2x4basics 14429 Workbench and Shelving Storage System with Hooks and Clamps
by Finley Products Inc.
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List Price: Category: Tools See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of 2x4basics 14429 Workbench and Shelving Storage System with Hooks and Clamps
Customer Review: Need a workbench? Build your own!
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased my first 2x4 basics workbench a few weeks ago. I found it very easy to build. Indeed, it was so easy that I quickly ordered a second work bench and put it together in about an hour (the first one took about 4 hours). The instructions are minimal and simply show a series of numbered pictures. You will need your powered screwdriver.
My first workbench was 6 feet long by 2 feet wide: mainly because I was able to purchase three boards that size (my car simply would not hold a standard sheet of plywood). All I had to do was cut the 2 x 4's to proper length (one of the customer images provided shows in a simple format the size and number of 2 x 4's you will need for various size workbenches). My second workbench is 4 x 2 feet.
I have not used the shelf links. I did attach the `vise' or `work holder' that came with the bench, but decided that it was not worth while having, so removed it. It would not hold a 2 x 4; maybe a couple pieces of paper. Actually, the bolt/screw that comes with it is rather short, hence the spread of the jaws is short. I guess I will see if I can get a longer bolt.
These make for very, very solid workbenches. They are so strong and easy to put together that I am even contemplating yet a third workbench, although I'm afraid that in time I will not be able to move about my shop: every inch will be taken up by these workbenches.
I am very much an `amateur' wood hobbyist. I am, however, able to cut a 96 inch 2 x 4 down to proper size (using my new miter saw made this very quick) and use a power screwdriver. These items, plus a ruler, is all you will need.
Be sure to check out the photographs submitted by customers.
Customer Review: Need workbench? It doesn't get any easier than this!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have built a number of workbenches in the past using both stamped steel legs (usually with pre-fab HPL countertops) and lumber and none of them came out as good as the very solid and sturdy one I just put together this past weekend using this fabulous system. I'm in the process of outfitting a new 14x20 post-and-beam barn/woodshop and wanted workbenches across the entire 14' rear wall so I decided to give 2x4basics a try. I'm glad that I did as I could not be happier with my decision. Having someone to help would make it even easier but it's a very doable job by yourself. Simply cut your 2x4s to length, screw them into the legs (included screws work just fine), mount your shelves and top and you're in business! I used "premium" 2x4s from HD to make my 78"W x 25 5/8" D workbench with full depth bottom and half-depth middle shelves of 3/4" plywood. I added vertical 2x4s on the front at both ends and in the middle for mounting the doors that I plan to add after "enclosing" the sides and rear with masonite. Sealed and stained the 2x4s and plywood and finished them with clear polyurethane. My top is a 1 1/8" thick solid beech countertop from IKEA ($59) that I glued to the 2x4s with Liquid Nail and then screwed down from the bottom with 2 1/4" deck screws (sort of a belt and suspenders approach). I mounted the included clamps to the front legs (nice little bonus and very easy to install) and will put together the 2nd workbench this coming weekend and then enclose both and make and mount their cabinet doors. I'll be building some shelving on top of the workbenches using the included ShelfLinks brackets. All in all a very sturdy well-designed system that will result in workbenches and shelving that is second to none.Customer Review: Quality product!
Summary: 4 Stars
For those of us that can't cut a straight line, this workbench is the right item. In deciding the size, I went with a 2x8 workbench. Initially I thought of 4x8 workbench, but there's no way I could reach items on the back shelf. Helpful tip: Measure from your armpit out to your fingers, and make the bench this width. Anything longer than this and you won't be able to reach the back edge. I ended up using more screws than required to keep the plywood from lifting/warping. As noted, the vices are cheap but a nice thought from the manufacturer. They will lock into different positions too. Once assembled, the workbench is rock solid. I have loaded it up and it never strains. The plastic legs allow for it to slide across smooth concrete floors. The directions are bland, and written with pictures instead of text in order to avoid translation problems. Only problem is that they are lacking in absolute guidance. If the directions said "To build a workbench X by X dimensions, use __ of 2x4 pieces .." it would be much better. Because of the directions this gets a 4/5 stars.
As for the free shelflinks, they are nice and it is just as easy to build as the workbench - BUT - the tight tolerances that are in the workbench are not in the shelf unit. Mine came out slanted, and will require some unscrewing and fixing. Yes, a level would have fixed this, but after building the workbench where it literally requires you to just cut wood and scred it together, one would hope that the shelf would be the same way. Wrong. Know this in advance and you'll be fine.
Customer Review: Easy workbench
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased this product partly because of the reviews. This product is a good buy. I am about half way through with it and already can tell this is going to be a good deal. I would say that if you are not great at following pictures, then this product may be a bit confusing. Would it be too difficult for them to EXPLAIN IN ENGLISH what the pictures are trying to say? Otherwise, it is a puzzle that is fun to try and put together. I will also say that you cannot put the frame work completely together and expect the lower shelf to slide in! Also be sure and measure twice and cut once. The width and length of your unit must include the plastic legs and the two by fours for the bench to fit in the exact space you need. I am building the unit without the center shelf, as I needed more room on the bottom, plus it will give me a place to put my feet when I sit on a stool and work at the bench. There are no nails involved, only the screws that toe nail into the two by fours- you just need a good battery operated drill and you are set. I won't use the cheapo plastic vise that comes with the unit. I plan to buy a real vise! I plan to post a picture of my completed bench when I finish it. I have spent about $98.00 including a saw blade for materials to go with the kit to assemble the bench. I will spend a bit more for paint and I will be done. This product is worth buying!Customer Review: So Easy, So Solid!
Summary: 5 Stars
It doesn't seem like these cheap looking plastic legs would be any good, but once you strap the wood to them, it's way stronger than anything you can normally get at that price. All ad all you can expect to pay 160-240 depending on the quality of wood you get and how many shelves you decide to put in.
The screw system makes the difference. The designers placed the holes at an angle that pulls the wood tight and flush, which means you don't need clamps to assemble it properly.
It's really nice that you get to choose the wood of your choice. I used a really nice piece of maple on top and a cheap piece of melamine on the bottom.
The bonus shelf links worked great for me as a secondary small workbench for my grinder and belt sander. so really you are getting two sets in one! I'm ordering a second set of legs for a neon pumping manifold.
I highly recommend this product. Also, you can get rid of the cheap plastic look by using the faux metallic plastic sprays by rustoleum.Rust-o-leum 245218 Universal Spray Paint 12 Oz. - Hammered Brown (Pack of 6)