Harbor Freight Workbench modifications
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- Опубликовано: 20 июн 2021
- Harbor Freight workbench,windsor workbench,workbench modification,work bench modifacation,mft,mft table,microjig,diy,yukon workbench,work bench,harbor freight workbench review,harbor freight workbench mods,harbor freight workbench upgrades,harbor freight workbench assembly,work bench build,yukon 60 workbench,yukon workbench 60 inch,yukon hardwood workbench,work bench modification,workbench modifications,harbor freight workbench modification
Great video. Straight and to the point. No fluff or chest thumping. Thank You.
Dude you rocked this build and gave me want I needed to pull the trigger and buy that bench and mod it myself. Good job balancing content and speed in telling your story. You are good at thiis. Keep going.
I made a few more mods that didn't make it into the video. This table has worked so good I built a second one. I have a design in my head of how to make it where the two can easily be joined to make a 5x9 table when needed and separate when not.
Thanks for taking time to make this video. You have inspired me to modify my harbor freight table. And wow, like the other comment said , awesome pocket hole set up!!!
Thanks for the feedback. I put out videos because I like helping others. I have more projects that I can get done. I hope to soon get some time to increase the video quality.
I have the part to build a pocket hole machine. It has been on my to video list for a year. I hope to get to it soon.
You did a great job on this modification.
My husband and I both have one in our hobby rooms. He modified both tables to accommodate our craft. Replaced the cheap slides with slow close that allow the drawers to fully open and we added custom pulls from Hobby Lobby. We both also have added storage but that has been customized to each of our needs.
Thanks. Sounds like you did about the same as me. Slides for the drawers would be nice but would have cost more than the bench. Mine is in a shop and does need to be nice just functional. I have another one still in the box. I had thought I might build it different but for what I need I have not ce up with a better design.
Great job with this! I can hardly tell this started as that harbor freight bench. You did a hell of a job brother
Thanks. I wasn't trying to make it look different. I just wanted functionality. It works great for me.
I'm new to this stuff and have so many ideas. Watching this build helped answer so many questions in my head.🤙
Glad to be able to help. Let me know if you have any questions.
Sir you are the freakin man !!! The tools you have and do with it outshines all the snobby shiny sawstop guys .. no no , not all of them just the ones that have ''em and barely have any sawdust or scratches on them .. you've inspired me to get off my lazy ass off n get my $4k jet cab saw, and create more and first to mod the same HF workbench too .. you rock !!! Keep ''em coming
I'm telling everyone about you and your humble tools at such precision results
If you're in dfw texas I'd like to take you for burgers and beer
Thank you for your comment. It means a lot to me.
Expensive tools don't make a nicer product. It just makes it easier to make one. I have not made any videos of me building a finished product. I have been making videos in-between jobs of thing for the shop. My wife wants me to build some picture frames that holds plants this weekend. I will post a video Monday. Let me know what you think.
My 3 most used tools are:
1. Tape measure. I measure everything. If attach two 3/4" boards together they might be 1-7/16".
2. Digital angle finder. Every time I change my blade angle. I never trust stops for tool setups.
3. Digital protractor. I am always checking for square. If everything is cut square and the right size it make assembly easy.
I don't use it much anymore but a flush cut router bit can make any joint come out perfect.
As someone who knows nothing about carpentry I find it amazing to watch videos like this where people are so good at it. And the tools that I never knew existed... Can't help but thinking you were only a couple of pieces of wood away from a made from scratch bench :-). Pretty cool either way.
Thanks, you are right. I could have made a better table from scratch but some times the hardest part is trying to decide what size to build a project. This made it where I could start and finish the project in one day.
I like how you made the bench much more stable. Very nice video.
Thanks. I believe the lower shelf made the biggest difference in making it stable along with the extra weight.
Looks great brotha! I am considering purchasing this bench and you just convinced me by making it deluxe! Thanks for showing me what can be done with the starting frame. You the man!
You should see it now. After using it for over a year I went back and fixed all the short comings.
That pocket hole machine is on another level of awesome. Also I will be getting one of those right angle bit adapters. Had no idea those existed. Just bought this bench and might be doing some of these mods to make it sturdier when I put it together
I have the stuff to build another one for a friend. I just haven't had time. When I do I am going to do a build video.
