Workbench Sidekick

Workbench clutter is real. In the flurry of a project build, I need a place to set something down and there just isn't an open space. That's the issue that inspired this project.

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Of course there's more going on. It's plain to see that this isn't just another flat surface. The top is a thick solidwood lamination. The trestle-style legs are beefy, too. When combined, you have a sturdy, multi-purpose workcenter. You can glue up a sub-assembly here. Or perhaps set up a jig for dovetailing drawers. Maybe you just need your workbench to be a little longer.

Storage and staging are other jobs this sidekick handles with ease. The cabinet below keeps tools and supplies close. Throwing in a couple bins and a shelf add even more options.

No matter the size of your workshop, mobile solutions allow you to tailor your space to the task at hand. Flip-up “workbench casters” go from stable to on the go in short order.

Along the way, you'll pick up a few woodworking lessons that you can apply to furniture projects. It's time your shop had a dynamic duo to make your work flow smoother.

Built like a BENCH

Before jumping into the construction, I'll ask you to pause a moment for some ciphering. One of the primary advantages of this project is that it supplements your existing workbench. For that to work best, it needs to match the height of your workbench. Your bench height determines the length of the legs — some of the first parts you make.

END ASSEMBLIES. Figure 1 above outlines the structure. Our attention is focused on the ends. We used maple, but construction-grade Douglas fir or southern yellow pine would be strong options.