Sealing my new workbench, and other upgrades?

So, I picked up this nifty workbench at my local home Depot. Pretty good for $80.

I was looking at sealing it, to prevent it from being effected by humidity. I'm also looking for ideas to upgrade it. Maybe add a peg board, and I'll probably add a grease gun holder to it with a drip catch.

Any ideas for sealing or upgrades?

 

Looks pretty stout. I think I'd put some cross bracing or a sheet of plywood across the back and maybe the sides.

Not sure about a finish; paint or varnish or whatever is a good idea. I put a piece of masonite on the top of mine with the idea of replacing it when it got too bunged up. I also mounted a vise on one corner. Very useful for my purposes. An outlet strip along the back is useful, too. A rack along the back for holding screwdrivers, etc, is handy.

 

Yeah I'm definitely going to add some bracing to it. My add some flanges as well just to make sure everything is extra strong. I didn't think about an outlet strip, that's a good idea!

I think they make a screwdriver rack that goes on a pegboard, so I think that'll be my next goal after sealing and reinforcing it.

 

Outlet, vise great ideas also possible work light

 

I thought about the advice for a minute, I think I would have to do some additional structural reinforcing for that to be solid. I'm not sure that the top alone could really withstand actual use of it. Haha. Maybe some 2x4's under the top to stiffen it up.

 

Put some good marine spar varnish on it, or some paint to seal it up. I like the varnish, pretty durable.

 

If it were mine, a power strip would be one of the first mods I did. If it were going to be anything other than a wood working bench, I'd also add a non slip mat section for taking things apart and help screws and parts from wandering.

 

Vise, pegpboard, and power strip are good, make sure the power strip can handle the max amps of any tool you use it for. Also, a bench grinder would be super useful, with wire wheel on one side and grinder on the other.

I'd add a layer of plywood to the top to handle impacts and 2x4's at 45° angles between the legs and tabletop supports. In place of that, maybe equilateral triangle pieces of plywood, anything to keep it from rocking while you're hammering!

 

Varnish, okay I'll look into that.

Yeah I am looking at power strips after I do some reinforcing.

I was looking at adding some flanges and some of those metal X braces on the back to prevent sideways movement. I don't have a saw right now so adding wood is a bit out of my reach for the moment... but soon!

 

IMO finishes just get boogered up. Build it with a plan to replace the top somewhere down the road.

A non slip mat...i just have carpeting scraps i keep on my bench. Use light colored if possible. Build up the back for pegboard with an overhang for a 4' led shop light. Integrating into the table could make it mobile, with casters, if desired.

 

I was thinking about casters earlier today, I'll need to brace the legs before I do that but it does sound like a good idea. Just have to do it with out buggering the ends.

The finish wasn't for the too, just the pine frame. Do you not recommend it? I just want it to be safe from moisture.

 

I used fiberglass resin on my workbench wood top, brushed it on like paint.

 

I built two benches out of pine and plywood, sitting in my basement for about 15 years now, looks the same

 

This one is in a garage that is open a lot, no air control. also here in Georgia it gets so humid that you actually want to end your own life. Haha

 

I still personally wouldn’t worry about it, but if you do minwax wipe on poly goes on quick, a little thin but can do multiple coats real quick

 

Would it be easier to just use lacquer? Or shellac?

 

Possibly, I’m just getting into furniture grade woodworking, not experienced in those

 

Well shellac worked for the Russians and as drunk and crazy as they are it had to be durable...haha.

Shallac or lacquer... Hmm

 

What type of work is it for mostly

 

General guy stuff, working on stuff, laying out tools to work on the truck or other stuff.