Mobile Flip-Top Workbench
Are you looking for an amazing way to save space in your small shop? This may be the perfect work bench for you then!
MOBILITY
FLIP-TOP
TOOL STORAGE
ASSEMBLY TABLE
ROSEN / KRAFT PAPER STORAGE
OUTFEED TABLE
My goal with this project was to create my ultimate workbench that checked a lot of boxes as far as providing solutions that I was currently lacking in my workshop. I really liked the idea of fliptop workbenches that I had seen, however I wanted to have multiple side by side, which would make this a little trickier as the side are normally where most fliptops lock. I also needed the bench to be mobile to move around, but I wanted it to be sturdy when in use, so I didn’t want it up on casters all the time. Since I live in the northeast, and deal with snowy winters, I needed the bench to be mobile so I could move it out of the way and pull my car in on those days. I also wanted a better surface for assembly / finishing projects, as well as provide an outfeed table for my table saw.
A MobilE WORKBENCH
This bench weighs a half ton, so I had to find a way to make it easily movable. I didn’t want to walk around to multiple casters and have to use the lock in order to make it mobile or not. I also didn’t like the movement you still get even when casters are locked. This unique solution allows the bench to sit on the floor as a normal bench would, but with the pull of the lever, it forces the bench up into the air.
The secret to this is the offset cams that are attached to a steel pipe that runs the length of the bench. This forces the boards hinged to the bench that have casters on the underside down onto the ground. When in this position the bench then rests on six casters (4 swivel, 2 fixed at the opposite end). Once the casters reach the ground and have no where else to go, it forces the bench up into the air and is free to move around.
A Fliptop WORKBENCH
This solution is unique from any other out there because it locks with a door instead of latches or knobs. This makes it quicker and more secure. When you pull out the top it is free to spin, when pushed back into place the back is locked and once the door is closed, the front locks into place.
This makes for a strong work surface and it is much faster than most fliptops to swap between a clean work surface and the tool you need. This solutions allowed me to have seven tools stashed inside the bench and able to be used at anytime when I need them.
TOOL STORAGE
I wanted accessories used specifically for these tools to be kept close by, so I wasn’t walking all over the shop to get them, knowing I was more than likely not going to return them right away. Also, with all of the tools flipping upside down, I needed a place to put things that normally would be helped by gravity. Any of the shorter tools I put drawers underneath that solves this.
AN Assembly Table
I planned on using this workbench as an assembly table as well. Because of how the doors lock the top in place, it was going to be difficult to use the edge as a clamping station. To make up for this I installed a clamping track to allow me to clamp pieces to the surface for assembly instead of the edge. I also installed a vice on the edge of the bench to assist in that as well.
Rosen / Kraft Paper Storage
Since this was being used for an assembly table, I wanted a way to protect the top of the workbench during glue ups as well as finishing. This being built into the bench made it really simple to do and it made sure I would actually use it consistently. I can easily pull a sheet out to use for glue ups, once done I just cut the end and throw it away, no more mess to clean up or get glue off the surface.
AN Outfeed Table
My wife was sick of having to help hold sheets of plywood as they came off the back of the saw and getting sprayed with sawdust, so this was a very welcome solution from her. As I found myself using large sheets of plywood more and more, as well as longer lumber, I had to find a better solution. This bench worked perfect and gives me plenty of surface area as it comes off the table saw. I use a thin piece of hardboard most the time on top of the bench as it makes a smoother surface for pieces coming off the saw to not get stuck.
If you have a small shop and want to take back some of that space in your shop, plans are available to purchase below!