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Table Saw Workbench with Wood Storage

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

Materials (costs vary):

  • 2″ X 4″ X 96″ – 8 boards without Optional Section
  • 11 boards with Optional Wide Storage Section. Cost $2.76/each at Home Depot
  • 4’X4’ Pegboard. Cost $8.27
  • 2 – 50 piece boxes of 2 ½” pocket screws $4.97/each
  • 1 sheet OSB  $8.25
  • Finishing Nails
  • Castor Wheels – Kobalt 4-Pack 3-in Rubber Locking Swivel Casters; $19.99
Cuts:
Basic Workbench:
  • 10 – 21 5/16”
  • 1 – 21 ¾”
  • 3 – 23”
  • 2 – 24”
  • 4 – 26 9/16”
  • 5 – 32 ½”
  • 2 – 53”

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.)
 
 
 

 

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21 Comments

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    Reply
    1. pamela castillo says:

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      Reply

  3. Hi ToolBox Diva Timisha,
    I love this project & have been working diligently, following your instructions to the letter, building this workbench. I’m a Diva too but I haven’t decided if I want to paint mine although your purple looks amazing!! 😍
    I do have a comment:
    As I am building this cart and it’s going fairly easy, except, the middle 21 5/16″ board, on the base connecting the two 53″ pieces, in my project, is too long. Because the 53″ pieces are laying flat (instead of on their sides), that 21 5/16″ piece will not fit. I got a measurement between 16 15/16″ – 17″ (inside). I had to cut it down to that size to make it fit &…I ran out of screws 😔
    Other than those two VERY minor details, I am LOVING how my workbench is coming together!! It really hasn’t taken that long, about a day to cut, drill pocket holes, and assemble (novice here!). If I hadn’t run for out of screws, after the store closed, I’d be done already. 😅

    I do have one suggestion (that I’ve learned the hard way) is to cut three 21 3/4″ pieces (if you have extra wood, it’s so worth it), and use two of them as spacers for attaching the cross boards.
    Thanks so much for sharing & detailing such a great project!

    Nasi

    Reply

    1. Nasi Thank you so much for the suggestion!This workbench was my very first design build. I am So HAPPY you found it achievable. Congratulations on taking the first step on becoming an expert woodworker 😉 Have fun with the color. Though, at the end of the say it’ll be covered in sawdust 😉
      Hahaha truth be told I still see myself as a novice in many ways because I’m always learning new things. Carpentry is a never ending field. No two projects are alike and its all about problem solving and finding the best solutions. Please do share your build with me on Instagram or Twitter @Toolboxdivas
      You too are a ToolBox Diva. Welcome to the club. Girls with tools rock!

      Reply

  4. I really like your writing style and how you express your ideas Timisha. Please keep up the effective work.

    Reply
  5. Candy Walsh says:

    I am interested in getting into woodworking myself and this looks perfect for what I need! My husband has every tool and power tool ever made, but I want this to be my very own set up with the added bonus of keeping all of my wood stored nearly. I guess I’ll have to use my husbands saw to get started, lol, but I want my very own jig saw first then I can work my way up.
    I do a lot of DIYing from sewing to refinishing furniture and I have to say, this is the BEST tutorial I have ever read.
    Thank you so much!

    Reply

    1. Candy I am so proud of you! You Rock woman! Thank you so much for for reading and finding my tutorial helpful. I really appreciate it.
      Soon you’ll have your own array of tools that’ll make your husband green with envy.:)
      Please share your DIYs with me. I would love to view your work and share with the readers. You are an inspiration!

      Reply
  6. Pingback: 6 DIY Table Saw Stations for a Small Workshop
  7. Pingback: Workbench Plans With Designs Meant To Inspire – Shawnee KS Homes and Lifestyle

  8. I just got a table saw off of craigslist last night and found your site this morning. You mentioned that you learned a lot doing this project and made some mistakes. Can you share some of the lessons you learned the hard way. Also, now that some time has passed, are there things you would do differently?

    Reply

    1. Hi Julia! how are you? Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post. Congratulations on the new table saw. Well, where do I start? Hahaha. I think if I had to make the bench again I would have added a fold outfeed table to the back. Also, I probably would have made it shorter. I later made a cross sled for the table saw to safely make cross cuts. I found it challenging to make large cuts without the assistance of another person. I think the outfeed fold out would have greatly helped. Now I actually don’t use my table saw as often. I found a refurbished tracksaw on Amazon by Shop fox and I feel more in control of the saw. Large pieces I can cut on the floor of my garage using 3″ foam insulation as a base. Please let me know if you have any additional questions. All the Best ~Timisha.

      Reply

  9. I just got a table saw off of craigslist last night and found your site this morning. You mentioned that you learned a lot doing this project and made some mistakes. Can you share some of the lessons you learned the hard way. Also, now that some time has passed, are there things you would do differently?

    This is a repeat comment because I didn’t see the notification button until after I hit submit.

    Reply

  10. Really impressed with this and anxious to try it out this winter. I have an old but unused table saw from my dad I received this year and can’t wait to work on this set up. Awesome plans. Thanks!

    Reply

  11. Hello Timisha,
    Thank you for sharing these workbench plans in such detail.
    I am new to woodworking and have pored over many demonstrations, instructional and tutorials in my quest for a sturdy, practical workbench for my shop.
    I was very impressed by your attention to detail and your openness towards sharing these plans. Many of the other sites lure you in with promises of “free downloads” but fail to deliver the important details, or explanations of the process of construction.
    Your post is simple enough for rookies such as myself to obtain a clear vision of the steps and processes necessary to complete this project with confidence.
    I will send you some photos when I complete my workbench project.
    Again, thank you!

    Reply

  12. Just bought an old, huge/heavy table saw. Need to make it mobile so want to make a table for it, similar to yours but will have mine set on top of the table so table will need to be shorter😜. The extensions on my saw are 5 ft long so I don’t need the additional table top. I haven’t decided if I’ll still make it longer under the extensions, for storage. My question is, how do you empty the sawdust collection bag? I was thinking of attaching a vinyl bag to a square frame that I can just slide into a slot under the saw.

    Reply

    1. So I have a hole cut in the back of the workbench where the sawdust goes into a wet/vac.

      Reply

  13. It’s such a good project to start with especially for beginners without getting overwhelmed. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing these detailed instructions. Really very informative article. Thanks again.

    Reply

  14. Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all folks you actually understand what
    you are talking approximately! Bookmarked. Please additionally
    talk over with my website =). We will have a hyperlink alternate
    agreement among us

    Reply
  15. Dave Gass says:

    Hi Timisha
    Your table saw stand plans fit just what I want to do. Are there plans available for it?
    Thanks,
    Dave

    Reply

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