More! More! More!

I decided I needed to add some shelves for storage to my workbench. I like having everything in reach. I removed the peg boards that held all my tools (it bugs me that every time I touch them, the pins pull up and fall off.  However, when I started removing the pins, THAT'S when they wouldn't come out!)  I got to use my trusty Ryobi tools (love them SO much! I even bought two more batteries, because I need extras for no other reason than I like having extras).

The shelf was pretty straight-forward, but my math skills were put to the test for the braces. Angles... why did it have to be angles?!  So much trial and error... mostly error. Also, I used my Kreg jig for the cross-supports, but the Kreg bit is really long and there was not enough space to drill the screws in properly. It's too bad they don't have a half-length bit. I ended up adding a bunch of extra screws for support. 

The white bins with the blue above were leftover from a project inside the house. I used them in the closet in the guest bath but replaced them with sliding shelves. I don't think I'll keep these here, either. The bins need to be covered (SO much dust) and transparent so I can see what the heck is in there.

Note the transparent bins below. I need more of those.

It's slowly looking a bit neater. I got all my Ryobi tools hung up. I bought these really cool hooks, but the screws they came with were disgustingly cheap. I sheared off the heads of them three times. 

The black bar on the table top is an LED light fixture which I will install at a later day (tomorrow?), I was tired... 

On a weird note: my circular saw is not doing well. It's not cutting. It's not smooth when I turn it on, often sounding like it's grinding. I'd be surprised if it's under warranty... or if I could find any of the original purchase information from Home Depot, so I may have to chuck it and buy a new one. They aren't super expensive, but it feels like such a waste. I can't seem to find anything online that tells me what the problem could be. That's tonight's project... 

Why Have One Workbench When You Can Have Two?

So the corner in the back of my garage is kind sad. I put up some pegboard and thought that meant I was organized. But the cruddy table I was using wasn't doing it and the new workbench I made (which I LOVE) was not the best place to build certain items because the garage itself is not level.*

I did not have plans, I decided to "wing it". An idea I do not recommend. I measured 20" from the floor so I could slide my shop vac under, but set the top of the bottom shelf at 20"... dumb. It wasn't until I was sweeping up tonight that I realized what I'd done. We really do learn from our mistakes!

It's been raining a lot lately and the wood was wet. I've had it drying in the garage for about four days, but it's still not dry. My circular saw did not like cutting through it. I made it work. The support posts were a bitch to cut, but I think they give it a very sturdy look. There are so many screws in that thing (I love overkill!).

My Kreg Jig worked flawlessly--I love that bad boy! And all my Ryobi tools were perfect!

The red carpeting is from my camping days.**  I used it to kneel on so I didn't destroy my knees any more than they already are.

It's level and that was my biggest concern. I did a little more work after these pictures, with the cross supports

The tops of the shelving go in tomorrow. The big problem will be cutting the wood around all the posts. Now that will involve some very careful planning...

*The structure is level, just the foundation sunk--I'm on a hill and the garage is at the bottom. When the house was remodeled, they also took care of the garage. I'd say it's about 70% new materials, with true walls and a level roof... it's the floor that's been a bother.

**More like glamping: The group I camped with had a full outdoor kitchen (with steam tables, and a butane powered oven), as well as a full bar! We used to feed over 100 guys breakfast and dinne! Since I needed power for my CPAP, I had an Aerobed and an electric blanket. I was also in a 10-man tent for just myself... I had a sitting area AND a dressing area near my sleeping area. We did camping right! 

Click HERE to see how it turned out!

Workbench Project... Done!

Finally, it's done! While it is far from perfect, it really helped me hone my skills with my Ryobi circular saw, the jig saw, and impact driver. Tools are fun! 

I think the top may need another sheet on top--something thin--to make it a smooth surface. There is a slight bow on the edges of the MDF pieces. If I were to do it again, I would get one sheet... but jeez, that one sheet would be HEAVY!

Initially, I wanted to include my miter and table saws into the design, but I feel I would have lost a lot of the table top space I need. However, I found a rather cool idea on the Family Handyman site: Heavy-Duty shelf brackets to add various attachments. They called it "the Swiss Army Knife" of workbenches. While the workbench is technically complete, it does give me some ideas for a few additions!

(c) Family Handyman