Workbench / Table

[kmmcrafts]

Many of you know I bought a new laser a couple months back. I'm wanting to get a workbench to set it on but having a bit of trouble finding one that the laser will actually fit on. The dimensions of the laser are 48.8W x 34.3D x 26.4H and most benches I find are not but 24 inch deep, while the laser could overhang the edges some as the feet are not all the way out to the edge of it. I'd have to measure but I'm guessing a 30" Deep might work. Next issue is how tall the table is as the machine is already 26" tall so a 30" tall table would make loading and unloading the work a bit on the tall side.. but as it is only 26.4 tall leaving it on the ground as is I have to almost be on my hands and knees to load and unload it which is partly why I want to table. A 30" tall table would do better than leaving this on the ground though so I could probably live with that. 

I'm wondering if anyone knows of any nice larger benches that can hold this 300lb machine and have some room on either side to place the laptop and other things to run it.. Hoping to be able to put the chiller red thing off to the side in the picture underneath the table. Looking at the photos maybe 30" wouldn't be too bad after all because the laser table is half way down into the machine once the door is open.. I just gotta be able to reach and see the control panel on the right side of it.. I am 5.6Ft so that might work. I know someone gonna say build a bench.. I'd rather buy one.. but worst case I might settle for building one but I'm not much of a builder unless there is some real good blueprints.. I'm not great at just winging it like many of you guys are.. 

I've asked on the laser sites I'm on and 90% just deal with it on the ground.. a couple folks built a bench out of the parts from the shipping crate it ships in but the crate is exactly the size of the laser and I need a space for my laptop etc.. and those homemade ones looked pretty sketchy to me for a 300lb machine that probably would shake that whole table when the machine is running, LOL 

Anyway, anyone know of a site with many different workbench options? IF I have to build my own it's going to be a while as my truck doesn't get out in the snow and salt.. so like to buy so I can get this up and running. Thoughts and Suggestions? Maybe you guys will be more help than the laser groups.. most those folks are only into laser talk and show off of projects rather than shops and workbenches, LOL

 

 

[rjweb]

Kevin, sorry my only suggestion would be to build your own, this way you can customize it any way you want, RJ

[OCtoolguy]

I'd build my own too. There are many videos on bench building. It would just be a matter of plugging in your own numbers.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

If you find a bench then just add a 3/4" piece of plywood any size you want. Make it so you can store tools and things on it. The 24" should not deter you. The height maybe. What height would you like? Maybe find a bench and cut the legs down. Or it is so easy to build a basic bench. I made one just to hold my TV last year while I work on my rooms. I will replace with cabinet at later date when done. Had some 3/4" plywood laying around and bought a couple 2X4's. Very easy. Not even a day to build. 

Come on you do not plans to build a bench. Frame with 4 legs and put a top and shelf to stabilize the lower half. 

Edited February 8 by JTTHECLOCKMAN

[kmmcrafts]

I knew this would be the response and deep down I also know this is really what I need to do to really make it the way I want.. I may end up building a huge bench down one whole side of the shop so I can place my other two lasers on it as well.. then plumb the exhaust into one big manifold to exit out in one spot. Then I won't need to cut several holes in my wall to install the smoke stack, LOL. 

The bigger reason I don't really want to build it is I'm not really supposed to be doing any sawing of wood.. I think I could get away with it outside in the spring / summer.. just hoping to set things up before then.. and building my own is not a best option currently due to my doctor's orders.. 

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

2 minutes ago, kmmcrafts said:

I knew this would be the response and deep down I also know this is really what I need to do to really make it the way I want.. I may end up building a huge bench down one whole side of the shop so I can place my other two lasers on it as well.. then plumb the exhaust into one big manifold to exit out in one spot. Then I won't need to cut several holes in my wall to install the smoke stack, LOL. 

The bigger reason I don't really want to build it is I'm not really supposed to be doing any sawing of wood.. I think I could get away with it outside in the spring / summer.. just hoping to set things up before then.. and building my own is not a best option currently due to my doctor's orders.. 

