Garage work bench material.

Tchetek

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So I’m gonna order up a couple sets of Cabinets to get the garage cleaned up.

Question is get the wood or stainless top for the bench? I am also planning on a building a garage metal welding/fab table to put between them.

What do you guys like?

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ferniesnow

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I know that the units at CT are made in China (as are most things of this nature these days), but check out the prices before you make the final decision (they go on sale quite often). I got some units (two bottom drawer sets and 5 upper cabinets) and I am quite happy with them. Took the castors off and used them for something else, didn't use the laminated tops (used them for some other tables), and put on a SS top (all folded for the edges c/w with a folded back splash) for the two bottom cabinets. Once you have used a SS work top, you will never have another one made of wood unless you are a cabinet maker doing a lot of wood work.

I will post pictures later.
 

Tchetek

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Going a step it up a bit from CT.

And yes been watching sales. Gonna pull the trigger on a 14 piece set of new age pros.

But buy it as 2 x 7 piece sets from Costco. Close to the same price but get a few extras. Slat wall, hook sets, and lighting.

Just debating the bamboo or 2 sections of stainless or one of each.

Likely get custom top made later as the cabinets will get configured a bit different.

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northern bear

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I feel the work bench area is to small for most projects and it’ll just turn into more storage and junk collecting. But then again my work bench is a 4x8 sheet of plywood, so anything will seem small. I don’t mind a wood top either because stuff doesn’t slide around on it so easily. But that’s raw unfinished wood.
 

Tchetek

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I feel the work bench area is to small for most projects and it’ll just turn into more storage and junk collecting. But then again my work bench is a 4x8 sheet of plywood, so anything will seem small. I don’t mind a wood top either because stuff doesn’t slide around on it so easily. But that’s raw unfinished wood.


Ya. Gonna make a 4x8 fab table for the real work to go between or beside the storage.

Combine a few of these ideas.

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Jorg Jorgenson

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I feel the work bench area is to small for most projects and it’ll just turn into more storage and junk collecting. But then again my work bench is a 4x8 sheet of plywood, so anything will seem small. I don’t mind a wood top either because stuff doesn’t slide around on it so easily. But that’s raw unfinished wood.

Old tendencies being passed down from my dad, every counter top space I have in my garage is covered with a piece of cardboard so the actual counter itself doesn’t get dirty / greasy and is easy to replace when it does Silly I know but force of habit lol

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northern bear

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neilsleder

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I got the new age stuff from Costco. It’s the step lower than the stuff you posted and I really like it! I like the storage and the fact I don’t need a toolbox. But like said the work area is a bit small and if it longer then the work top you’re screwed. A fab table is a must imo. And if I could do it over again I would go stainless. But would be tougher to put the stainless over the wood. That’s what I am going to do when my top get beat up.
 

Cyle

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Depends what you're using it for. Either of those are just a light table not meant for much work. Got to have a dedicated table for the real work. I just used a sheet of MDF and it's stood up really well actually even to welding on it. Those cabinets sure are spendy though! I'm happy with cheap shelves and toolboxes for the small stuff.
 

Tchetek

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I got the new age stuff from Costco. It’s the step lower than the stuff you posted and I really like it! I like the storage and the fact I don’t need a toolbox. But like said the work area is a bit small and if it longer then the work top you’re screwed. A fab table is a must imo. And if I could do it over again I would go stainless. But would be tougher to put the stainless over the wood. That’s what I am going to do when my top get beat up.

You’d get the stainless with the new age sets? Im torn. It’s obviously not going to be the same as custom bent one piece counter top. Thinking of getting one of each.

Kinda thinking about what’s better to repurpose if I get a custom top made in the future.
 

arff

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I am happy with my Canadian Tire stuff
 

Tchetek

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I have the NewAge with stainless. Love them. I don’t do heavy bashing on the counter as I have a steel table for that. Stainless cleans up easy. //uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210327/d79f82055cdc84f453a9c86860564ed2.jpg

Ya. I have my sets picked out my real question is what countertop to get with the kits. The new age seams like a fair deal for the quantity.

It’s Good to hear your happy with the new age quality stainless.

So I’m either going both stainless or one of each for variety!
 

skegpro

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Problem with stainless is when you scratch it with carbon steel it starts to rust.

So be careful.

I have a 5x10 table made out 3/4 mild steel plate, it is my favorite.
 

Cdnfireman

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I’ve used both solid core wood commercial doors or commercial steel doors with a wood frame underneath. Make strong, deep and heavy benches for medium to heavy use. Both take a beating. Those box store modular units look good but the work surfaces aren’t built for heavy use and you definitely don’t want to put any heat to them with the wood substrate. Most aren’t friendly for bolting a vise to them. Depends what kind of stuff you do on them. Gotta love the look and storage capacity for sure though.
 
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