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ACCESS TO ALL FOUR SIDES ALLOWS WORK ON LARGER \ PROJECTS

OVERHEAD

POWER . SUPPLY

AT THE RIGHT HEIGHT, BENCH CAN

DOUBLE AS AN OUTFEED AREA FOR TABLE SAW

PLENTY OF ROOM TO USE AN END VISE FOR MORE CLAMPING \ OPTIONS

STRETCHERS PROVIDE AREA FOR SHELVES . AND TOOL STORAGE

LIFT OPPOSITE END OF BENCH TO ROLL

BENCH IN MOBILE POSITION

BENCH IN RESTING POSITION

CASTER MOUNTED SO WHEEL IS Va" FROM FLOOR

bench height match other work surfaces in your shop. The most common example of this approach is building a bench the same height as your table saw. Then you can also use it as an outfeed table.

Power. One concern about having a bench away from the wall is power. You can make up for the lack of a wall outlet by running power down from the ceiling (maybe you have a garage door opener outlet there). Or you can mount an extension cord on hooks to hang down near the bench.

For storage, instead of the wall-mounted shelves you can always add a few drawers or cabinets in the base of your bench. Then you'll be able to keep your hand tools where you need them.

The Best of Both Worlds. Of course, there are always alternatives. Like any other shop tool, you can make your workbench mobile. The box at right will give you a practical idea for this.

Small shops force us to think creatively to be able to get the most out of the space available. A good decision where to place your workbench will help you get more out of your time in the shop. &

SEE SHOP TIP

CENTER OF THE SHOP WORKBENCH

m The Right Casters. A good quality, non-swivel, 3" caster works great for adding mobility to your bench.

Rolling Workbench

Adding wheels to your bench allows you to position it wherever you need it for a specific project. But simply adding casters sacrifices stability. Even locking casters can wobble if you're pushing hard on workpiece, such as planing a long board.

One solution is to mount the casters so they're off the floor when they're not being used. I fasten them on only one end of the bench, as shown in the illustrations at right. This way you have all four legs on the floor, providing a stable platform. But when you need to move the bench, you just pick up the opposite end and roll it into position.

The key is to mount the wheels at the correct height. I've found that a Vs" gap is perfect. At that

height, you only need to lift the end of your bench a few inches off the ground to engage the wheels and roll your bench into place.