Build workbench and shelves from lumber

okedoke · 28-01-2016 07:08PM #1

I was planning on building a workbench and shelves for my shed using 2 * 4's and plywood sheets. Along these kind of lines: https://www.wilkerdos.com/2014/01/diy-workbench/#prettyPhoto
http://diy.blogoverflow.com/2013/03/how-to-build-sturdy-garage-shelves/

The shed is new and I havent had a chance to paint/seal it yet but it seems pretty damp inside (not sure if this will change significantly once sealed). I'm wondering will i run into problems with the wood warping. Either from the 2*4s drying out or taking on moisture from the air.

Total newbie at this stuff

cletus · 28-01-2016 09:42PM

Once the bench tip is screwed down every 4-6", there shiulfld be no issues with warping. The heavier the ply you can use the better, especially if tour mounting a vise or anything

Steve · 30-01-2016 04:26AM

Sort the damp out before you do anything, otherwise it doesn't matter what you use - it will rot.

I'm doing the same myself soon and planning to use 3x2 frames with 18mm mdf over.

okedoke · 01-02-2016 04:33PM

Thanks lads - I've installed 2 vents in the shed now, one at floor level and one over the door - hopefully this should sort out the dampness.

looksee · 01-02-2016 06:16PM

Steve wrote: »

Sort the damp out before you do anything, otherwise it doesn't matter what you use - it will rot.

I'm doing the same myself soon and planning to use 3x2 frames with 18mm mdf over.

Not sure that mdf is the best surface for a work bench - any spot of wet results in the surface blistering (been there...); at least with heavy ply you have a chance of rescuing it. Suggest that any place you plan to screw heavy equipment - vice for example - you put in an additional piece of timber underneath to screw into.

Steve · 01-02-2016 11:57PM

MDF is ok if you seal it well with several coats of a spirit based varnish. There's also a MP variant for a few extra euros per sheet.
Any wood sheet will blister unless you take care with the finish - or spend a lot on WBP or marine ply.. I don't have the cash for that.
8'x4' 18mm MDF can be got for €20 odd per sheet, easy and cheap to replace if it gets damaged.

okedoke · 14-03-2016 03:48PM

I've built the workbench and am pretty happy with it as a first diy project. I used the base of an old bed as a surface.

I'm going to build shelves for the shed next, based on a plan from the net. Basically its a frame of 4*2's and I'm wondering what the most cost effective material for the actual shelves would be?

By the way the venting completely sorted out the damp

di11on · 14-03-2016 04:18PM

okedoke wrote: »

I'm wondering what the most cost effective material for the actual shelves would be?

Something here? http://www.diy.com/search/results/category-27004=DIY762928?pageSize=12&question=chipboard&categoryToFilter=DIY762928

Thicker is better, depending on your spans.

jack of all · 14-03-2016 11:11PM

I used 18mm ply to shelve out my shed, you can get a lot of shelves out of an 8x 4 sheet. I finished both faces with 2- 3 coats of polyuethane varnish (thinned with white spirit) and got a great hardwearing, wipeable finish. Ply is one of the best materials for shelving- no sagging and looks well in my view.

okedoke · 15-03-2016 04:18PM

how did you rip the sheets to size? Do shops do this for you when you buy?

jack of all · 15-03-2016 11:16PM

okedoke wrote: »

how did you rip the sheets to size? Do shops do this for you when you buy?

I just used a long straight edge and a circular saw, light chamfer on the edges with a block plane. Some places may rip to size, charging by the cut but depending on where you go the end result could be rough- depending on the saw available and skill of the operator. B&Q would be a dear place to buy timber and sheet materials but when I was in their Athlone branch I was impressed by their top of the range panel saw!

okedoke · 16-03-2016 12:05PM

Thanks Jack - the only saw I have is a handsaw, wouldnt be confident of getting a remotely straight edge with that. I'll ask a local timber merchant.

cletus · 16-03-2016 08:49PM

okedoke wrote: »

Thanks Jack - the only saw I have is a handsaw, wouldnt be confident of getting a remotely straight edge with that. I'll ask a local timber merchant.

You could always rent a circular saw for the day. Shouldn't cost much, and you get the satisfaction of doing the job yourself (and playing with power tools of course

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Build workbench and shelves from lumber

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