Often needed an additional table surface for sub assembly, sanding, etc. Saw the "Workbench Sidekick" in Popular Woodworking Magazine and used it as the base to build my own version. The table has flip-up workbench casters raising the table 3/4" when in use. With the casters raised, table on its own feet I made it 35" (89cm) high to be the same as my table saw, router table, and main workbench. The top is 18" (45cm) deep by 36" (90cm) wide. It is made of 2 layers of MDF with the edges being Pecan. Pecan is a family member with Hickory and is suitable for the abuse it will see in the future. The legs, feet and table supports are simply 2 x 6 pine from Lowes. Legs are 10 " wide. Planed to get a nice surface and cut to remove the rounded edges. Finding the 2 x 6s was a problem as our Lowes is a small one and stores all its kiln dried non-treated 2" lumber outside uncovered in the rain. The moisture content was 33%. However they had sort cutoffs, up to 4 ft. that were stored inside. Moisture content 12%, that was what was used. Mortise and tenon joins the legs to the feet and table supports. Same with the cross piece under the cabinet. Added lag screws from the legs into the cross piece for added rigidity and strength. Cabinet is made of 1/2" ply. 20" wide by 18" high and 10 1/2' deep. Some of these dimensions were decided upon due to pieces on hand. Only the 2 x 6 pine and the casters were purchased all else from stock on hand The drawers are 6" high, one 12" wide the other 6". They run the full depth of the case. Front and rear of the drawers are 3/4" ply with 1/2" ply sides, 1/4" ply bottoms. The drawer pulls are brass 4" sash lifts, used on most of the other drawers and cabinets in my shop Left a space above the cabinet as a shelf and added a rail to the front of the main cabinet. This area and cabinet is not meant for long time storage but to use for items and tools during whatever is going on with the table. Finish is poly except for the cabinet. 3 coats and most 4 coats on the top. Cabinet is painted with Sherwin Williams Festool grey and green. After all might be using my Festool sander on a project on the bench. Have not used the table on a project yet. Really like the 3 1/2" workbench casters, easy to raise and lower with the foot. Rolls easily. All questions and comments welcome.
A lot of roll around firepower there Ron. Some hanger hooks on the sides could hang smaller clamps that may be used in small assemblies. So many potential add ons could increase it's use. I likey.
Agree on the add-ons. Hangers, electrical outlet, glue bottle holder etc etc. Time and use will be the guide. Same with the drawers. Thanks for the comment!
Cool table 987'... all that's missing are some MFT style dog holes. Those wheels are great... I have an unfitted set as I found mine a tad too small for some of the cracks in my foundation and moving them over fatigue mats.
Not sure how heavy the tabletop is, however, I would have made it detachable for that extra ° of versatility. Although its about 1/2 the size, I often move my mini office workbench up to the house, especially on those <15° days/night.
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
Thanks for the comment. This will be used when a project has some very small parts, dog holes would be lost part holes. I know there is an table edge to drop over pieces.
987Ron ..... when a project has some very small parts, dog holes would be lost part holes....
I bought a swag of these metal MFT plugs, but as my MFT empire expanded, I often use these timber plugs cut with a good quality plug cutter. If the tabletop is detachable, you can get underneath to pop them out as required. For the metal plugs I just use this magnet jig,
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
Well designed with attention to the height, tough edge banding, and the mobile aspect. Could you share your source for the casters? Those look really sturdy.
That table will prove very useful. I built one a similar size and use it all the time in my limited space garage shop…that is when my wife isn’t using it.
Question, can you flip the casters 180 degrees to the lever part is not sticking out? I find I catch my foot on those. I might flip mine on my workbench. Just thought of that.
Thanks for the comments. Casters could be flipped and mounted inside, a bit less stable maybe.? Found the casters on Amazon. Different size wheel and weight support available. These are 3.5" wheels and will support 790 lbs as I remember.
