FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Work tables

bluejae | Posted in General Discussion on September 25, 2009 07:34am

I got an e-mail from Fine Woodworking about work benches, so I was thinking about my setup, what Ive seen other tradesmen use and would like to know what everybody else likes to use. Always looking for a better way to do things.

I posted some photos of my currently preferred workbench. What I have is two 2’0″-8’0″ solid core doors that get joined together with a connector called a Giro bolt. They are a bit unwieldy to move around, but they do make for a very solid work surface and I can fit a full sheet of ply on them. I thought about using hollow core doors, but I just didnt see those taking the surface scoring as well as a solid core. I’ve had this for over a year now and I think it cost about 170 bucks.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. LIVEONSAWDUST | Sep 25, 2009 08:34am | #1

    I actually like the hollow core 24" bifold best myself, they fold in half for easy storing in the trailer and are light.

    but I haven't bought them.....

    usually about the time I set my saw blade too deep and cut it in half......a replacement shows up on a remodel. old doors are plentifull

    another handy one is like an old 6 panel door, knock a couple panels out and you have a good place to clamp things too.

    1. User avater
      bluejae | Sep 25, 2009 05:40pm | #4

      The panel door for clamping sounds interesting. As a side note I just noticed we have the same birthday, also Im from MichiganIt's just wood.

  2. renosteinke | Sep 25, 2009 04:08pm | #2

    I really like the way your two halves clamp together!

    Workbench size is a pretty job-specific issue. For example, my work uses lots of small parts, so a table that big would be a hinderence, not a help.

    Just as important are the legs; sometimes a pair of horses will do all you need; other times, you need something more solid - and dead-on level.

    Personally, I think the guy with the bi-fold doors is on to something. You can add a sacrificial layer of masonite to one face, and I doubt you really need the table to be a full eight foot long.  Folded in half, you have a good chop-saw table.

    To refine the idea, I'd round the edges and corners a bit., and seal them with shellac. You can add measuring marks to the edges and top as well.

    There IS one advantage to a solid table like yours: you can drill and thread the wood to accept 'pony' clamps, which will then hold your work in place. FHB had this tip not long ago.

    1. User avater
      bluejae | Sep 25, 2009 05:45pm | #5

      Thanks I'll look for that tip. I've also thought of either drilling a few holes for clamps to slip through or routing in a couple of t-tracks so I could position a clamp anywhere.It's just wood.

  3. User avater
    Sphere | Sep 25, 2009 04:25pm | #3

    Coupla yrs ago I got two of them blow mold plastic party tables that fold in half with steel legs. About 3' x 6' they are perfect for the copper or alum gutter we were hanging.

    When set at right angles you can ssolder up the miters with both legs supported in plane, spaced apart, 25' lengths are suppoted well for adding drops and ends, or splices.

    Light weight, sturdy enough, can be screwed into for hold downs, and cheaper than many saw horses.

    They fold into a 3x3' x 4'' package and trailer or van easily..

    about 40 bucks ea. at wallyworld.

    Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

    Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

    View Image

    1. User avater
      bluejae | Sep 25, 2009 05:48pm | #6

      I have one of those, but it didn't work out for me. Trying to assemble trim parts on that wavy surface was frustrating. Works great for BBQs though!It's just wood.

  4. Pelipeth | Sep 26, 2009 03:00am | #7

    For one of my stationary work benches I bought a stock 10' section
    of formica post form top. $10 LF = $100. Tough as hell and I felt a
    fair price, got it at HD.

    1. User avater
      bluejae | Sep 26, 2009 08:35am | #8

      Thats gonna be a tough wearing table.It's just wood.

      1. dustinf | Sep 26, 2009 03:18pm | #9

        I've been using the same hollowcore 3/0 6/8 luan bifold for the last 6 years. The surface has hundreds of scores in it, but amazingly it's still holding together.It's not too late, it's never too late.

        1. User avater
          bluejae | Sep 26, 2009 08:32pm | #10

          Nice to know, maybe my next version will be hollow core.It's just wood.