@@ShopRamblings I definitely want to make one.
It REALLY is!
Great build. Im just getting into woodworking and setting up a shop and I think that tables perfect for what I’m going to need. Thanks for the info and guidance.
I have 2. I added spacers so they can double as an outfeed tables for my table saw. My next mod will be a mount for a router sled.
I was just looking at getting one of these tables, but didn't. If I had run across this video before I definitely would have. Great job and appreciated the video. Really liked the drawer cabinet.
Thanks. It was a good way to get a workbench without a lot of thinking. Then, over the next couple of years, I made several more modifications to make it work perfect for my shop.
You did great. I've been thinking of doing it similar. I found your video when I searched for ideas. You earned my subscribe. GJ
Thanks. I use it almost everyday. It has worked great for me.
Hello Robert
Thank you for the Great Video. I appreciate your thoroughness in the details. I've been looking at this work bench for a while now. My mind just wasn't sure this could handle the work I am looking to accomplish. Your upgrades will will strengthen the work bench. I look forward to seeing more from your channel. Again thank you
For the same money I could have bought some wood and built a bench. This was nice that I did not have to think about what size to make it and speed up the process for me. If you just replace the bottom shelf it will make the bench a lot more stable.
@@ShopRamblings Hello again Robert
Thank you for responding, and the information on the bottom shelf. What is the heaviest weight you have used the bench for? Again thank you
@@georgeferlazzo7936 I don't stack a lot of weight on it regularly but would not think twice about putting 500lbs on it. I had several 80lb bags of cement sitting on it for a few weeks with no issues.
@@ShopRamblings Hello again Robert
That's very impressive, I was looking at the bench at Harbor Freight, and wondering just how sturdy it is. You mentioned you beef up the bottom shelf. What size board did you use to get that kind of results? Again thank you
i just bought one and i am going to use alot of your ideas. thanks great video
It has worked great for me so far.
@ShopRamblings
GREAT JOB on the build. I subscribed and looking forward to seeing any other builds you come up with
Thanks
This is a pretty solid little workbench. While once you figure out how it comes together, it is physically Easy to assemble ruclips.net/user/postUgkxyFZUPFEey-PuqsPMxqaykBhgA1LWxFHh by yourself. But the diagrams explaining the steps are really pretty bad. I could not get the handle pins in all the way despite multiple attempts, so I just used a screw I had on hand for the 2nd handle. I could not get the first pin in further or pull it back out. You are supposed to hammer it in, but I had no leverage and the handle is plastic and I did not want to risk breaking it. I will get a lot of use out of the bench because of the convenient size and height. It does fold up nicely for storage. They even explain how to fold it so you don't get pinched...that is important!
It is crazy what some of the work benches sell for. This is a great deal without any modifications.
Thank you for showing the ways to improve on the work bench. You video was great.
I have another one I plan on putting together . I have not found anything to improve so I will probably build it the same. I have been waiting to see how it functioned.
I wish I had the tools and patience you have. That pocket hole tool WOW.
It is really not that hard. It make perfect holes effortlessly. Building cabinets or boxes look like you spent a lot of time and effort when they are really quick and easy.
Might as well face it, you’re addicted to…work bench modifications! Nice work. Thank you for sharing.
Love the reference, thanks for the comment.
Nice work! You almost spent as much, if not more, updating it than the bench itself!
You are right but for me the way comes doesn't work for me. Now it is used every time I am in the shop.
Excellent video, I've been considering getting one of these benches, have some good ideas on it now. Thanks.
With wood prices going up it is getting to be a better deal.
I have the same work bench, this gave me some great idea's, you just gained another subscriber. Now to watch your other videos for some more great ideas.
Thanks
damn great video. it had never occurred to me to make shop drawers like that - brilliant ! and that pocket hole driller... sweet. subscribed !!
Thanks. I am trying to make a video on the pocket hole machine. I hope to have it up in a month or so.
I love that drawer design! Simple and easy to make, and your dados are your drawer slides. I ordered the Rockler slides for the original drawers based on another video, but I plan to use your design to make drawers for handplanes and such.
8 set of slide were going to cost more than the table. I put slides on other drawers in my shop a few years ago. These work much better. Just be sure to wax them.
