Craftsman work bench?

[iwannadie]

Looking for opinions again.

I am eyeing a craftmans 6' bench (10132) for $175. It has a MDF surface which I am worried about but I figure I can add a butcher block later if needed. The load rating is like 1,500 pounds which seems like a Lot but even if it is real world half that it would be enough.

The bench frame just looks like thin metal and really doesn't seem sturdy but it's got all positive reviews.

Would I run into issues with the MDF surface and mounting a vise to it? Can the MDF take a beating and not crack?

I also like the craftsman pro model but it's $215 and 5' but seems much more sturdy and may be a better option.

I am not looking for harbor freight recommendations .

 

[xcm]

build your own. as far as the reviews... think about what kinda dude buys a work bench.... usually not the kind that would abuse the hell out of it.

i would not mount a man's vise to fiberboard... or osb, or anything other than solid lumber really... allthough you could of course back it with a peice of 2x10 or even metal...

 

[iwannadie]

I have been pricing out the options. The lumber starts to add up fast plus I have no work surface to build a bench on now. I know I could build a super cheap wooden bench but I want something that will last me...

I was planning to add support for the vise, someone suggested a 4x4 leg directly under the vise or something along that lines.

 

[xcm]

i hear ya... but lumber has mdf beat for durability/lifespan, if i had to guess, the 2x10's in my work bench are at least 20 years old... no sign of warping... but i did cover them with a peice of diamond plate aluminum about 5 years ago.

you could allways do something with a mdf/osb table top... and just double it up... cant argue with the price of a sheet of plywood...

its all pro's and cons... what size you thinking?

 

[ehall]

My dad built a kit work table with a piece of countertop. It works alright but it's sagged in the middle and the ends turn to sawdust when I clamp onto it

 

[iwannadie]

That is why I am leaning towards this bench, it is a modular setup and I can replace the work surface later on. If I get to the point of tearing up the MDF I can pull it off and lay another surface down easy. I don't plan to toss a transmission up on my bench or anything hardcore just yet. I really want a vise so I can clamp an axle shaft and pound out u-joints and things like that. I am wondering if the metal bench frame will take beatings like that.

I am only looking for 6' L x 21"ish D. I want to keep my compressor and rolling tool chest under it so I like the open space under the bench.

 

[xcm]

do you have a weldor? it'd be nice to throw a peice of steel on the corner for a vice... i REALLY dont like the idea of mounting a vice on mdf. you could also screw down a peice of stronger wood on the corner.

 

[iwannadie]

I actually just got a welder and looking for things to practice on ha. What about sandwiching the MDF with plywood for the vise mount.

 

[RCP Phx]

Dont even consider anything but all metal(and thick, 1/2" is best for the top).

 

[iwannadie]

Yea, just the 1/2" chunk of steel would more than blow my budget...

 

[xcm]

you do not need a really thick metal platen table..... i made mine out of metal grating with an outside frame of angle iron..... nothing too thick... just make sure there isnt anything under the table to catch fire. i even occasionally weld on my aluminum workbench veneer.

it'd be good practice to build your own! im just sayin...

 

[iwannadie]

I plan to make a small welding table with a grate surface actually for all my welding to be done on.

I hear ya on practice, my fear is I go drop $150 on lumber and produce a crap bench ha. I like to start with small projects first not jump in the deep end like a big workbench.

 

[ehall]

My dad's table is just stamped sheet metal and it is pretty strong. The top is the weak part. Right now I am planning to run a piece of 2x2x.125 angle iron across them and screw the countertop to that. I might also put some 3/16 plate on the countertop wings for clamping and such. The formica holds up really well and the 20-yr-old MDF is my only real problem with his setup

 

[iwannadie]

Well, the last day of the sale I ran up to the sears 30 minutes before they closed. I was debating on the standard and pro, I went professional. That thing looks like a beast. The metal frame is twice as thick as the standard model, the surface is also twice as thick. I know it is MDF and later I want to change it out to a butcher block style and maybe reinforce it as ehall mentioned.

The 6' standard model I was hoping to put my tool buggy and compressor under but the way it is measured the inside diameter is a good 1 1/2 feet short of 6'. The pro model is 5' so my compressor and welder will sit under the buggy will sit next to it for added work space as needed.

I was sorely disappointed when the bench did not fit in the XJ though. The guy came out to load it we put it in and it hung out a good 8". The sears guy was just like ok good luck ha. I called someone with an xterra and it just barely fit in that. Can't wait to get it together now.

 

[Mike Mike]

My big bench is 4x8 1/8 in. plate, 3x3x1/4 angle, 3x3x3/16 angle runners going crosswise every foot. 3inx1/4 pipe legs. Cost about $125 to build. Got all metal from the recyclers and bought it by the pound. Welded a 1/4in plate in all corners for vise, bender and such. Homemade is the way to go!

 

[yossarian19]

Frame it out with 4x4s, bolt it together with lags (or through-bolt with washers), even bore out space for the bolt heads & a socket if you want. Top with 3/4" ply.
Add 16 ga galvanised sheet for a wipe-clean work surface on top.
Paint with something oil resistant.

I don't know what the cost of such an endeavor comes out to, but this is how our benches at work are built and my god, do they hold up to some abuse.