ᐅ Workshop setup / workbench

Created on: 19 Dec 2019 09:03
D
denz.
Good morning,

I am finally planning to set up my workshop properly. For that, I first need a large workbench. I have just under 3 meters (about 2.9 meters (9.5 feet)) available, since otherwise a double power outlet would be partially blocked.

I have already found a few manufacturers like Kreher, Krüpper, Rau, Stier... but some are quite expensive, and of course, I have no experience regarding their quality.

For example, a Stier 2500 x 600 x 860 mm (98 x 24 x 34 inches) series workbench with two cabinets, each 700 mm (28 inches) wide, costs around 1200 euros.

What kind of workbench do you have in your workshop?
A
angoletti1
19 Dec 2019 14:06
By the way, the workbench you mentioned actually comes from Simplaflex; Stier just puts their label on it.
kaho67419 Dec 2019 17:33
My husband placed an old base kitchen cabinet on both the left and right sides and then simply bought a countertop at the home improvement store and attached it on top.
D
denz.
19 Dec 2019 22:44
That all sounds rather thrown together. I was actually looking for something more "decent."

So Stier isn't the Mercedes? Well, I think a solid VW would be enough. But just for reference, what would be the Mercedes?
A
angoletti1
20 Dec 2019 07:03
Well, in the end, it probably comes down to personal preference and also depends on the intended use. But for the all-round craftsman, names like Rau and Lista come to mind, as they are among the top in the field.

However, I have been away from this topic for several years now. Back then, I built mine myself because I needed something very sturdy.
J
Joedreck
20 Dec 2019 07:11
So, I also have a workbench left by the previous owner in the garage. I think a workbench doesn’t need to have too many features. One level, a sturdy top, storage space, a vise, and options to secure things. At least for a hobby craftsman, that should be enough. Electrical outlets all around are important. I also have an air outlet from the compressor. Then some shelves here and there. However, I also have a lot of tools and small items.
Dr Hix20 Dec 2019 07:31
denz. schrieb:

That all sounds cobbled together.
I actually wanted something "decent."


To me, it sounds like it’s primarily about appearance, and in that case, the advice can only be: Buy something nice!

Honestly, whether a workbench is made of wood, 0.6mm (0.02 inch) steel sheet, 1mm (0.04 inch), or something in between, whether the construction can hold 500kg (1,100 lbs) or 2.5 tons (5,500 lbs), and whether the drawers support 30, 50, 80, or 100kg (66, 110, 176, or 220 lbs) — for your intended use (storing some standard tools properly, having a surface to repair electronics, and "maybe eventually adding a small shelf"), they are all oversized.