Shop Tables

Found an interesting source for potentially well-made workshop tables/benches, thanks to my significant other:  https://www.uline.com/Grp_264/Packing-Tables-and-Shop-Desks

I currently have zero workbench space/set-up in my one car garage.  From measuring, I'm pretty sure I can fit one or two of these in on one side wall.  

I'd welcome input on the top material, ie: steel versus maple versus composite (ie: particle board.)

I would rather have a steel top table over any other material, how much is shipping?

Have you looked local for steel tables? They tend to show up used and are usually a fraction of the price Vs. new.

Paul

Keep an eye on local auctions. Any shop liquidation is gonna have commercial or industrial tables. Steel shelving units too. 

Shipping, surprisingly, isn't horrible, probably since they are in MN and I'm in MO.  Right at $110 for the 72" long table w/the steel top.

Good idea on the auctions.   I want to grab something relatively soon, as my 41 year-old back is getting really tired of not having a bench to work on and doing everything on the floor/ground.  lol

http://www.auctionzip.com/

I like a wood top, as long as you don't mind it getting damaged and stained up its nice because stuff sits still and it's less noisy. (Metal work benches - things are always rolling off and making tons of noise when you're working on them.) I got my awesome workbench by bolting a free maple butcherblock top to a couple free medical cabinets. But looking on your local Craigslist there are some good looking options in the $40-$100 range. 

https://springfield.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=workbench&sort=rel&srchType=T

I have one of those and it works quite nice as long as you're not hammering on it.  I wouldn't mount a vise to it.  I have to pressed wood top, which has its pros and cons.

We have a bunch fo the wood topped ones at work, they are good at being wood topped shipping tables.  Probably would work just fine for a workbench.  Ours have been in service every day for 3-4 years.  The wood tops are showing wear.  

Keep in mind they are pretty deep, at least the ones we have, so they will eat into your shop space a bit.  

I need to come up with a bench for my shop suitable for rebuilding transmissions. One of the things  i've learned to be picky about with workbenches is hammering anything on top of them. I need a bench top i can hit decently hard with a 3lb hammer without damaging, and i DONT want the table's flex and springiness to damp my hammer blows. I want whatever i'm smacking to feel 100% of it! I have in my head that my ideal workbench would probably weigh over 400 lbs.

This is actually something I have started work on developing. I am also in Columbia, MO if you decide to go heavy duty and/or custom.

I made a 3'x4' 1/4" top for my BIL with 5/8" holes set on a 2" grid. He is adding some beefy legs and using it for a welding work station. My younger sister is in college in Springfield so delivery is even an option. 

Just realized I was giving a sales pitch. Sorry.

singleslammer said:

This is actually something I have started work on developing. I am also in Columbia, MO if you decide to go heavy duty and/or custom.

I made a 3'x4' 1/4" top for my BIL with 5/8" holes set on a 2" grid. He is adding some beefy legs and using it for a welding work station. My younger sister is in college in Springfield so delivery is even an option. 

Just realized I was giving a sales pitch. Sorry.

Oh re re?

In reply to Robbie :

Yes sir, shoot me an email or text if you want to discuss further.

My primary bench is wood, covered with a piece of conveyor belting. You can beat on it all day and yet the belting can be wiped clean, just like a steel top.