How to Build a Space-Saving Flip-Top Workbench (DIY)
Introduction
Build this do-it-all workbench that won't take up your entire garage.Over the years I’ve had a variety of workshops and workbenches. When I was a young apartment dweller, my workshop was a 3 x 3-ft. broom closet (for real!). Today, I’m lucky enough to have a shop with plenty of elbow room. But in between, most of my workshops consisted of a workbench loaded with tools, tucked into the corner of a garage or basement. If this sounds like you, check out this flip-top workbench. The revolving center section gives you a double platform for your bench-top tools.
- The wheels make it mobile (and the simple lock wedges make it immobile).
- The drawers and recessed pegboard cabinet backs give you convenient places to stash tools, supplies and accessories.
- The open side cabinet gives you space to store a small drill press or other slim bench top tool.
- The out feed roller lends a helping hand for handling long materials.
- The power strip allows you to plug in multiple tools.
Of course, you could configure the workbench so one side holds bench top tools while the other serves as a wide-open work surface.
For the flip-top workbench to “flip,” the base, side cabinets and revolving work surface must be flat and square. This means starting with flat plywood, making square cuts, installing components square to one another and checking your accuracy along the way. Check out Project PDF’s below to see this flip-top benches project drawings, cutting lists and the materials list.
Start by ripping three sheets of 3/4-in. plywood into 28-1/2-in.- wide panels using either a table saw or a circular saw and guide. Set the long cutoffs aside; you’ll put them to good use later. Cut parts C, D, E, F, G and N to length.
