Workbench for Cramped Garage

[MTbassbone]

I will be moving to a new residence in a few months, and have been thinking about what sort of work space I may have in the garage.  There is a 2 car garage, but it is barely big enough to hold two cars.  My car is a little shorter, I was thinking if I built a shallow bench with wheels then I could move it around when my car is not parked in the garage.  I have been looking online at some of the elaborate benches and I keep coming back to two that I like:  the MFTC by Timothy Wilmots and the Rolling Woodworkers Bench by Rich from WorkshopAddict.com.  I like the depth, the use of dominos, and extension tables of the MFTC.  I like the sliding drawers, the Footmaster casters, and integrated router table with Rich's bench.  Basically I would like to combine them to some degree, and I have downloaded the plans for both benches.  I do have a few questions that I would like to pose to the FOG.

1.  Can I use a MFT replacement top, and integrate that into my bench rather than making my own just to make sure it is super square?  I don't currently own the LR 32 system, and it just seems easier right now to buy the top, then cut it down to size.

2.  What should I make this out of?  I am thinking 3/4" plywood of some sort.  Could I get away with 1/2" plywood?  What species?  I don't own a truck, how do most of you get your sheet goods home.

3.  I currently don't own a nail gun of any sort.  Does anyone have any experience with newer battery operated brad nailers or finish nailers?  I really don't want a compressor and the associated hose and noise that goes with it.

 

[waho6o9]

1  Yes

2  3/4 ply birch paint grade.  I use a truck to get sheet goods home.

3  Paslode works well for me and I prefer the angle finish nailer.

 

[Holmz]

3/4" would allow for some use with hand tools.
I have seen some elegant ways where wheels came down for movement and retracted for being stationary.

 

[ear3]

Not sure what kind of car you have, but I am able to strap sheets of plywood to the roof of my SUV pretty securely.  Not sure where you live, but if there's a Home Depot near where you are they usually rent out trucks for 19.95 for 75 minutes (anything over that is normal rental prices), and so if you time it right (and don't have too far to go) you can usually have the truck returned within the window to pay a minimal amount.  Another option is if you know your cut list, you can bring a tool with you to do some rough cuts so you don't have to transport the full sheet.

One thing to keep in mind with the nail guns is that you might want to invest in one with a battery platform that will allow you to integrate other tools.  Dewalt and Milwaukee are the obvious ones, but you also have Ridgid and Ryobi from HD.  The only cordless nailer I've used is the Bosch 16ga., and I really liked it, but I wouldn't buy it because I don't have any other Bosch cordless tools.

 

[Klemm]

[member=62754]MTbassbone[/member]  - you can also get your worktop CNC routed by downloading our free CAD fileshttps://tsoproducts.com/plans-drawings/    in DXF format along with dimensioned drawings. By having a CNC Router equipped cabinet shop in your area cut it for you, you'll have a smaller top that will transport in most any vehicle - even on top as Reno suggests.

another garage sized workbench design with excellent plans by Dan Pattisonhttps://www.danpattison.com/mptplans/

Hans

 

[Holmz]

Good suggestions by [member=59331]TSO Products[/member]  and [member=37411]Edward A Reno III[/member]

2) for my next project I am just going to drop off a list and have the shop cut the sheets. I may edge band it myself, or I will paint it. Then it can all fit in the Mrs SUV with the seat down. (But I have a truck, if I bring a blanket then maybe they will not get scratched on the way home.)
All the other work I can do at home, but I am usually more time poor, or the weather is too hot. Now that it is cooling I need to "get a wriggle on".

3) Instead of nails what about screws? If is painted then they can be countersunk, or some brass ones may look OK.
(But you may need/want a nail gun for other things, which is fine too.)

I am still unsure about ply or MDF or laminate, as well as paint or oil or laminate... And it is for shelving/storage cubbies, behind a bench... But the concepts are similar.
The first thing is to find out is whether there is a proper lumberyard/shop that cuts the sheets for a reasonable fee. (For me there is)

 

[Klemm]

FWIW, in the US we have heard costs of between $ 150 and $ 200 for a 48x96 inch sheet to be CNC routed.
Often a CNC shop already the type of material in everyday use or can have it delivered to them from their lumber supplier. As a result transport home only needs to address the final size you choose
Hans

 

[Tinker]

Are you telling us you actually put a car in your garage!!!??? [eek]

 

[HarveyWildes]

I've used the Parf Guide system on a large bench (28x72) and found it very accurate, and a lot less than LR 32 systems.  I'd highly recommend it if you want to build your own.

 

[MTbassbone]

Tinker, well I would love to have a dedicated space to work on projects all the time, but I have a tendency to sprawl into other spaces (i.e. my wife's side of the garage).  If only you could see my office.  I think this way I have to clean it up once in a while.  Plus I had scraping car windows when it freezes.

 

[Tinker]

[member=62754]MTbassbone[/member] A few years back I wanted to build a barn/garage to keep tools and machinery in.  My lot was non conforming and the only place where I could do wood working as in my very small cellar.  I had to go to the Zoning Board of Appeals to get my permit.  They asked all sorts of questions.  At the time, i was still a mason contractor and most of my equipment was not allowed to be seen outside, unless of course it was bing used in a neighbors yard.  I had to be very careful how I answered any of the questions.  Mostly, my replies were directed to the fact I wanted to pursue my woodworking hobby.  I was not using my oosorking in a commercial enterprise.  Finally, one board member asked my why did I really want to build my barn.  He knew I had to hide commercial equipment but he did not phrase his question in that direction.

My reply was, "I have all this woodworking equipment and hand tools.  I do not have space to use them.  besides, my wife is getting tired of having me store my bandsaw under our bed." Everybody in the room burst int laughture.  No further questions.  I got my permit and i am still doing my woodworking down in the cellar.  i do manage to use the barn for woodworking.  I store lumber in there 

Oh, BTW, I did make room for my bandsaw.  I got rid of my tablesaw.
Tinker

 

[zapdafish]

I used to have a Honda civic coupe and when buying sheet goods would have them cut it close to size before bringing it home. Managed to fit 3 4x8 pieces of plywood once

What should I make this out of?  I am thinking 3/4" plywood of some sort.  Could I get away with 1/2" plywood?  What species?  I don't own a truck, how do most of you get your sheet goods home.