Well what size bench are you looking for. You know you are going to spend good money on it. Look at HF and see what they have and adapt something. Cheapest place. 

[kmmcrafts]

1 minute ago, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

Well what size bench are you looking for. You know you are going to spend good money on it. Look at HF and see what they have and adapt something. Cheapest place. 

Yeah, I found one that is close to the size and might work.. but it's close to $400 too.. I'm rethinking this now.. I might just have to go at it really slow and build what I need.. so long as no snow or rain I guess I could work in the driveway in the cold to make some cuts on my table saw and miter saw.. table saw is hooked to dust collector and not much comes off it.. don't have any step down connectors for the miter saw but might be able to do all of it on the table saw anyway. 

[Fab4]

Hi Kev:
Is that crate cardboard and wood?
You have the dimensions from the crate
Is that a thin sheet of plywood on top just add a thicker piece of plywood as mentioned above and add 2x4 legs to it. then get a small separate table for your laptop, and other things you need a table for
Fab4

[barb.j.enders]

The only thing I will add to this conversation is a place to get plans.  I can't wing it on my own either.  I got the plans for my flip cart from here.  https://www.youtube.com/c/Fixthisbuildthat

[ChelCass]

Do you have Amish close by?  Maybe you could talk to them and see what they would charge to build you your table. Or maybe a handyman in your area (think Marketplace or Facebook). Also I'm thinking someone who builds those work sheds would be able to do a side job and built you a bench.  Just a couple of things to consider.  If you were closer I could lend you my hubby, he can build anything. 

[kmmcrafts]

5 hours ago, Fab4 said:

Hi Kev:
Is that crate cardboard and wood?
You have the dimensions from the crate
Is that a thin sheet of plywood on top just add a thicker piece of plywood as mentioned above and add 2x4 legs to it. then get a small separate table for your laptop, and other things you need a table for
Fab4

The crate is wood.. I think it's probably 3/8" plywood.. I think this might be a temporary and possible permanent (since most of my temporary ends up being permanent) solution.. I think I'll glue and nail both top and bottom pieces together and then frame it build some legs from 2x4's.. I also forget than this laser will run via thumb drive or even wifi etc.. so it really doesn't need the computer connected.  

[kmmcrafts]

43 minutes ago, barb.j.enders said:

The only thing I will add to this conversation is a place to get plans.  I can't wing it on my own either.  I got the plans for my flip cart from here.  https://www.youtube.com/c/Fixthisbuildthat

Thanks for the link, funny I was just looking at another Youtube (whosthevoss I think is the name) where he built a fliptop table.. I need one of those too.. I think 

[kmmcrafts]

12 minutes ago, ChelCass said:

Do you have Amish close by?  Maybe you could talk to them and see what they would charge to build you your table. Or maybe a handyman in your area (think Marketplace or Facebook). Also I'm thinking someone who builds those work sheds would be able to do a side job and built you a bench.  Just a couple of things to consider.  If you were closer I could lend you my hubby, he can build anything. 

I have Amish cabinet maker shop about a half mile from here.. They actually want me to do their CNC custom cabinet door designs etc for them.. I never even gave that much thought but I'm sure they'd build something too.. 

[rjweb]

Kevin, If I was closer I come and build you a bench, just a few too many miles, but I agree the Amish may be the best answer, RJ

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

A workbench has to be one of the easiest things in the shop to build. Yes you can get fancy and start with drop down leafs and drawers and things like that but it basically a couple boxes and 4 legs and a top. Now the frame can be supported with cross members depending how much weight and how large you build it. When I made my main work bench I was able to get a couple old office oak doors from a job i was on and that made the top easy but man is that freakin heavy. They are filled with some kind of sheetrock or something but again so easy to do. 

 

 

Edited February 8 by JTTHECLOCKMAN

[rash_powder]

So this idea will still require some DIY or at the very least hiring a local.  