        2. mike585 | Sep 26, 2009 09:03pm | #11

          Dustin,Got one of these ?http://albany.craigslist.org/tls/1388597673.html

          1. dustinf | Sep 27, 2009 05:31pm | #16

            I'll never tell...It's not too late, it's never too late.

  5. gfretwell | Sep 27, 2009 12:38am | #12

    I have a solid core 3080 in my computer shop. It has a pretty hard white laminate on it that puts up with hot soldering irons, solvents and a lot of general abuse.

    1. User avater
      Sphere | Sep 27, 2009 12:52am | #13

      Same here for my Lathe table and general assembly bench. Free for taking from an old school tear down.

      Heavy as all get out tho'. Not portable.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

      View Image

      1. m2akita | Sep 27, 2009 06:30pm | #17

        Didnt you post pics of a knock-down/ fold cut table you made?  You got pics of that still?

        thanks...Live by the sword, die by the sword....choose your sword wisely.

        1. User avater
          Sphere | Sep 27, 2009 07:12pm | #18

          I can go take one, it's right out front.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

          View Image

        2. User avater
          Sphere | Sep 27, 2009 07:27pm | #19

          Here ya go, 2x2s screwed loosly fron below, folds like a pantograph.

          Was just lopping up some cherry when I came in for lunch.

          whoops...I don't have Irfanview on this comp. it came out kinda big, sorry bout that.

          see if this works.

          View Image

          Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

          View Image

          Edited 9/27/2009 12:28 pm ET by Sphere

          Edited 9/27/2009 12:30 pm ET by Sphere

          1. m2akita | Sep 28, 2009 04:50am | #21

            Picture works for me.  Im gonna being cutting up a bunch of panels for both some cabinets and book shelves in the next few weeks.  Think Ill build a couple of those, get a whole assembly line going.

            Thanks for the pictures.

             

             Live by the sword, die by the sword....choose your sword wisely.

  6. MSA1 | Sep 27, 2009 03:07am | #14

    I have an old 36" door my aunt used to use as a wallpaper layout table. Ilike the bifold idea better though.

    How stable is it though as far as staying flat? I usually use the door when i'm doing casework and need a flat assembly surface.

     

    Family.....They're always there when they need you.

    1. dovetail97128 | Sep 27, 2009 09:32am | #15

      I have used bi-folds as work tables for years.
      they stay flat , portable and are readily available .
      I dismantled one 24" set and used the two halves to make extensions for my miter saw , simply added drop legs out 2 x 2 and dowels that fit into the holes at the sides of the miter saw table. Worked well and was light weight and portable .
      Life is Good

    2. User avater
      bluejae | Sep 27, 2009 07:36pm | #20

      It stays pretty flat. I use it to pocket screw trim assemblies, do casework and other general cutting of sheet goods.It's just wood.

  7. AitchKay | Oct 01, 2009 04:49am | #22

    Here’s an assortment from one of my current jobs:

    In the RH background is one almost identical to Sphere’s: a loosely-screwed 2x2 grid for cutting sheet goods. Collapsed, pantograph-style, it measures about 3”x5”x 12’.

    The rest of the benches are variations on my favorite toolbox, the 6-gal. milk crate. Meijer’s used to sell them retail here in Mich, and I dropped over $200 on them back in ’92. But they discontinued them, and now I have to scrounge them at flea markets.

    I sandwich the crate bottoms with 1/4” ply on the outside, 1/8” ply on the inside. That makes them sturdy enough to stand on, and solid enough that tools and fasteners don’t fall through the bottom when used as tool boxes.

    Underneath the sheet goods table, one is serving as a handy saw-rest station. Just in front of it, another one serves as a sturdy container for a Festo box (I never did trust Festo’s wimpy plastic). They take up about the same space in the truck as the Festo boxes alone, so I basically get to take along the crates for free.

    Another crate slips over the top of the Festo vac accessory box attached to the Festo vacuum in the LH background. It has an oversize LVL slab on top instead of my usual lauan, so it serves as a surprisingly-substantial mini-workbench, its overhang allowing for clamping stock, or, as in this pic, a carpenter’s vise.