Very nice mods! I was leaning against buying because of the 4 cheap drawers. Now... looks like I'm doing this. Thanks for the vid!
I agree the drawers are not good. It is a good start to a work bench. This has worked out very good for me.
The drawer's aren't great, but I can't find enough wood plus a vice for $129 (sale price) to make anything remotely close.
Lol I had no idea about those storage racks!!!! That is awesome!!!!
They work great for small parts, especially when you get them on sale.
Next level WIN!! Super work
Thanks. I have built a new one with all the modifications I have done over the last year. I have over 12 hours of video. I am trying to get edited down to 20 minutes. I should have finished already. I hope to finish it soon.
Great upgrade! 👍
Thanks! 👍
Terrific modification, structurally and functionally. Really shows the possibilities when you use creativity and skill. I envy your confidence that comes from experience. Great job on the video production, too.
I happen to be in the midst of a project that similarly uses the drawer bottoms for support into dados on the side of the cabinet. The idea came to me one day (to save money on drawer slides), and I since then I haven't seen many other videos that use it. I like the way you've done it; your drawer design is a little simpler than mine (which is for a furniture cabinet). I see you chose not to fit the drawer fronts between the cabinet sides (as most conventional design advice suggests); I suppose this is because you don't expect much stress on that glued joint? (I'm a beginner woodworker, so just learning what conventions I can and can't break.)
When I am building furniture i build my drawer boxes in the traditional way. I have a video on the way I build my drawer boxes. That way when the drawer is open and you look from the side you just see one solid piece of wood. Then when you attach the front to the drawer box it covers the end of the two side pieces. With this build I was not going to put a drawer front on them so I wanted them to look nice while closed.
Great upgrade. You did a great job Sir
Thanks
This is really cool. I need a new bench and while I am not a woodworker I like simple woodworking projects. I keep hearing about this bench. I am going to use your design and thank you for sharing. I liked and subbed.
PS: Your pocket hole jig is sweet! It might be the first thing I make on the new bench!
I really need to get on making a video on the pocket hole machine.
When I have time I want to modify both of mine to add in the shelf.
awesome beautiful job. I'm going to use the original bench, as is, for an island in my kitchen. perfect size. I might just add a better finish on it. I love this video. Going to show it to my nephew for a lego storage bench....... you did a great job and a great idea. Thank you so much. Wish you lived in St Cloud, MN......
Thanks for the comments
I love it great job you are definitely an inspiration thanks for sharing God bless you and yours❤
That is very kind of you to say.
Two thumbs up for this .....now I'll need one!
I have two. One for each thumb.😁
Clever. Think I'll go do it to my Harbor Freight workbench. The drawers that came with it are useless. Thanks for the video.
For the cost of a sheet of plywood I have 4x the storage that is rock solid.
That came out great !!
Thank you.
Good work!
Thanks
That sir came out incredible, nicely done sir
Thank you.
Fantastic!
Thanks
Loved this video.
Thanks
Excellent!
Thank
Frigging awsome!
Thanks. They stopped selling this workbench but the Yukon is basically the same. They are just charging more.
You should add a tool well. That helped my bench a lot. Great video.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Good job!
Thanks
Thank you
Your welcome
Nive job just picked this work bench up today & was looking at some videos to upgrade & stiffen the thing up right out the gate. You have some good ideas especially stiffen up the top table with plywood to add some weight. I already purchased the rockler workbench casters for moving it around for mobility & being able to drop it on the ground for stability. Gonna add some extra drawers like you did. Overall nice bench for the money & a good foundation to build upon to make a decent garage woodworking workbench.
I might one day show a video of the final build
Probably not. Yes it is a great foundation. The boards going across really add a lot of stability. I spend a lot of time in my shop so why not make nice things for me. I faced the front and all the drawers with walnut. It really makes it look nice.
@@ShopRamblings sounds like it i love walnut "wood" love to see the finish product lol like I saidnim just getting ideas i knew I was going to stiffen up the build like you did. 👍😎
@larryriffett918 I got several comments on "how much I spent" on a Harbor Freight bench. If people were complaining about a sheet of 1/2" and a quarter sheet of 3/4" plywood they will blow a gasket seeing I actually replaced it with Walnut...maybe I will do a short tomorrow of it.
