A small workshop can only accommodate a small
workbench and this page describes the construction of
a very simple workbench with drawers, designed to fit
the available space exactly.
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Sketch plan of Workbench.
Sketch plan of workbench (taken from a
Sketchup drawing), showing the
dimensions of the framework. Construction was
of softwood 94mm x 94mm (for the legs),95mm x
45mm (for the cross pieces), held together with
a series of 12mm diameter square-headed coach
bolts and wood-screws.
(Click picture for larger view)
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Interactive Drawing of the Bench Framework.
Interactive Sketchup 3D-drawing, of the
completed bench framework.
(Click picture to view the interactive drawing)
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Workbench frame, as constructed.
This shows the workbench frame after
construction and bolting together with 12mm
diameter coach bolts. It is essential to drill
the 12mm bolt holes as true and as accurately
as possible. A drill press is the recommended
option for doing this and was used for drilling
all the holes in the component pieces.
(Click picture for larger view)
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Detail of Bolting.
This shows how square-headed coach bolts were
used to fasten the bench framework together.
These bolts were ideal for this project.
Top tip for this project; accurate drilling
of the 12mm bolt holes is essential - after
marking out, use a drill press to drill the
holes for maximum precision and to ensure that
the holes are drilled at right-angles to the
wooden components.
(Click picture for larger view)
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Sketch plan of workbench with top.
Sketch plan of workbench (taken from a
Sketchup drawing), showing the 40mm
Beech worktop in place.
(Click picture for larger view)
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Photograph of workbench with Beech top.
The workbench as constructed, showing the 40mm
Beech worktop in place.
(Click picture for larger view)
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Photograph of drawer runners (right hand side
of workbench).
The self-closing drawer runners were screwed to
an 18mm thick plywood support board. The board
was secured by screwing to the workbench legs.
(Click picture for larger view)
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Photograph of drawer runners (left hand side
of workbench).
The self-closing drawer runners were screwed to
an 18mm thick plywood support board. The board
was secured by screwing to the workbench frame
using four modesty blocks (plastic
fixing blocks).
(Click picture for larger view)
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Photograph of drawer.
Photograph of drawer showing construction and
how the runners were attached. The drawer sides
were constructed from 12mm thick plywood whilst
the bases were made of mdf (Medium-density
fibreboard).
(Click picture for larger view)
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Drawing of Completed Workbench.
Taken from a Sketchup drawing, showing
completed workbench with six fitted plywood
drawers.
(Click picture for larger view)
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Interactive drawing of completed workbench.
Interactive Sketchup 3D-drawing, of the
completed bench.
(Click picture to view the interactive drawing)
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Photograph of completed workbench.
Workbench shown in position in the workshop, ready for use!
(Click picture for larger view)
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Photograph of completed workbench, drawers in use.
Bench shown with drawers partially open and in use for storage!
(Click picture for larger view)
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