    In the LH foreground, two stack up as a low work table, or, paired with another two and with a plank on top, serve as an excellent low scaffold/work platform.

    The lone crate just to their right makes for a handy stair-step up to that work platform. But it really excels, and is most popular for, its role at lunch time -- nobody has to sit on the floor at break on my jobs! And there’s almost always a seat for everyone.

    Having a modular, stackable unit makes packing the truck much easier, too -- I throw away almost all of my tool cases (except for the nesting Festo boxes), and store everything in these crates -- Bulldog, Tiger Saw, circular saw, whatever.

    I just took a peek in the back of my truck and counted 20 of these multi-purpose units. And I have one of those *@#*#@!! 6’-6” short beds! I’d carry more tools if I could!

    AitchKay

    PS Oh, yeah. I, too, am a big fan of recycled bi-folds.

    1. User avater
      bluejae | Oct 01, 2009 11:17pm | #23

      The multi tasking part of that setup is awesome. I used to have a few milk crates, but wasnt smart enough to realize the potential. Thanks for the pic.It's just wood.

      1. User avater
        Sphere | Oct 02, 2009 03:47am | #25

        Add a 3/4" plywood bottom and you can screw milk crates to the shop wall too, do two and span with a board and you have a shelf with storage under it...and I also have some with a beveled cleat that can hang in the van or on a cleat in the shop as well.

        Like H-K, I think I have 20 -30 crates. They stack onsides as well as a tower of tools in my shop., I cut the sides out of rectangular gallon steel lac. thinner cans and make metal drawers that stack in the crates too.

        I love reusing trash.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

        Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

        View Image

        1. AitchKay | Oct 02, 2009 05:09am | #27

          There's a guy out there who talks reverently about "Garbage Santa."Garbage Santa "ben very, very good to me!"AitchKay

    2. User avater
      Sphere | Oct 02, 2009 03:41am | #24

      My gas, coffee, and cigs stop in the AM is just out the road from me, after a few years you get to know the help.

      I asked kindly if I could have some crates, I got the 6" tall Pepsi crates that stack. In them I use glad or tupper type ware conatiners for screws and nails and stuff. They nest between my drawer boxes in the van and don't topple over as easy as milk crates are wont to do.

      Try just asking a mini mart employee, they don't care.

      BTW, Duluth Trading is selling real HD milk crates, 15 bucks a pop I think.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

      View Image

      1. AitchKay | Oct 02, 2009 05:06am | #26

        “I got the 6" tall Pepsi crates that stack.” Yes, those are good! And some of those pop crates slip tightly inside of a 6-gal. crate. I like those -- lift them out, set them aside, and you’ve just freed up another step-stool, workbench module, etc.“Duluth Trading is selling real HD milk crates, 15 bucks a pop I think.” That’s a good thing. If only they’d start marketing the 6-gal type! Maybe I’ll send them a letter and forward them those pics...The stability of the 6-gal. crates (toe them in a bit if you’re stacking high with a 2x12 atop), combined with their storage capacity (Bulldog, Tiger Saw, etc) make them the primo crate.I think that we don’t see them in these parts as deposit crates because of stronger unions here -- 6 gallons of water weighs 48#, and I’d imagine milk isn’t much lighter. That’s a lot to lug, crate after crate, if you’re a delivery man. We’re talking back injuries. I’ve noticed that recently-molded 6-gal. crates show the outline of the handholds on the long sides, but they’ve now been filled in by the surrounding plastic gridwork, so that the only handholds are on the ends -- you have to carry those crates tight to your body, extending away from you only 12”, as opposed to the old 12” or 18” option. Safer, sure, if you’re delivering milk all day...For a downtown jobs with difficult parking, I screw a scrap of 1/2” ply to a hand truck, and attach (2) 2x2 cleats vertically to lock in 6 crates as I bump over curbs, ramps, etc. You can move a lot of tools over a lot of distance pretty easily.OK, gotta go -- I’m calling Duluth right now!Crate Suzette

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes

Could a building code update make your go-to materials obsolete?

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data