also did the shelf under for totes just like yours. Each table cost about $150 (most of that was the plywood) and they take no more than a couple hours to knock out. While you are sacrificing the look you do have the added benefit of cost savings and if you ever mess up the top you just change the plywood.

I will try and dig up some photos of our workbenches, but they are basically this http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/workshop/bench/below20xl.html with a few modification such as doubled up 2x4's in the corners, changed to 4'x8' and adding some center supports.

Gdeaver

01-01-2014, 22:38

For the top surface we used 1/4" x 4' x 8' Masonite. It has held up very well.

MrRoboSteve

01-01-2014, 22:40

A good alternative to butcher block, and cheaper, is a double 3/4" plywood sheet sandwich. The top sheet would be AC, and the bottom BC. Glue and screw them together and you'll have a sturdy top.

Seth Mallory

02-01-2014, 03:54

I have seen plenty of large shop tables at companies that are remodeling or going out of business, The last two auctions that I went to had them and one had some nice Bridgeport's for auction also. Many of the tables had power strips. Good luck.

savage

02-01-2014, 04:49

As for the one in the Pic I dont Know. But here's my thoughts why not just make your own. Some 4x4, 2x4 and the some ply wood and then MDF as a top cover. this way if you drill into it you wont care as much as a 300 dollar table/ workbench. Both Lowes and homedepot sell brackets for supports DIY kits.

protoserge

02-01-2014, 09:25

I've contemplated making a bench using the 2x4 Basics system (http://www.amazon.com/2x4basics-90164-Workbench-Shelving-Storage/dp/B0030T1BRE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388672620&sr=8-1&keywords=2x4+basics) and plywood. It appears to be pretty good.

wlaroche

02-01-2014, 12:45

I have made multiple benches out of solidcore doors. Some cities have a construction reuse center where you can buy doors from a demolition. You have to fill the knob hole but that is not hard. If needed you could put a thin Masonite over the door for a replaceable top. Put 4x4's in the corners and some braces down. Shelf underneath and you are good to go. We had one growing up and would put engines on them for storage. Very strong and heavy so when the occasional heavy pounder comes out, the bench can take it.

AllenGregoryIV

02-01-2014, 12:56

Again thanks for all the help but this is for a school purchase so they don't want something that we would have to make. Cost really isn't a concern it is part of a much larger construction project that has been funded.

geomapguy

02-01-2014, 13:06

Little late to this thread

but looks Grainger might be a good source....they have a wide variety

McMaster also has some nice ones http://www.mcmaster.com/#assembled-workbenches/=q2tku8

George

02-01-2014, 14:24

Hi Allen
After reading the posts I am inclined to recommend building your own,
Having worked through this problem before I have found that smaller benches (sometimes with wheels) work best, mainly because of their versatility
A personal choice is ¼ plate for a work surface backed by 2”x6”
Please let us know what your solution is,
Have Fun
Geo.

DonRotolo

02-01-2014, 15:05

this is for a school purchase so they don't want something that we would have to make.Any cabinet or furniture shop should be able to supply whatever you need.

We have a wonderful 4' x 8' table (you can see it at lower right in the video mentioned in this thread (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123417)) that was made and donated to us by a shop that makes custom furniture for industry - like the NY Stock Exchange. It is MDF with Formica top, extremely sturdy. No reason it coldn't be maple butcher block with whatever options you like.

Find a vendor, get a quote, and show it to the school.

Kevin Thorp

02-01-2014, 15:09

Guys (and gals) who build airplanes in their garages also need sturdy flat workbenches. Here's a good video & plans link: http://dreambuildfly.com/2010/08/building-workbenches/

AllenGregoryIV

02-01-2014, 18:50

Any cabinet or furniture shop should be able to supply whatever you need.

We have a wonderful 4' x 8' table (you can see it at lower right in the video mentioned in this thread (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123417)) that was made and donated to us by a shop that makes custom furniture for industry - like the NY Stock Exchange. It is MDF with Formica top, extremely sturdy. No reason it coldn't be maple butcher block with whatever options you like.

Find a vendor, get a quote, and show it to the school.

Thank you Don, that is much closer to what I was looking for.

AndreaV

03-01-2014, 05:28

I know you don't want to make the tables yourself, but Jaime Hynemen has a pretty sweet expanding table design. I am sure you can contract a welder to do all the work for you.

The video mostly covers welding, but he show off the table close to the beginning, and then goes over the construction towards the end. May not look too impressive, but they are VERY functional.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EA1jeViV4l8

cadandcookies

03-01-2014, 13:44