Amazing creativity!
Thanks. I have another one. I am deciding if I am going to do it the same or make any changes.
Really nice work, gonna have to pick up one of those and beef it up.
Thanks
Nice work...just subscribed and turned on all notifications.
Thanks
Great modifications. I have the same bench and need to make it shorter.
It should be simple to make it shorter. That would be a good excuse to build some new drawers.😀
Absolutely awesome 👏
Thanks
Awesome upgrade 👍🏾
Thanks
Came out good
Thanks
Looks good!
Thanks
Great job hoss.
Thanks
Love it
Thanks
well done sir! would love to those kind of skills
There was nothing I did that anyone else couldn't do. Even on shop furniture I try for perfection. That way when I mess up it is still good enough.
The only difference really between a great wood worker and a decent wood worker is one know how to fix errors better than the other because they both make them.
Thank you big time
You are very welcome.
I bought the new version of this bench today and put it together and have to say that I am very impressed for the money. I feel I got more than I paid for and I never say that. The bottom shelf is now solid wood like the top and can hold a lot of weight. It is true that dust can fall in the dog holes but I don't care.... I just blow out the drawers every few months with my air hose and clean. The table is very stable... which surprised me... its pretty heavy. I had the old version and it was wobbly... this one does not wobble. The vice is only good for small work but Im fine with that.... for the money, I consider it almost a freebie. The vise does have strong clamping pressure. I plan on putting a moxon vice on the opposite end for larger work. The drawers hold more weight than expected. The whole bench is hardwood... very hard and is easy to reinforce if need be. All in all a good little bench.
I can't tell you how many comments I've gotten saying I could have just built a bench from scratch. That is true. But as you said for the price you can't beat these little benches. When I picked up the first one I was in a hurry and didn't want to take the time to design and build a bench. Over 2 years I was able to modify it several times to meet my needs. I could have built another bench but the first one worked so well I figured might as well have one that matches. Then I completely agree with you you can't find anything that's close to this bench for even twice the cost of this bench.
damn, great work
Thanks
You did great
Thanks
Gee! I want one of those!
They look much better now. I did a few more modifications. I just did a complete build. I am editing the video now. I hope to have it posted in the next few days.
Thanks for a good video
I am glad you liked it.
Gonna follow this and turn it into a baking area!! And add tile on top!!Thanks!!!😎🤙
Great idea!
Great skills
Thanks
That was great
Thanks, I have since made a couple of upgrades. I have one or two more and I will shoot a final video on it.
Great work. We can tell you have a lot of experince. Your solutions are great. I wish I could just but a bench like this but it would likely be $1,000 or more. I subscribed because I like your solutions and you realize that people like quick information. Many videos are too slow.
I used a coupon and got the bench for $120. One sheet of 1/2" and one sheet of 3/4" plywood. Just over $200 for a bench that works great.
@@ShopRamblings Thank you. I need to find that coupon.
It was the Windsor that was $150. They changed it to the Yukon and raised the price to $200..
I have two of these benches I want to modify. Great ideas!
I have one more to do. I have not come up with any better ideas so I may just make it the same as this one. Is there anything mod you are thinking of making?
Great job !! Good mods..👏 I have one of these benches that I want to repurpose as an outfeed/assembly table. I was thinking of modifying it similar to what you did, but wasn't sure exactly how.. I'll definitely use your method of slides for my H.F. organizers.. & i also like using drawer bottoms as the slides.. Like your trick using the table saw miter grooves for assembly 👍🏻 Except that it gets glue on the saw table, but it might be removed easily if the saw has a good waxed surface.
As for possible mods.. Maybe make the underside of the table, around the sides, flush with the bottom of the edges for clamping down workpieces easier... Also put a bracket system on the ends to keep small clamps & tools handy during assembly, etc...
Sorry my reply was getting pretty long winded, imo, so I divided it into 2.. Again, great job👍🏻, & thanks for the extra insight ahead of time for those of us still thinking about this project.
I currently am putting together a second table. I have epoxy'ed the dawg holes. I am going to route groves for the micro jig system were I will be able to clamp any place on the table. I have in my head a system were I am going to add a 2in board to each side but will be removable with an attachment to hook two tables together for when a bigger table is needed. This would also make for a clamping area when not in use.
