Space-saving folding workbench

[DIY4Knuckleheds]

The Amazing Folding Workbench for Small Workshops. A surprisingly easy project that is a great solution for small work spaces where a static workbench is not suitable as it takes up to much room. Every DIY enthusiast needs a workbench and now there isn’t an excuse not to have one especially if you are like me and only have a single car garage. Head on over to my DIY For Knuckleheads YouTube Channel for the Easy to Follow Step by Step Tutorial 👍😁

Materials

17mm Black Formply x 1:  2400mm x 1200mm https://www.bunnings.com.au/specrite-1800-x-1200mm-17mm-formply-f17_p0390220

90mm x 42mm Dressed All Round Pine. 3 x 2.4m. The reason l chose this is that it is generally blemish and knot free so looks better and can be painted easily: https://www.bunnings.com.au/90-x-42mm-2-4m-f7-h3-treated-pine-primed-losp_p0021265

150mm Strap Hinges x 4: https://www.bunnings.com.au/pinnacle-150mm-zinc-plated-strap-hinge-2-pack_p4230231

70mm Butt Hinges x 8: I used polished silver hinges but l reckon these black ones would look pretty cool: https://www.bunnings.com.au/lane-70mm-black-matte-fixed-pin-butt-hinge-2-pack_p0097023

Cabin Hook: https://www.bunnings.com.au/pinnacle-65mm-matte-black-cabin-hook_p0038295

75mm Casters with Brakes x 4: https://www.bunnings.com.au/easyroll-75mm-90kg-blue-rubber-swivel-brake-castor_p0073907

Tools

7 1/4" Makita Circular Saw: https://www.bunnings.com.au/makita-185mm-1200w-corded-circular-saw_p6240318

Makita Cordless Drill: https://www.bunnings.com.au/makita-lxt-18v-cordless-brushless-hammer-drill-kit_p6240427

Makita Orbit Sander: https://www.bunnings.com.au/makita-300w-random-orbital-sander_p6240110

10 Gauge Macsim Countersinking Bit: https://www.bunnings.com.au/macsim-10g-clever-tool-standard-head-blister-pack_p2360698

Empire Speed Square: https://www.bunnings.com.au/empire-180mm-laser-etcher-rafter-square-true-blue_p0154654

Makita Trim Router: https://www.bunnings.com.au/makita-18v-brushless-laminate-trimmer-skin-only_p6240437

Steps

Step 1

Cut the pieces and assemble the two end frames. It's pretty important to get these exactly the same as they need to fold neatly in together.

Step 2

Patch all the holes and imperfections with Spacfilla. https://www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-180g-spakfilla-rapid-gap-filler_p1231864

Apply an undercoat and then follow that up with two coats of gloss black enamel.

Step 3

Cut the pieces of Formply for the folding arms. A great way to get these nice and straight is to clamp a straight edge to the formply and run your saw up against it. Of course if you have a table saw you can always use that. Once the pieces have been cut it's time to assemble and connect to the two end frames.

Step 4

Give the folding arms a test. As you can tell from my facial expressions l was pretty surprised by how well it all folded together!

Step 5

With the frame now complete it's time to cut the formply for the top. I've added some thickness to the edge of the bench top by screwing a strip of formply to the underside of the bench top.

Step 6

With a router or even some sandpaper, chamfer the edges of the benchtop to get rid of the sharp edge.

Step 7

Make up the stabiliser blocks for the folding arms. These prevent the arms from folding in and keep the arms straight.

Step 8

Attach the wheels to the underside of the end frames. One word of advice is to offset the wheels. As you can see in the photo, l originally didn't do that causing the wheels to occasionally clash when when wheeling it away which was a little annoying. I have since offset the wheels and it now works a lot better 👍

Step 9

As you can see it folds up to a very slim and tidy 180mm which is small enough to even store inside a cupboard when not in use!

Step 10

And here is the finished product!

[MitchellMc]

What a sensational project and directions @DIY4Knuckleheds! 

I'm sure many of our members with a limited workspace will appreciate this practical design. 

Many thanks for sharing and good luck in the D.I.Y. July competition.

Mitchell

[DIY4Knuckleheds]

Thanks Mitchell 😁 Glad you liked it mate and l can't wait to check out all the entries.

Cheers,

Shane 👍😁🇦🇺

[Dave-1]

Morning @DIY4Knuckleheds 

Thats a nice looking table! I could do with one at home as I am constantly having to shift things around due to space lol

I do like how solid that table top looks.

Dave

[Prof]

Hi DIY4knuckleheads...

What I brilliant idea.!! That's something that a lot of DIYers would find very useful if they have limited work space..

Very well set out and good explanatory photos..

Good luck with your project..

Prof..

[DIY4Knuckleheds]

Cheers Prof! Yeah it works really well mate and is surprisingly easy to make. A lot of us have very limited workspaces so it's perfect for that. It's also a good  to have if you are ever entertaining and need an extra table.

Cheers,

Shane 👍😁🇦🇺

[DIY4Knuckleheds]

Appreciate that Dave! Glad you liked it mate. It is perfect for those of us with limited space which is becoming more of an issue these days 👍

Bunnings also seems to have a plentiful supply of the black formply which is also good. I love the look of the stuff and it's mostly straight which is a bonus.

Cheers,

Shane 👍😁🇦🇺

[EricL]

Hi @DIY4Knuckleheds (Shane)

As usual your creations are always amazing! I've seen these designs from various sites and have always wondered what it would take to make with local materials. 

Thanks for sharing such a fantastic project.

Eric

[DIY4Knuckleheds]

Thanks Eric 😁 Yeah mate, Bunnings certainly have the products for the project. I used your black 17mm Formply and it was perfect....highly recommend the stuff. It looks great and is always nice and straight 👍

Cheers,

Shane 👍😁🇦🇺

[Dave-1]

@DIY4Knuckleheds 

And now I want to go to Bunnings! lol I am forcing myself not to, so I can save to buy some timber for my handrails

Dave