With the New Year approaching tomorrow, I’ve been busy thinking of resolutions. While most people might want their resolutions to be health related or career oriented, I decided that mine is going to be shop-centered. Cool part is, a few people have reached out recently to tell me their resolutions are to get their shops in order as well! So, why not start off the new year with an easy workbench build as a jumping point!?This is pretty embarrassing, but here is what my workbench looked like before this build…
… and here’s what it looks like now!
I also partnered with Kreg Tool on this build to include some handy Klamp Traks to my workbench! These guys make clamping my workpieces a breeze.
I was able to build my new workbench with around $60 in lumber (way cheaper than buying one) – and thanks to my friends at Kreg, they have sponsored this post to keep the plans absolutely FREE! Here’s how I did it!
*Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. While they are no extra cost for you to use, if you choose to purchase products through them DIY Huntress will receive commission. This helps keep things free around here!
What You’ll Need:
Tools
Miter Saw
Kreg Jig Pocket Hole Joinery Set
Drill
Nail Gun
Materials
(1) 3/4 x 48 x 96″ Plywood
(8) 2 x 4 x 96″
(1) 2 x 2 x 96″
2 1/2″ Pocket Hole Screws
1 1/4″ Pocket Hole Screws
1 or 1 1/4″ Brad Nails
2 1/2″ Wood Screws
Wood Glue
Kreg Klamp Traks
Cut List:
To make life easier later, use this cut list to pre-cut your pieces prior to building.
The Steps:
1. Build your frames.
2. Add your longer braces to complete the frame.
3. Add supports to your bottom braces and frame. Make sure to leave a 3/4″ gap between the top of the braces and the supports for your shelf to fall flush into later.
4. Add your shelf with wood glue and brad nails.
5. Attach your side panels to the frames with pocket hole joinery and wood glue.
6. Add your shelf braces for the top shelf with wood screws from the inside (you can also use pocket hole joinery here, but if you do, make sure to double check your measurements when cutting to make sure it is flush). Mine were 14″ from the bottom shelf.
7. Add supports for the top shelf.
8. Attach your top shelf with wood glue and brad nails.
9. Add supports for your workbench top.
10. Add your workbench top. Make sure you are installing it with enough room to install your Klamp Traks later.
11. Install your Klamp Traks*. I added mine to the outside of the bench so that I could have clearance to use my clamps without hitting any walls.
*If you need to shorten any of your Traks (I had to cut down the shorter piece by 6″) you can cut the aluminum Trak using a band saw or jig saw. Please make sure to tape off the piece you wish to cut to avoid ripped edges. Also be sure to use all appropriate safety equipment and file down and file down any rough edges when doing so).
12. Stain and finish!
Here’s my workshop before (again, so embarrassing!)…
… and here it is after!
SO. MUCH. BETTER.
LOOK AT THAT ORGANIZATION.
Plus theseKreg Klamp Traks? Life savers.
Eventually, I may want to add cabinet doors to the workbench, so when I do, I’ll be sure to add the plans!
I am so excited to not only overhaul my workspace this year, but to share the plans and journey with you all. I hope this project was some motivation for those of you who have been writing me about getting your own spaces in shape this year!
Not ready to build this one tomorrow? No sweat, make sure to Pin It for later!
In the meantime, I hope you all have a beautiful and happy New Year! I will see you all in 2017!
** A huge thanks to Kreg Tool for sponsoring this post. While they provided me with compensation for this project, all opinions, designs, and plans are my own.
Love this!