DIY BUDGET FRIENDLY WORKBENCH (FREE DOWNLOADABLE PLANS)

Today I show you how to build a simple, cheap, and easy workbench for your shop using minimal tools.

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Special thanks to Kevin Joy for helping out with some camerawork and extra hands for the build.

[skone]

Thanks for the video. November 2023 in Vermont: about $110 in wood and screws from Home Depot plus $25 for Harbor Freight casters. Still a great deal for a solid piece.

[Uk-Tony]

I built this along with my son using your guidance. This was our fist project of this kind and we had a special time making it. Thank you Aaron.

[kencramer]

Great video.
For those asking for a build sheet and materials list. I expanded on Mr. Fix It's reply.

(4) 4x4's are cut at 30", (4) 2x4 cut at 24", and (4) 2x4 cut at 69"
(6) 2x4's are cut at 21"

8' length in inches 96
10' length in inches 120
12' length in inches 144

Materials list
(2) 4x4 8' - Legs
(4) 2x4 8' - Sides
(2) 2x4 8' - Center supports
(1) 4x8 sheet of plywood (Thickness is up to personal preferance and budget)

You can get one long side and one short side out of each 2x4
96-69=27. This allows for 3 inches of extra material for squaring
up the end and for allowing for the width of the saw kerf.

You can get 4 center supports out of each 2x4
You can get 3 legs out of each 4x4
Your bottom shelf will not be flush front to back by the width of the saw kerf
from splitting the plywood in half.

[jeremykeller]

I started with this plan, and then modified it slightly to include a section in the top that was removable to allow me to set my miter saw in. The surface was set to be level with the rest of the table so that I could use the width of the bench as infeed/outfeed tables. Then I made up a mount for my little tablesaw to attach to the end of the bench so I could use it for outfeed on that as well. I've got limited space and being able to make it modular has been a huge help!

[jelias]

I’m haven’t read all 500+ comments, but just wanted to say, even if you forgot to put in the cross braces in before you flipped it you could flip it over again and then put in the second set of cross braces in. The top becomes the bottom or vice versa since they are identical. Makes no difference which end the casters go on, the opposite becomes the top.

[joerogers]

Wood prices are way up since 2016. I spent nearly 3x $75 with a 3/4" top and shelf.
Summer 2022 Los Angeles area
7 2x4s $44
2 4x4s $28
1 4'x8'x23/32" (~3/4") $75 (I splurged for the thicker top)
4 casters $37
1 box of #8 1-1/4s $13
1 box of #9 2-1/2s $13
16 3/8 x2" lags and washers $9
total $219

[jjextinguisher]

I've watched over 20 videos on how to build a workshop table, this one is by far the best! Great video editing, clear vocals while giving instructions! Will make sure all my pals see this video! I had a work bench on my list for about a year now and wanted a prebuilt metal table/tool chest, $400 Milwaukee table or a $70 custom built table made with your own blood sweat and tears is well worth any $1, 000 table

[gailtaylor]

At about 20 seconds I was loading up the criticism about all your expensive tools. Then you cheeped-out on the saw guide and got back n my good graces. This is one of my favorite bench builds. Seen some guys that build benches that could support their house. I'm not gonna throw a Cat C-15 on my bench. Well done young man! Just crazy how expensive wood is now. Can't build even a cheap 2x4 bench for under $100. I need to go dumpster diving for wood at local construction sites.

[marilyn]

Great video. I (64 yr old lady) now have the confidence to build this! Thank you

[kbent]

Make sure that when you buy locking caster wheels, that the swivel also locks. Even if the wheels are locked, the entire bench will still move about the axis of the swivel function.

[lossofhearing]

I just built one using half scrap wood, half newly purchased wood. I also sprung for the good casters. At the end of the project, it cost about $50-$60. I spent a fair amount of time planing the scrap wood and sistering two 2x4's together for two of the legs, since I didn't have enough scrap 4x4. Aside from that, the most time-consuming part was drilling pilot holes, counter-sinking, and driving screws. I'm really happy with the end result! Thank you for the vid!

[emacs]

that drill bit which created the extra depth at the top for the screw was awesome

[ellismedavoy]

Great simple idea.I Made two of these 8 ft long. Very sturdy and the bottom shelf holds a ton of storage(on wheels). One of these is currently holding quite a bit of 8 ft lumber on the bottom shelf for an upcoming project, which the 4x4's hold in place very well. Also mounted a 4 ft. 12 outlet Harbor Freight power strip on each bench on the underside.

[matthoffman]

I think this is the one I’m going to try making. I’m a beginner wood worker. Just need to make it a bit smaller for my needs maybe 52-54 inches in length

[charlespayne]

I disassembled a 3'x7' workbench because it was way too large to handle even on wheels & a wench to bring it in. Just began building this table using the materials I already have. This time using 4" wheels. Table is very easy, economical & don't have to worry about using pocket screws. GREAT project.

[XxRestlessGamerxX]

Every video I've see so far has this concept in mind but then goes on to use prohibitively expensive machines to make a table that supposed to be "budget friendly". Even the saw you used to cut the legs isn't necessarily needed. Thanks for the video!

[Xkwizit]

This is a simple and great project. Heavy duty and mobile. I made it yesterday. Thanks for this post.

[Kingdomsewingandvacuum]

I have been watching table builds for two weeks and yours is so simple.
And you added a diagram of the dimensions. That really helped.
Thank You

[axelbrode]

Just finished building this workbench today. Fairly easy build as long as you don't live in high humidity Florida. But I got it done and most likely lost a few pounds as well due to sweating. Only change to construction was adding the 3 cross supports before adding the uprights. Made sure I was square and plumb. Used the exact same casters from Home Depot. The Wife likes it a lot and now I get to build a modified version of this for her craft room, Yeah!

[spencermarsh]

awesome video. Built this bench yesterday. I cut out the middle of the worktop and screwed some of the extra plywood to the bottom of the frame 2x4s to make a spot to keep a mitersaw flush with the rest of the table