I try to keep my saw waxes as it has a cast iron top and will rust if I don't. I have a scraper that holds razor blades. It scrapes the glue off in seconds. I glue on top of my saw more than my table because it is easier to clean. If you notice at the end of the video I added spacers to the bottom of the legs to make the the right hieght for an out feed table. I also added drop down wheels to make it easy to move around.
Very nice great wood working
Thanks, I am thinking of getting the new Yukon table and seeing if it is any better.
Kind of difficult to beat wat I just saw but I would like to see it
Nice!
Thanks
Nice mods!!
Thanks
I have a second one. I am not sure if I should do the same or something different. So far this one has work very good.
What attachment was that for your drill when you pre-drilled the leg support holes? I’ve never seen something like that before.
I believe you are talking about the right angle bit holder. They are great to have around. Now is the time to get one. They are in black Friday deal at Home Depot. www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-MAXFIT-Steel-Screwdriving-Bit-Set-with-Right-Angle-Adapter-36-Piece-DWAMF36RASET/316524565
Where did you get the casters you showed at the end?
I have 2 sets, two workbenches. They work great. I didn't use their screws and I think a measurement in the instructions was off but the product is heavy duty.
amzn.to/3Tn6CIv
The drawers are genius. Simple, strong
Thanks
God dang this guy knows what he’s doin!
Thanks
when you added the bottom shelf, you screwed and glued it to the bottom of the leg cross beams instead of the top of the cross beams, which i thought would be stronger. did you choose this approach to get more overall heigh height for the drawers? Thanks.
Yes, and it is plenty strong enough either way.
Awesome video, Robert. I'm just hunting around for a woodworkers work bench and came across HF's bench. I like the mods you added to it. How are you liking it now?
I just modded a second one almost the same. It works great for me. I want to do a mod where they can be connected together to make one large table when needed.
Nice
Thanks
Great video! Did you end up doing anything to solve the issue of the sawdust and and wood chips falling through the holes into he drawers?
On mine I placed wood blocks above the drawers and slide a piece of 1/4 in plywood on top. My friend did it a better way. On top of the legs he put a 1/2 in piece of plywood all the way across. Then put some spacers before attaching top. This was to bring the top up level with his table saw. It also gave an inch and a half space. This works great for sliding squares ot other flat tools in and keeps all dust out of the drawers.y second table I filled the hole with epoxy and cut dovetails to use the micro jig system.
@@ShopRamblings great! Thanks for the reply.
Nice job. I’ll do it.
Thanks
Have you been pleased with the wen track saw??
Yes, I got the Wen because I could afford it, and later, I could upgrade to the Makita or Festool and not have to buy a new track. After using it, I no longer plan to upgrade. It does everything I need.
I know this is old, but do those casters get in your way at all? Looking for ideas to move my bench around.
I use the same casters on all three of my tables. They work great. They flip up so the table is stable when I don't need them. Kick them down and the tables roll just as easy today as when I installed them.
I’ve had a Couple of them ,for the money it is what you paid for IMO , there will be a good chance something may be broken,Missing ,or need to be modified in some manner
I think they are a great starting point. I have just modified a third one. I hope to get the video up soon. I turned out great.
nice
Thanks
Did you solve the issue of sawdust falling down the holes in to the drawers or is that still an issue?
I did not want to plug the holes so the dogs would not work so I cut a piece of 1/4 plywood. I attached it to the bottom of the table top edge. I made it removeable. That leaves a space between it and bottom of the surface to collect stuff that falls through the dog holes. For me the space is not filling up that fast. If I have to pull out my drawer and clean it out every few years it will be much better than it getting into my drawers. Until I seen the comment I had forgotten I about it since nothing ever gets in my drawers.
hi great project very good instructions. just wondering what type of plywood did you use
I use imported birch. I get it for around $30 a sheet. It works great for shop projects.
I wish i could get that price of $30 in NJ . not at Lowes and HD . where do you get your plywood??@@ShopRamblings
@jerseyjoe781, the price of plywood at Home Depot and Lowes is approximately $80 per sheet. Imeca, a cabinet supply store located about 45 minutes away, is where I usually purchase most of my plywood. Additionally, I have another supplier called Hood Distribution. The imported birch plywood from Hood Distribution has a thinner veneer, but it offers good value for its price. I recommend exploring options from cabinet suppliers, as cabinet makers typically do not source their plywood from Home Depot.
