How to Build Woodshop Workstations

Workstations are a vital part of any woodshop. Custom building your own workstations means they precisely fit the needs of your workshop. You won't have to worry about trying to make something else work by modifying it. Due to the nature of woodworks and in an effort to keep costs down, the best material to use for woodshop workstations is medium-density fiberboard or MDF as it is called. It has a smooth surface and holds up well when used for this purpose.

Things You'll Need

• 2 pieces of 18 by 58 1/2 by 3/4-inch medium density fiberboard
• Framing square
• Variable speed drill
• 1/16-inch drill bit
• Countersink bit
• 2 pieces of 18 by 35 1/4 by 3/4-inch medium density fiberboard
• Wood glue
• Philips head screw tip
• 1 1/4-inch drywall screws
• 1 piece of 18 by 27 3/4 by 3/4-inch medium density fiberboard
• 2 pieces of 18 by 6 by 3/4-inch medium density fiberboard
• 1 piece of 35 1/4 by 60 by 3/4-inch medium density fiberboard
• 1 piece of 18 3/4 by 60 by 3/4-inch medium density fiberboard

Instructions

1. Put the 58 1/2-inch shelves on a worktable. Measure from one 18-inch edge and make marks at 28 7/8 and 29 5/8-inches. Place the framing square on the marks and draw lines across the material.

2. Drill three pilot holes between the lines with a 1/16-inch drill bit; 1-inch from the edges, one in the center. Turn the shelves over and drill countersink holes on top of the pilot holes. Set one shelf aside.

3. Make marks from the 18-inch edge of the remaining (top) shelf at 26, 26 3/4, 42 1/4 and 43 inches. Draw lines across the material as before. Drill pilot holes and countersink holes as before. This becomes the top of the top shelf.

4. Place the 18 by 35 1/4-inch sides on the worktable. Measure from one 18-inch edge, the top edge, and make marks at 6 inches. Draw a line across the material on the marks as before. Drill pilot holes and countersink holes as before.

5. Stand the sides on their long edges. Apply glue to the ends of the shelves. Secure the bottom shelf between the sides with the lines facing the top and the top shelf between the lines on the sides with the drywall screws.

6. Apply glue to the 18-inch edges of the 27 3/4-inch divider; secure it between the shelves and the lines with the drywall screws. Turn the workstation cabinet over so the 3/4-inch edges of the material are facing up. Secure the 6-inch dividers to the top of the top shelf in the same manner as the other divider.

7. Set the 35 1/4 by 60-inch back on the worktable. Mark the center of the long edge, which becomes the top, and draw a line across the material. Next, make marks at 6 3/8 inches from the top edge across the 60-inch width of the back, about 6 inches apart. Drill pilot holes and countersink holes along the sides, bottom, the centerline and the 6 3/8 inch marks. Do not turn the back over for the countersink holes as you did the other pieces.

8. Put the 18 3/4 by 60-inch material on top of the workstation cabinet. Drill pilot holes and countersink holes down the sides, across the back and over the dividers. Secure the top to the cabinet with the drywall screws.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean up excess glue with a damp cloth.

• Build two workstations and secure them back-to-back if a larger work area is needed.

• Make the workstation mobile by adding six heavy-duty swivel casters.

• Do not glue the top to the cabinet, as it may need replacing after wear and tear.

• Do not leave power tools within reach of children.

References

• Workbench: Ultimate Home Woodshop

Resources

• Rideau Cabinets: Building Woodshop Workstations