Menard's sells (if you have one local, I'm sure the other box stores have these) a prefab work bench top.

master craft work bench top

Its a bit narrow though.  So you would need two, cut one down to the correct width to fasten to the other and make the correct width.  Then its just make a base, and Menard's again can help.

Work bench kit

This has all the brackets and hardware to build a bench support, only missing 2x4s, which again Menard's has.  

Obviously this is not an off the shelf plug and play deal.  But if you have a circle saw and something about 6' long and straight, you could break the top down and dowl/biscuit/domino them together and be on your way.  Clamping might be a bit tricky, but you could stand it on edge with the heavy side up and that should be good enough.

Best of luck!

 

[kenr]

What about going to Lowes or Home Depot and buying a base cabinet or 2 and using that as bottom, then just add top.

Might be able to snag a couple damaged bases for a good price. 

[Badgerboy]

I built this work bench over 30 years ago and I still love it.  It is an easy build and not overly expensive depending on what vises you decide to use.  I modified the design to add another vise. The design is great in that the top surface is easily replaced after years of scrapes, glue, stain etc.  extremely sturdy yet not too heavy to move. Norm Abrahms work bench

[OCtoolguy]

3 hours ago, Badgerboy said:

I built this work bench over 30 years ago and I still love it.  It is an easy build and not overly expensive depending on what vises you decide to use.  I modified the design to add another vise. The design is great in that the top surface is easily replaced after years of scrapes, glue, stain etc.  extremely sturdy yet not too heavy to move. Norm Abrahms work bench

I miss his show.

[Joe W.]

I may have missed it in previous postings, but consider a solid core door for building material. I've seen them at our local Restore store between $50-70.

And there is always the long shot where there is a laser forum out there and somebody has a set of plans on hand.  Ya never know.  

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

There are entire kits out there that have all the parts you need if that is the way you want to go. 

[BadBob]

17 hours ago, OCtoolguy said:

I miss his show.

They are all on YouTube.

[kmmcrafts]

I'm likely going to set up the laser right on the floor as it sets and get a feel for where and how I want this set up at.. and maybe how to use it, LOL. I'm currently building a block-off board to set into my shop window with the 6" hole in it to install a temporary exhaust.. At first I wanted to just get it all set up permanent before going at it with business but business changed my mind quickly when I out of the blue was asked if I could engrave a floral design with a company logo ( their artwork ) onto 200pcs.  8 x 16" charcuterie boards that they also are going to supply.. It's a local company that I've done work for in the past and they follow me online and seen I now have a bigger laser.. and want me to do the job this year for them. Thankfully they don't need them until August so hopefully I'll figure out how to use this laser by then, LOL.. But it has prompted me to get this set up and experiment and this will also give me time to clean out and sell some of the scroll saws and other equipment that I'll no longer really need. Once clearing things out I'll have a better idea of where to make the parking spot for the lasers.. Basically my whole shop and business is taking a complete new turn on life and I've been struggling to know what I want to put where and what needs to be sold off etc.. so I've been sitting in a funk.. this laser work order will get me out of that funk and just "do it".. then by doing that maybe I'll figure out where the next steps are.. So right where it's shown in the photos is where I'm going to run the first few batches of products.. Then maybe once the warmer weather comes I can clean out the shop of unused tools make more room and possibly find my shop layout before next winter.. 

[kmmcrafts]

15 hours ago, Joe W. said:

And there is always the long shot where there is a laser forum out there and somebody has a set of plans on hand.  Ya never know.  

I've already been asking on the laser groups and forum pages.. Most of the laser folks are not woodworkers and many don't even work with wood on the lasers.. there is so many different products to work with on lasers engraving services.. Leather, Acrylics, Slate, Ceramic, Tumbler Bottles, Glassware.. and many other products..