Can you still use the dog holes? Or you chose not to drill them out to keep sawdust out of the drawers?
Yes, I use my dogs. I modified it where the dust goes out the back. I have a new table still in the box. It is my next project. I plan to do a new build video with plans to include all the modifications I have done to my older tables the last few years. I hope to have it out in a couple of weeks.
How thick are the legs? I want to add locking casters when I put mine together.
I will try to remember to measure them for you next time I am in the shop. I think they are about 2in. These are the wheels I put on mine.
DOZAWA Workbench Stepdown Caster, 600 Lbs Set of 4 Durable Heavy Duty Steel, All Steel Construction Urethane Wheels [New Version] www.amazon.com/dp/B082781T4S/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_874JZAFY7X310FCCJE31
also, i forgot to ask in my previous comment, what size dado did you make for drawer slides? 3/4 " for 1/2" drawer bottom to facilitate drawer slide sliding without binding. Much appreciate your help with a newbie wood worker.
It only needs about 1/16" of space. The more you put, the more the drawer will tilt down while opened. This is one of my older tables. I filmed building a newer one. I did it without dados but works about the same. Be sure to put wax on where they slide. It makes a huge difference.
Thanks for quick response
This nice
Thanks
Nice Job. Straight forward common sense upgrade.
Thanks 👍
So, how long did it take you to realize you had the braces for the legs on the wrong ends of the table?
Not sure, it all seems to work for me.
This looks great. Thinking about doing something similar, but I'm a little concerned with gluing the plywood to the underside of the bench like that... The solid wood top will want to expand and contract with seasonal humidity changes while the plywood will not, which can create stress in the top and lead the issues like cupping or splitting. How is it holding up for you so far?
First, I will say I am in Florida. Things are different here in other areas. I have had no issues. I am currently putting together a third one and have already attached the plywood to the top. I use the crap out of mine. I build on them. I stand on them. I have stacked way more weight than I should with no problems. A friend has one with the top the way it came. His has cracked. The top is only about 5/8" thick, and while the wood it hard, it is brittle. I feel the plywood helps strengthen and hold together the top.
@@ShopRamblings thanks for the insight!
👍
just wondering, when you made your drawers, did you use 3/8", 1/2" or 3/4 plywood? thanks
I used 1/2".
As always, thanks for your help@@ShopRamblings
What kind of castors are those?
Here is a link to the ones I have.
amzn.to/3e1FaQQ
The screws that come with it are not very good and the instructions have the space between the holes wrong. However, the wheel assembly works great. I will be getting another set when I build my miter station.
does this workbench have a coating on it? Can it be stained?
It does have a coating on it. It is not stained so you can sand off the coating and stain it.
Wow wish I had access to a shop so I could learn how to play with these tools.
Maker shops were becoming popular where you could get a membership and come use a shop full of tools. A friend was telling me about one he was in. They had all your basic tools plus cnc, lasers, lathes, and more for I think $30 month.
@@ShopRamblings oh that would be sweet. Even a little shop class for a date night with the misses would be kind of cool, build a bird house together or something. I'm just fascinated with woodworking but have zero background with it.
@PDillz if you are in Central Florida you can come by my shop. I would be glad to have you. If you don't live close Google "make and take" + your area. Here is a local one but I am sure there are simular places around d the cou try.
hammerandstaincfl.com/
@@ShopRamblings I'm up I. Eastern Washington. Wish I was in Florida this time of year.
Loved the video, was thinking of getting one of these tables, they way you modified it was great. However, you need an outfeed table, watching you rip and dado those large boards was scary. Speaking of scary, watching you work with the router was also scary, please get some push blocks, your hands were close to that bit, I would hate for you to get hurt. I only say these things b/c a guy I work with lost four fingers to a miter saw.
Your are right about an out feed table. That is what I use these tables for. You can never be too safe. I have a couple of fingers that still don't work as good as they did before I had to put them back together. Here is a link to a video I will be releasing soon. I actually reshot the ending after getting your comment. Check out the last 30 seconds and let me know what you think.
ruclips.net/video/pdbP-tatQRM/видео.html