Harbor Freight Workbench

[Landlubber Mike]

I think this bench was recommended back with MSW 1.0.  Is anyone using this?  I don't have the equipment (or inclination) to make my own, but thought that this could be a good option.

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/60-inch-workbench-93454.html#

 

Thanks in advance!  

[SkerryAmp]

I am using that desk, have been for over a year and love it!   Very sturdy, plenty of top space.   The only wierd thing about it is the drawers don't open quite as far as I like, but it is not a problem as much as a wierdness.

 

I would recommend it.

 

-Adam

Edited June 10, 2013 by SkerryAmp

[Landlubber Mike]

Thanks Adam.  Are you using power tools?  I'm starting to add to my power tool collection, so was wondering how the bench holds up when it comes to space, not adding to vibration, etc.

[SkerryAmp]

Currently on that bench I have a 3" grinder, a cutoff saw, a dremel/workstation and the small disc/belt sander from Harbor Frieght.   Plan to add Byrnes Table Saw and Ropewalk at some point.   I have not had any issue with vibration.

 

 

Il take a picture of it when I get home and post it up here.

 

-Adam

Edited June 10, 2013 by SkerryAmp

[jre8655]

Mike,

 

I purchased the Harbor Frieght Workbench about three months ago.  I love it!

 

It's as sturdy as any workbench I've either owned or used.  Assembly was very easy and I was able to do it unassisted.

 

I waited until it went on sale for $129.95.  I contemplated going to our local Harbor Frieght, but opted to have it shipped to my house because shipping was only $6.99.  Yeah! $6.99 and it came from California.

 

[st george]

Great to find this post as I've been looking at that bench wondering about getting it or not. Sounds like it will do. and never thought about shipping untill I read Jacks post.

[Landlubber Mike]

Thanks everyone!  For $6.99 shipping, it would probably cost me almost as much in gas to go to my local store and pick it up.  

 

Thanks for passing along the price Jack - I'll wait to see if it gets marked down even further

[Maury S]

I have that work bench and I left off the (lower) shelf and one bank of drawers so I could have room for my legs to fit under.  I also laid another piece on top to extend the surface area a bit.  I cant make a bench for the price.

maury

[jre8655]

Mike,

 

When you decide to purchase one of these workbenches; Harbor Frieght has two of them listed on their website.  One is listed as "60" Workbench" and the other is listed as "Workbench With 4 Drawers, 60" Hardwood."

 

I really can't figure out what the difference is because they both have the same description and specs and are the same price.  I went with the second one.

 

Wait till it goes on sale.

[twintrow]

Wait for it to go on sale....AND....if you get their newsletter on-line, often they send a 20% off any single item coupon.  Even better!

Tom

[SteveM]

If you plan to work on small parts on the bench then I suggest finding a way to cover or plug the dog holes so you're less likely to loose them.

[Gaetan Bordeleau]

This workbench is suppose to be used when  assembling furniture.

For model ship construction I would prefer something like a Watchmaker's Bench  where a lot of storage for small parts is available.

Here is as an example a small project to make one.

http://www.custommade.com/custom/watchmakers-bench/37076/

 

 

 

[Landlubber Mike]

Unfortunately I don't have much space for a dedicated workshop.  I've been doing my build on the coffee table (sometimes using my lathe in my detached garage), but have been planning on buying more power tools to paint with wood.  My garage is not climate controlled, so it's not an option for half the year

 

So, at this point, I'm looking at a bench with some power tools in my furnace room to cut and shape parts, and then do the actual assembly on the coffee table.  Will be a bit of a pain but got to make the best of the situation.  Otherwise, I'd do something like the watchmaker's bench for assembly and the Harbor Freight bench for the power tools.

[twintrow]

Mike don't forget the old "standbys".  A blank door on two or three hand made saw horses works well for a working surface.

If you are near one or two of the big box DYI centers they sell damaged doors, or ones pre-drilled (in error) pretty cheap. Also used furniture stores (like Goodwill) sometimes have desks that will work well in a pinch.

And there are the Habitat for Humanity stores where they sell used doors too.My Dad always said "build it, find it, or get it from scrap, don't buy it new."

He meant when building around the house of course.  

Tom 

[Landlubber Mike]

Thanks Tom, that's a great option also.  Thanks for the tip.

[Trussben]

Hey Tom, that's funny about using an old door and sawhorses! That's exactly what I'm using to build my Echo!! Can't go wrong with it!

 

Ben

[Landlubber Mike]

So the bench is now $159.  I got the 20% off coupon so the net price is $127.  Shipping is still only $6.99.  I think I'll pull the trigger as that is a real hard price to beat.

[Landlubber Mike]

Hi folks - thanks again for the recommendation.  I received the bench in the mail a week ago and put it together today.  One of the drawer pieces was a bit dinged up, but it put together really easily and is of very sturdy construction.  One criticism I've read is that the drawers didn't glide very well, but mine seem to glide fine.  I'm very happy with the purchase, especially for only costing about $127.  I saw that they were running a 25% off sale on July 4th so I would have saved a few bucks had I waited, but all in all, a good deal.

