Replies

1. 
   xmike | Dec 28, 2008 11:44pm | #1

   You could make it out of teak.

   You could build yourself a shed cover and build the bench out of whatever solid wood is cheapest in your area.

   Ditto the above, skip the shed, and throw a blue tarp over it when you are done.

1. 
   schappy | Dec 29, 2008 05:36am | #2

   Can you give me a good idea on plans for a simple outdoor workbench?I was thinking of just building a top then putting it on sawhorses that I have.

1. 
   xmike | Dec 29, 2008 07:50pm | #3

   Actually, that works just fine for lots of people.Someone suggested (either this thread, or another) that they go find used outdoor solid core and solid face doors as bench tops (not a panel door). Put two together, and you've got a 3" thick top - very solid - although that's perhaps overkill for your application as two would be pretty heavy to be schlepping around every time you want to use it or put it away. Look for someone local that recovers stuff from demolitions as a source for the door and view the hole for the door handle as a handy place to put your drill cord :) In theory you can find a nice ugly solid core & face door for around $20. ??Mike DOh yes, something to consider - since I just finished watching a video on workbenches - it this. If you are going to be working primarily with handplanes, etc - the height of the bench is supposed to be such that it just comes to the first knuckles of your hand hanging at your side - so you can primarily use your leg and back muscles to plane. But if you work mostly with power tools, it is handier if it hits you just above the waist. I couldn't swear to either, but that's what some folks who do this a lot seem to think. I do both, my bench is 37" tall, that works for me, but I'm 6'2".
   MikeEdited 12/29/2008 12:01 pm ET by Mike_DEdited 12/29/2008 12:03 pm ET by Mike_D

   Edited 12/29/2008 12:04 pm ET by Mike_D

1. 
   GLASTARZA | Dec 31, 2008 12:54am | #4

   Schappy,

   If you want to build a an outdoor workbench for rough work, making it out of 2" by 4''s and 2"by 6"s might be an inexpensive solution. For the legs, pressure treated wood will last longer since it will better handle the moisture and the bugs.

   Here is a link to a bench made from plywood on our site:

   http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/FWNPDFfree/011181054.pdf

   Perhaps you can make the top out of treated plywood and finish the whole piece with deck finish. Plywood will keep the surface more straight for activities like planing.

   Sincerely,Gerald La StarzaFine Woodworking

2. 
   Mcdaddy | May 13, 2010 03:12am | #5

   You do have a lot of choice. You can build your own or you can simply buy some ready made.

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