Before starting a new project my Dad would always say, "Time to Tool Up!" - his way announcing the process of obtaining and organizing the materials needed for the project.
A quarter of the way into building my Retro Arcade (A.K.A. Ready Player One) I realized I was a little in over my head. I wasn't "tooled up". I needed a table. No. A proper workbench.
This was an opportunity start more than just the workbench.
It was the beginning of my Maker Space.
Final version ... check out the rest of the photos for more details on the build.
Lay out 4 corner legs and 2 center legs.
Corner legs are made with two 2x4s screwed together in an "L" shape. I find this structure enables a strong connection to 2x4 cross members.
Stand up the legs to make it easier to add cross members. Table is effectively "upside down" at this point.
Measure and cut the cross members, then layout on the floor. This makes it easier to square everything up before screwing the legs to the cross members.
Added center legs - two 2x4s "sistered" together, but offset to fit over the 2x4 skirt of the table top.
Use clamps to square up legs and cross members when screwing together.
Flipped onto its legs
Added cross members to support shelves underneath.
Added a sheet of 3/4" plywood, squaring it up as I screw it down onto the legs and apron.
Then added a 1/2" sheet of MDF. MDF is super smooth and the extra layer adds structure and density to the workbench.
Also added shelves underneath - plenty of room for the big Rubbermaid plastic bins.
Includes a backstop made from a 2x4. Used this to screw down a long power strip.
Workbench in it's final location ... still some room ;-)