In Fact.. if there is someone that's looking for a business start-up.. many folks on the laser sites would love to have a short workbench to set their lasers on.. as I said most do not do woodwork or build things.. many are stay-at-home moms that got a laser to do a side Hustle etc. and do not have a means of making a bench.. Not much out there ready to buy that is short enough yet also having a large enough top on it to support the size of the lasers.. I think if someone made and marketed them to the laser people you'd sell a good deal of them.. most commented questions on those for people getting a new machine is.. it's sooo low to the floor and many asking the same questions "where to get a bench".. not much out there in the sizes' needed.. and I'm quite surprised that the folks selling these lasers don't have some sort of legs / feet to mount on them.. they really could have some metal adjustable legs.. They have holes on the bottom where one could bolt a set of legs on.. This might be how I do it with some square metal tubing.. I guess it really doesn't need a "table" just some legs to raise it up higher.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Either Laser people are dumb or lazy from what I am reading out of this. They can not be cheap if they are spending big money on a tool. Buy once and set for life. As I said a workbench can be custom made to any dimensions and any needs. Takes a little know how yes but there are a ton of videos on just about anything you want on the net today. The expense depends how much you want to put into it. There is no set price. Yes there are tables specifically made for lasers out there. This is not a new concept but again what are you looking for and what do you want to spend. Then there are tables of all kinds. Knock downs, workbenches, adjustable workbenches, coffee tables that can be repurposed, Tool boxes that are rollers so they can be moved around or not, do you want with drawers or shelves, Want a larger section of the table, add a piece of plywood to match the laser dimensions. Home Depot will cut to any size you want. No tools needed. Lay on top of table top.  here is an example of a guy who like the Huskey tables and the adjustability and wheels for his big laser.  An old desk or one in a store that has nicks and things to it could work. If you want to build here is a guy who builds them cheap and easy. Not rocket science here. Can build from down and dirty to extreme work of art. I saw one on FB yesterday. I wish I had saved the link. All parts in the kit. Varible height adjustment. Came with the top and all. Screw driver and pair of pliers and if you can read instructions. If i see it again I will link it. 

https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=laser+work+benches&refig=16c274c285c84ee5914bf99bb4452b71&pc=HCTS&pqlth=0&assgl=18&sgcn=laser+work+benches&qs=HS&smvpcn=0&swbcn=10&sctcn=0&sc=10-0&sp=1&ghc=0&cvid=16c274c285c84ee5914bf99bb4452b71&clckatsg=1&hsmssg=0&FPIG=0AB33D9D3C0F479790C0EA766185E7C3&first=4&ajaxnorecss=1&sid=20B3F0D837B2624722CEE54A361A63BA&jsoncbid=0&ajaxsydconv=1&ru=%2fsearch%3fq%3dlaser%2bwork%2bbenches%26refig%3d16c274c285c84ee5914bf99bb4452b71%26pc%3dHCTS%26pqlth%3d0%26assgl%3d18%26sgcn%3dlaser%2bwork%2bbenches%26qs%3dHS%26smvpcn%3d0%26swbcn%3d10%26sctcn%3d0%26sc%3d10-0%26sp%3d1%26ghc%3d0%26cvid%3d16c274c285c84ee5914bf99bb4452b71%26clckatsg%3d1%26hsmssg%3d0%26FPIG%3d0AB33D9D3C0F479790C0EA766185E7C3%26first%3d4%26FORM%3dPORE%26ajaxnorecss%3d1%26sid%3d20B3F0D837B2624722CEE54A361A63BA%26format%3dsnrjson%26jsoncbid%3d0%26ajaxsydconv%3d1&mmscn=vwrc&mid=B4B89AF3E0B29CD0A976B4B89AF3E0B29CD0A976&FORM=WRVORC&ntb=1&msockid=73b38f27ea2611efb1f75d926c020f22

 

https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=laser+work+benches&mid=DB84C91FCC0461CB3462DB84C91FCC0461CB3462&FORM=VIRE

Edited February 13 by JTTHECLOCKMAN