Paulk sysport workbench

[bisongoods]

I thought I should post this for all the folks with Paulk tables that may want to crossover to something more semi-permanent. I had a lot of trouble deciding on designs for a work surface for my shop but have always wanted to build the paulk workbench. I share bench space in a co-op woodshop so maximizing space and storage is always a huge consideration. I originally wanted something that was height adjustable but couldn't figure out a useful way to store things underneath with a scissor jack in the way. This is what I came up with

View attachment 1

It is essentially two 95" long cabinets with dividers, an MDF sub top, and the paulk sections on top.

The cabinet on the inside of my bench space is 16 deep for sysports and the outside cabinet is 32 deep which allows me to store the least used systainers stacked two deep and nicely fits a few stacked up rubbermaids for miscallaneous stuff. I opted to attach the dividers on the 32" side with pocket holes so I can change the spacings later if need be. I went with 95" long on the cabinet so I can attach T-track and 1/2" ply on both ends for added clamping and some deadman blocks.

I attached an MDF sub top to the cabinets to give me the advantage of removing the Paulk tops and having a low bench. I find it really useful for larger cabinet assemblies. The finished height of the bench without the tops is 27 1/2" which feels quite comfortable. With the tops installed it comes in at 35 1/2 and mates up nicely with my kapex stand and other MFT's

The whole unit is on 4 1/2" locking swivel poly casters and is rock solid when locked but still pretty easy to move around even on the ridiculous lumpy plywood floor at our co-op.

 

[kevin clifford]

Nicely done!  Having two heights to work from is nice. Did you build the sawhorses as well so you can have two benches at the same time?

 

[Stephen B]

I like this - excellent result.

 

[Kev]

It's hard to beat having a nice big work surface like that [wink]

 

[bisongoods]

Thanks guys, I will post a few more pictures as I add the t-tracks and kit it out a bit further

I haven't made the sawhorses yet, but plan too. I put a few projects behind to work on getting the bench together.

Yes Kev it is. Some of the oldschool woodworkers at the shop kind of gave me the gears about a 4x8 workbench, but after they saw it was fully mobile and all the storage underneath they changed their tune a bit.

One thing I'm already regretting is not adding a few strips between the cabinets and the sub-top to give me a space to store a couple 24 x 96 rips of 1/2" or 1/4" MDF or some lengths of track. MFT style dog holes are great but those occasions working with small screws and hardware can be good fun. I'm sure someone here can help me come up with another solution!