A workbench needs to be safe, sturdy, and efficient. After all, you will be doing some serious work on that bench, so if your bench is wobbly, it will be unsafe, and your project will not turn out well. So, what makes a workbench heavy duty?
See more about the best heavy duty folding workbench
What Makes a Workbench Heavy Duty?
A good workbench needs to withstand some serious projects for years to come. You might forget about the simple workbench when you’re occupied with all the power tools you need, but don’t forget: a heavy duty work bench is a tool too!
Materials
When you search for a heavy duty work bench, pay attention to all the materials that were used to make it.
Heavy duty workbenches often feature four solid legs or even a sawhorse base that will ensure that the weight of your project is easily distributed. You may also choose something made of wood, since a wood workbench is the most solid option available. They can hold onto a lot of weight and will not break down with heat exposure or multiple impacts.
There’s also the steel option, which can hold up to years of heavy work. It can also hold up to some serious projects, even projects with oil.
In contrast, you could choose an option like a plastic workbench, which is affordable, lightweight, and non-conducive and therefore perfect for projects with electricity. However, they are certainly not as strong as wood would be. It will protect against scratches and stains, though.
DIY Heavy Duty Workbench
If you are trying to build a heavy duty bench, it’s a great idea to start off using heavy materials. This means using wood, stout legs, and a massive top. Once you have the materials required, you need to make sure that you overbuild your bench. This means using solid joints and beefing up your joints more than usual so that no amount of force you apply to the bench will get it to sway or wobble. There are many heavy duty workbench plans on the market that you can refer to for inspiration and guidance to build your own workbench.
Don’t mistake expensive materials for quality, though. While you can make your bench with unique materials if you really want to showcase it, the fact is common, tough, and inexpensive materials are more than enough. It’s best to emphasize on function.
Cost Effective Timber
Whether you’re making your bench yourself or buying it, you can choose materials that are less expensive as long as they are still sturdy.
In Europe, a good option may be beech wood, which is stiff and tends to be less expensive. In the US, though, beech is much pricier. Maple will be a better option in this case, since it is stiff, resists denting, and can be used in large pieces without it struggling underneath the weight.
This is what you want to look for in your wood option: something that is strong and sturdy. It doesn’t matter how cheap or expensive the wood is if it isn’t strong enough to hold up to the many projects that you have planned.
Good Design
Beyond the actual material used for a heavy duty workbench, a good design makes a significant difference. This means picking something with reinforced joints, a wide board, and solid nails to connect everything.
Conclusion
A heavy duty work bench is made up of two basic things: strong materials and a good design. You need to pick or build a bench that will withstand a lot of heavy work, and that you can continue to use for the foreseeable future. No matter what you pick, make sure that it will work for you and your big projects as well.
