Simple Modular Work Tables (WITH MAGNETS!) // Woodworking How To | I Like To Make Stuff

For my new shop, I made some simple, sturdy and super modular work tables WITH MAGNETS!!! Tables, UNITE!

TOOLS & SUPPLIES:

It's finally time to start setting up my new shop! Everything is still shoved against the walls, mostly still in boxes and completely unorganized. As a first step towards making the space usable, I decided to build a work table. I debated about making one large 4x8 table that could act as an out feed table for my table saw. I was worried that such a large item would start to eat up my large open space as I really want to try to keep this shop as open and flexible as possible. On my Twitch livestream recently, I opened up the discussion for input about how to make a table more useful and modular. We had an AWESOME collaborative design session and eventually the project turned into tables, not just table.The idea we ended up with was multiple tables that could snap together (using magnets) to create a large 4x8 table when necessary, or split apart to be useful in different places or configurations.  They turned out to be really simple, really sturdy and super cool :)

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Simple Modular Work Tables (WITH MAGNETS!) // Woodworking How To | I Like To Make Stuff

I Like To Make Stuff

[desirebaker]

I was that little girl when I was that age, always helping my dad, a carpenter, and learning what I could. Now I am an adult, and I can literally overhaul/renovate an entire house, including the plumbing and electrical work, all by myself. My husband is the brains, I am the brawn lol. So keep encouraging her, her future husband (or wife, you never know) will thank you for it. More girls should be encouraged by the men in their lives when they show an interest in things like this.

[kevinmusiorski]

Hey Bob. You rock man. I have watched so many of your videos the past 5 years when I was getting into making and they were both such a joy to watch and really educational. I got laid off from software dev in Jan of 2024 after having a baby girl. I decided it was a great opp to spend time with fam and change "work" to something that I've always been passionate about and that is just making stuff and helping people, not just coding. So now I build (and fix) whatever and it was a haul but I've learned a ton and am stronger and that's what it's all about! Last year of starting a biz has been hard but I think it's starting to get a little easier.

Anyhow, the garage shop is coming along and I was working on building a modular workbench system for my miter station, assembly tables etc and was thinking up an idea for making my stop block a magswitch on some steel flat bar, then it hit me -- instead of making my miter station 9 ft for stability purposes vs two separate benches that I thought would be a pain to align everytime - I could still do modular but use strong magnets to connect them the same way each time and hopefully not have to adjust my miter measure tape. I googled and YOUR video came up. You are just so creative and such a wonderful spirit; I don't think I've ever had an idol until now and I say that firmly. I was going to buy something like a shirt or hoodie to support you and decided I wanted to ask directly...

Is there anything you prefer that I can do for you? What would help you? Buy a shirt? hoodie? a plan? class? patreon? etc. etc. What do you need most?

Make it a great day,
Kevin from Chi

[EvanAndKatelyn]

D'awwww so cute when your kids came in to help ❤️

[stetsonator]

Simple suggestion for 2X material from 4-12"! When in a sawmill, the first cut for length is 16' from the bottom of
the tree which is most stable. 14'-12'-10'-8' are from the tops of the tree less stable and are still twisting & moving.
Always buy 16' lengths and cut your own pieces and for storing them level on the floor and strap together will keep them straight and true. Hope this helps. Great channel!

[suzisaintjames]

You should center the hardboard on the large table leaving 1/4 inch on both ends, then with your router put a 45-degree bevel around all sides. This will not only look nice and be more comfortable when you put your forearms on the edge (yes, I am a girl), but will erase the fact that your board was short, make it more likely that boards exiting the table saw will not catch on the edge thus making the boards last longer. You should also paint the two smaller tables different colors so you won't constantly be going to the wrong table. For example the red table has the wrenches and the blue table has the hammers.... What about splitting the big table top in half and putting a recessed hinge down the center for more storage. After all where are you going to put all the little stuff that goes with the air compressor and shop vacuum attachments? Looking forward to watching you set up your shop. xoxo from Arizona 💋

[tomsnyder]

I think it's a great idea I'm going to use it in my small workshop. I am blind and your explanation is very good thank you

[seansysig]

Bob I made these but changed the build order. I cut my MDF tops then placed 2"x4" frame on top of MDF and pocket hole screwed them to MDF so no screws holes on top. I added leveling feet so when they are used on each side of my portable miter station the magnets they can align. I routed in a T track and measuring tape to the left hand table. The struts were the ticket! Thanks for this great shop idea, it's perfect for my 12'x16' shop.

[KiltedFish]

I know this is one of the older videos, but I'm so glad I stumbled upon it. I'm also in the process of replacing the worktable I made 20 years ago, and this is just what I was thinking about, but hadn't fully conceptualized yet. I'm taking it one step further, and along with these 3 tables, I'm building one for my miter saw, and one for my table saw, that will be the same height and can also connect via magnets. That way I can have customized infeed and outfeed tables. I already have my cut list - just a matter of going lumber hunting. Thanks again!

[susancarr]

It's wonderful you're teaching all your children your craft.

[magpieonline]

I love that you involve your kids in some of your projects. Every time I see your daughter jump in, I just smile 'cuz I know she appreciates your time and encouragement, and that what you teach her will be so valuable for her future. :)

I also really like that these work tables have castors, are mobile, and have storage inside of them. :)

[TheMiKeOfAllTrades]

I absolutely adore that you let your daughter help you with the build. The world needs more women in STEM. Thank you.

[mr_nb]

First of all, love the channel! I was first brought to it by watching this video. I'm in the process of slowly making my own modular workbenches, including a floating miter station that integrates into the workbenches. In total I should have two 2'x4' workbenches and a 2' x 2.5' miter station. Thank you and your viewers for the inspiration, this has been a great entry point into learning shop tools and creating my own workshop.

[braydonives]

I love how you actually respond to your commenters. A lot of Youtubers say they love reading through all the comments but never reply to any of them. You do and I appreciate it.

[Setola]

magnets for modular table\workbench. that's the coolest idea i've ever see. good job

[nathandem]

Hey Bob,

Just like to say that I love the new video style. As a person who just started to get into woodworking, these tips and tricks are very useful and I like the new, slower pace. Keep it up!!

[bbqphantom]

Planers and jointers are your friend for work like this. These are good for storing things I don't use all the time because I wouldn't want to have to get into them when I have a project on top of them. Nice work!

[Iliketomakestuff]

Common responses to comments:

1. The new style is an experiment and will continue to evolve.The music and talking won't be what everyone likes. I understand that.
2. My beard is long, don't sweat it. I'm not asking for beauty advice :)
3. I did end up adding a second set of magnets at the bottom of the legs.
4. The 2" casters are actually fine, turns out I had one caster with bad bearings and it wouldn't roll.
5. I know you have to keep the tables clear to open the storage. That's the point :) It will force me to keep the tops tidier.

[RachelDaPotatoTTV]

Even a year later I'm still learning from a great family man, YouTube creator, and woodworker
Hats off to you Bob

[jeanc]

The new video style is really cool, the music adds so much to the video and the way you made some shots forget about the dim lights!! Continue like that its great!!

[fedrooster]

Great idea with the magnets and washers. Makes for some versatile configurations.