How to Build a Steel Work Table Bench

A steel work table bench is a very useful workstation to have in your work area. It is very stable and tough as steel is the hardest metal alloy. It is resistant to fire and does not contribute to the spread of fire. It is not prone to rotting or cracking as compared to wooden benches. It can be easily taken apart if there is a requirement to disassemble it. It also retains its resale value over the years as the price of steel is likely to go up.

Step 1 - Determine Dimensions

Steel benches are available in different sizes. These can range from 12 x 3 feet to a medium-sized 5 x 2 feet and even 2 x 2 feet benches. The size of the bench you require will depend on the type of task you perform. Tasks like watch repairing will require a smaller workbench as compared to one where you are working in a garage.

Step 2 - Buy

You will need to buy the required number of right angle and straight angle pieces of steel from the local hardware store. Ensure that you have tools like drill, nuts, bolts, wrenches.

Step 3 - Protect

Protect yourself, especially during drilling, by making use of safety glasses and protective gloves.

Step 4 - Put Together the Frame

You will need to assemble the pieces together. A number of right angle and straight steel pieces will be needed.

Select a right angle piece that will function as a leg of the table. Drill a hole next to the end of a right angle piece after marking it nearly an inch. Wear safety glasses and gloves while you are drilling. Take a right angled piece that will provide as a buffer for the flat surface for the workbench at the top of the leg. Align this with the hole you have drilled up in one of the legs. Connect the two pieces with nuts and bolts so the angle that is working as the leg is perpendicular to the piece that is going to support the flat surface piece.

Repeat the same process with another right angle piece by attaching it to the other end of the piece which will connect to the flat surface.

Repeat the same process for the other two legs and the other piece that will connect to the flat surface.

Now, you will have two frames where each will have two surfaces that are each connected to two legs.

After this, mark off a foot from the bottom of each leg in one frame. Drill holes. Take a straight piece of steel whose length matches that of the pieces taken for the flat surface and align it with the holes. Drill through the steel and attach with nuts. Ensure that there is no movement in the pieces that have been put together.

Repeat the same process for the second frame.

Step 5 - Finishing Touches

The next step is to connect the two frames. Take another angle piece of steel and put it on one side of the frame. After marking the steel where the holes are aligned, you will need to drill through the marked positions. Connect the angle to the frame with nuts and bolts.

Repeat the same process with the other frame.

At this point, you have put together a steel work table without any top surface.

You can add the cross pieces by attaching the remaining pieces of steel and tightening them up with nuts and bolts.

Step 6 - Fitting the Top

Place the steel top on top of the frame. Secure the top of the frame to the steel top by drilling holes and tightening with nuts and bolts.