What timber to use to build a workbench?

[Frogmouth]

I'm a novice woodworker and I'm not sure what to use to build by work bench. Its pretty simple and basic, which is fine, but should I use treated or untreated pine for all the structural stuff? Obviously I'm not looking at making a work of art but I want it to be functional (I have some decent but basic plans I got from a you tube channel) and hopefully will last untill I'm ready to upgrade to something a little more advanced. 

Many thanks in advance, hope this isnt too dumb of a question.

Cheers,

Froggy

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @Frogmouth 

Welcome to DIY  may you have many nice projects.

You are asking questions and learning  that is never silly or dumb in fact its the opposite.  

I would  imagine your first work bench is inside and under cover so you  wont need  treated pine for starters.

My  First work shop table was a second hand pine top dining table I that  was $50 some where  Use  Gumtree to search to see whats in your area.

Some  may say thats cheating well its a leg up and your off  woodworking ASAP  Plus as a  second hand table it dosnt matter if your saw it or drill into it. I ended up putting a ply top board on it to restore the  table  top as it was more holey than swiss cheese eventually it is still used today.

So  as you talked about make a timber  frame out of 70x35mm pine  or stronger 90x 35mm pine (framing is fine and best priced) 

Once you make your frame  look at bunnings and pick a  nice bench top you screw to your frame

Like a laminated hardwood  panel 

2400 x 600 x 33mm Hardwood Laminated Panel $249

https://www.bunnings.com.au/2400-x-600-x-33mm-hardwood-laminated-panel_p0618957

You  can use timber plank like 200mm x 50mm sleeper  put 2 or 3 of them besides  each other and you will have a very robust top you can hammer on to at need. The planks wont align 100% at there long edges butting together. But  you may join them underneath onto the frame and electric plan the top smooth and flat.

I have used  Timber ply 10mm plus  ( or  two  times  10mm layers.) as sacrifial top and dont care it it is glued on painted chipped hammered  or drilled later  just replace the top.

Later  Look at some work shop   table designs and make your ultimate table.

Enjoy the learning , As you gain one skill others will  follow more  quickly .

[Frogmouth]

Cheers for that, thanks for the reply I appreciate it. 

I’ll see how it goes. 

[EricL]

Hello @Frogmouth 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about building a workbench.

It's a good question and it's great that you've received excellent advice from @Jewelleryrescue. You've mentioned that you've got some basic plans from YouTube, would it be possible for you to share some still shots of the plans you're looking at? This will give our members a better idea of what you're trying to build. We can then make recommendations on how to proceed. There have been many discussions regarding workbenches, and they generally use 90x45 or 70x45 structural pine depending on their needs.  

Here are some discussions about workbenches our Workshop members have shared:

• Solid workbench modified into modular workbench by @JoeAzza 
   
• Portable and functional workbench by @RainbowDiY 
   
• Portable workbench and garage shelving by @Tara86 
   
• Portable workbench with tool storage by @Sarma1 
   
• How to build a workbench by @Peggers 
   
• Mobile workbench by @JoeAzza 
   
• Workbench build by @Nikki7 

Hopefully these discussions will provide you with ideas on how to build your own work bench. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Frogmouth]

Thank Eric,

You're right, the plans are (US measurements, but converted to mm) roughly 90x45 and 90x90 (legs) and a ply top and bottom shelf with castors on the feet.

It's very basic, but a good jumping off point for someone like me. Should be a good learning experience and hopefully a bit of fun. Expected swearing factor of a 3-4, which is pretty good for me

The plans are in PDF format, but here's a link to the page.

Cheers,

Froggy

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Frogmouth,

Regarding the timber to select, structural pine would be fine for the aprons, and I'd suggest using 90 x 45mm. For the legs, these 88mm posts and 19mm plywood for the top and bottom.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Frogmouth]

Thanks Mitchell, I'll let you know when I hit a wall.