Google’s Sketchup, which is free (as in beer), is a great tool for sharing concepts and product designs. I decided to rough out a workbench for my apartment using it, and then build it to see how well it integrates in the design process. I had a few ideas what my workbench should be: made out of 2×4′s, have a 4′x2′ top, be about 30″ tall, be built for under $50, and disassemble fairly easily. The size of the top was based on what was easily available and to minimize the cut list, and the height seemed comfortable to me. Build time was about 2 hours working with a circular saw and would have been a great deal faster with a chop saw. Sketchup was nice to use, and a good alternative for this level of project.
This workbench isn’t meant to compete with a mortise and tenon woodworkers bench. This is held together with desk screws and made of pine. It’s good for light duty work. What’s nice about these 2″x4″ workbenches is that they’re so cheap, and easily modified. Need mount a power strip or attach a pegboard? Just get those deck screws out.
Click the link below for design files and bill of materials.
Design Files
You can download the Sketchup files here. (Please consider donating $1 using the Paypal button on the right sidebar).
Bill of Materials
- (1) 2′x4′x3/4″ table top – Hardboard or otherwise
- (4) 30″ Legs
- (3) 48″ Front and back horizontal rails
- (4) 21″ Upper and lower frame pieces
- (1) 2-1/2″ 1lb. box of deck screws
- (6) 1-1/4″ desk screws for workbench top
The total came to about $38 with materials from Lowe’s.
