I recently got into woodworking. I am developing my skills and found a used portable table saw on Craigslist . I needed a place to store my table saw along with the reclaimed wood I was purchasing. I searched online for various plans and could not find exactly what I needed. I needed something mobile, compact and simple to build. SO I made a few sketches on a notepad. This is the first time I’ve taken on a challenge in woodworking where I’m building something from scratch, developing my own plans. I made a few mistakes. But I learned a lot. Most importantly, I learned it’s ok to make mistakes. It’s how you learn.

And yes my workbench is purple. I am a Diva after all!

OK, Let’s Get Dirty!

Total Cost: $70 – $80

Cuts:

Basic Workbench:

Optional Wide Storage Section:

4 – 8″

2 – 32 ½”

2 – 53″

Dimensions:

Instructions:

For this project I used pocket screws as my fastener of choice. While screws are a little more expensive than nails, screws, it made error correction a lot easier. Lets say I cut a piece incorrectly, I simply unscrewed the piece and replaced it with the appropriate piece. The length of the screw is determined by the thickness of the wood. In this case, I used 2×4’s, which in actuality is 1.5″ in thickness. So according to the Kreg Jig table the appropriate screw length for this project is 2½ inches.

I’m using the Kreg Jig Jr to drill the pocket screw holes.

All of the cuts are clean straight 90 degree cuts using a Miter saw.

Section 1:

Start with the two ends of the form of the workbench.

If this were furniture, none of the screws would be exposed. However, This is for my garage so I made my life easier by not under-mounting the screws if the angle position for my arm was uncomfortable.

Ensure the two sides are level. It’s ok to write on the wood and make notes. Instead of using a carpenter’s pencil, I use art pencils like this red watercolor pencil.

Section 2:

Constructing the Base

Attach the bottom 2x4s flat side down to the two end pieces. This will provide stability.

Section 3:

Section 4:

Ensure the pieces are level.

I double checked that the pieces were level by placing boards that were 3/4″ in thickness under the table saw.

Section 5:

Create a supportive base to hold the saw. Instead of a single board in the middle of the for the table saw I placed two beams at either side of the shelf so that I could place a dust bag under the table saw. The placement of this dust bag is really by trial and error. I think I will have to adjust the placement of the bag to ensure it captures as much sawdust as possible.

Section 6:

Secure the top shelving by adding the additional side support beams.

Optional Wide Storage Section:

Once the structure and its pieces are all secure and level, cut the OSB board for the shelves and secure with finishing nails.

Section 7: Attach the locking Castor Wheels to the bottom the the workbench.

ALMOST Done….

Attach the table saw dust bag . I found this bag at Harbor Freight for $5.99.

Add additional storage by adding a pegboard to the back of the workbench. Attach the pegboard using a brad nailer/staple gun or you can use a hammer and nails. One 4’x4′ pegboard will work. Simply cut the pegboard down to 34″ (creating a 48″x34″ piece).

The larger piece can be attached as cut. The remaining small piece should be cut down to 12″x34.”

Now for some your done!

As for me…I need some color! I used the paint left over from an older project. Prime first.

Now I’m DONE!

Till Next Time. ~T.

(Please feel free to ask any questions or share any feedback.)