 

Here is a picture of the bench, with a few ship modeling tools and other items on it - Sherline mill, Dremel workstation and Proxxon mini-lathe so far, will likely add some Byrnes tools as well (Dewalt scroll saw next to the bench).  It's in my HVAC utility room, so hence a few of the pipes, etc. in the picture    Better than trying to explain to the admiral why I'm using power tools on the kitchen or living room table 

 

So thanks again everyone!

 

Edited July 7, 2013 by Landlubber Mike

[Jaxboat]

I bought this bench as a result of everyone's comments. My initial impressions are very favorable  . It is well constructed and designed. I like the drawers and they supplement other storage arrangements I have including two fisherman tackle boxes that are great for bits and bobs. My experiences with drawer operation are mixed. Some are fine others stick although they seem to get better with time. IMHO the bench is a great value for the money.

Happy Modeling

Jaxboat

Edited July 7, 2013 by Jaxboat

[twintrow]

You can always run  strip of teflon tape under the sliders.  It comes in a roll like scotch tape, one side sticky.

Tom

[rafterrat_2005]

Harbor Freight has another work bench for $99.00 and doesn't have the same storage but the back has a peg board on it, some times they go on sale for about $79.00 (don't quote me on it) This is the one I will be buying this month not the other.

[Pete38]

Rafterrat_2005

 

Would it be possible to post a link or a picture to  the work bennch

[Guest Tim I.]

I also use this bench. My two critiques, is that I wish the drawers extended further and the bench top was deeper than two feet.

 

- Tim

[Landlubber Mike]

I bought a second of these benches.  The quality for the drawers (as well as the general finishing) was worse than the first one.  The worst thing is that I drove 25 miles to the store because they had an in-store only big coupon, I brought the thing home, down into my basement, and found out that the box had two legs of the same side    So, had to bring it back upstairs, pack it back into my minivan, and take it all the way back the next evening.  The next one didn't have that problem, but two of the drawers are too tight to even use.  Not a big deal for me as the drawers are very shallow, but it still is a bit annoying.

 

I think the reason that there are two of the same benches with different serial numbers is that they have two different manufacturers.  They originally tried swapping out a leg piece with another from an open box that they had, but when I compared it to what I had bought, the dimensions were slightly different.  

 

I also agree with Tim about wishing the benches were a little deeper.  I think they are a little over 20" deep.  Probably fine for some of the machining work and small detail piece builds that I will do, but I don't think I could work on the model itself on the bench.

 

In any event, these benches are incredibly sturdy and heavy.  I doubt that I could build one myself for the $130 or so I spent for them.

Edited April 17, 2014 by Landlubber Mike

[Trussben]

I bought one myself, easy to assemble, I glued it at the joints and it is sturdy as hell. Got if for $129 on sale.

 

2 dislikes - Benchtop Dog holes go all way through top, so any dust on the bench will fall in the top drawers, I fixed this by glueing scrap wood below the top.

Drawer slides are not very deep, can only pull drawers out half way, I could buy some deeper slides but not really bothering me that bad.

 

For the price you really cannot complain - you cannot buy the wood locally for that price!

 

ben

[Maury S]

Ben,

Did you build or buy the cabinet with wheels?   Same ht. as the HF bench?  I'm going to buy another of the Harbor Frt. tables but modify it a bit (reduce lower shelf so I can get my legs under the table and extend the drawers down one side only).

Maury

[Trussben]

Hi Maurey,

 

The one with wheels is a cheap kitchen moveable island with fold out sides and some drawers, think I paid $20 at Goodwill store and I added another top on it, piece of leftover kitchen countertop that I'm using as Pegasus buildboard.

 

I like being able to move the model around while working on it instead of it being on a fixed table.

 

Ben

[ChadB]

I'm curious- has anyone tried replacing the drawer rails? I have two of these and love them- but the drawer movement is terrible. They really need to come out farther, too. For the price, though- they can't be beat.  -Chad

[dgbot]

There is a Harbor Freight in the Chicago area. I have gone on many times. Their prices are indeed good. But to me they are the Walmart of hardware. Great deals on many items. But on their tools both hand and power do not buy sight unseen. I got a good look at one of the bench drill presses because it was cheap. The item was made on the cheap. For extra $40 I could get a good one at Menards.

David B

[SteveM]

I'm curious- has anyone tried replacing the drawer rails? I have two of these and love them- but the drawer movement is terrible. They really need to come out farther, too. For the price, though- they can't be beat.  -Chad

Couldn't say, but I do have a pair or two of 100lb full extension drawer slides left over from a workbench project. Stop by next time you're in the area and see if I haven't remembered to bring them in with me.