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How do I make my workbench higher?
Xtreme Kermit - 13/2/11 at 12:53 PM

Thanks to a good friend, I now have a new workbench

It is 72" long by 35" deep. The only problem is that it is about 7" too low...

What's the best way to extend the legs in a nice strong way? I intend bolting it to the wall anyway, so the end result should be fairly solid, but I don'ty really want wobbly legs...

BTW - the bench is on it's side at the mo...


Miks15 - 13/2/11 at 01:00 PM

does it have any form of adjustable feet on it atm?

How about getting some feet on threaded rod and then welding some captive nuts on the bottom of the frame. Then you can just wind them up and down, get the height you want and then you can put it on a wonky floor and still be ok?


T66 - 13/2/11 at 01:00 PM

is it a steel bench or wood ? I cannot tell


infact it looks like angle iron....


just weld in extensions using angle into the legs, or box etc.

[Edited on 13/2/11 by T66]


steve m - 13/2/11 at 01:04 PM

It would be ideal in my garage !!


Werner Van Loock - 13/2/11 at 01:09 PM

This?


MakeEverything - 13/2/11 at 01:09 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Xtreme Kermit
Thanks to a good friend, I now have a new workbench

It is 72" long by 35" deep. The only problem is that it is about 7" too low...

What's the best way to extend the legs in a nice strong way? I intend bolting it to the wall anyway, so the end result should be fairly solid, but I don'ty really want wobbly legs...

BTW - the bench is on it's side at the mo...


Hi Ian,

I would probably work out how much higher you want it, then weld some tube into the inside of the angle, with the appropriate amount protruding.

Let me know if you need a hand. I think i may even have some tube - Most certainly after ive chopped up my old chassis.


Xtreme Kermit - 13/2/11 at 01:23 PM

Yes, it's angle - looks to be about 1" x 1" by 1/8"

I like the idea of the bricks but I'm looking for something just a tad more stable...

There aren't any feet on it, the angle is just open at the bottom.

So I guess the idea of some additional angle welded on or the tube extensions sound good.

Nice idea about adjustable feet. Any ideas where I can get some plastic feet on a screw??? or will a fairly chunky bolt suffice?

Ian


MakeEverything - 13/2/11 at 01:27 PM

Like this

bench leg
bench leg


Ground down so that the angle sits on top of the tube, then welded in place.


MakeEverything - 13/2/11 at 01:29 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Xtreme Kermit

Nice idea about adjustable feet. Any ideas where I can get some plastic feet on a screw??? or will a fairly chunky bolt suffice?



If its bolted to the wall, does it really need to be adjustable? No point being overly complicated.

With the tube scenario, you could weld in some M10 or M12 nuts and use bolts as the adjustable feet. Failing that, i think B&Q sell plastic feet, but i doubt they would be substantial enough if too much weight were put on them.


Xtreme Kermit - 13/2/11 at 01:39 PM

Good point Rich. I was just thinking about levelling initially, but I guess just shimming it up would be just fine.

Thanks for the ideas and the offer of help! Much appreciated. I will take you up on that when I make get some space back in the garage...

Ian


Daddylonglegs - 13/2/11 at 01:51 PM

I agree with Richard, that's what I would do. You get the extra length (oooer!) in adjustable just incase our garage floor is a bit skew


designer - 13/2/11 at 01:56 PM

You should never fix a bench to a wall.


johnq - 13/2/11 at 02:06 PM

you could always dig a trench allongside????


MikeR - 13/2/11 at 02:24 PM

quote:
Originally posted by designer
You should never fix a bench to a wall.


Might help if you explain why.


MakeEverything - 13/2/11 at 02:27 PM

quote:
Originally posted by MikeR
quote:
Originally posted by designer
You should never fix a bench to a wall.


Might help if you explain why.


Yes, thats an interesting point. Whats the reason for that then?


hillbillyracer - 13/2/11 at 03:35 PM

Well I suppose it depends on what the wall is made from & if you want to move the bench but I've seen plenty work benches fixed to the wall. The one at work has thin angle screwed to it & back to the concrete block/shuttered wall so it stops odds & sods dropping down the back.

As for raising the bench I'd agree most of the above, tube or angle set into the corner of each leg, set the bench in place & adjust to the right height clamping the extensions in place with G-clamps & when you're happy with the height weld it all up.


Xtreme Kermit - 13/2/11 at 06:46 PM

Nice idea on the clamping/welding.

I guess part of my thinking for fastening it to the wall was to stop things falling down the back as well as stopping it moving. I could just fit a fence along the back I guess...

But I am intrigued as to why you should not fastening it... It is a single skin brick wall where I have in mind.

@johnq A trench - interesting... I could dig a pit too and link the two In a kind of T shape


MakeEverything - 13/2/11 at 07:43 PM

quote:
Originally posted by hillbillyracer

As for raising the bench I'd agree most of the above, tube or angle set into the corner of each leg, set the bench in place & adjust to the right height clamping the extensions in place with G-clamps & when you're happy with the height weld it all up.


Thats exactly what i had in mind. The floor might be pissed so may need different heights both sides.


Andybarbet - 13/2/11 at 07:57 PM

My bench is fixed to the wall, nothing can fall down the back and its rock solid when hitting things with a big hammer in the vice, using the pillar drill & bench grinder, no complaints from the neighbours in 4 years either as their kitchen is next to my integral garage.

Im intrigued ????


jacko - 13/2/11 at 08:21 PM

Leave it as it is then put a 3ins timber plank at the front, 1/2 ins ply at the back.
When you bolt a nice BIG vice to the 3ins timber that will bring it up to the right hight


Xtreme Kermit - 14/2/11 at 12:33 PM

quote:
Originally posted by jacko
Leave it as it is then put a 3ins timber plank at the front, 1/2 ins ply at the back.
When you bolt a nice BIG vice to the 3ins timber that will bring it up to the right hight


Ahah! The do nothing option... I should have thought of that one