Universal Workbench- For Small Shops

Description

A Practical DIY Woodworking Plan, including a detailed cutting list and step-by-step assembly instructions

Introducing the Universal Workbench for Small Workshops

Short on space but not on ambition? We built this one for you. I have always struggled with finding a home for all my larger power tools. They are bulky and take up lots of valuable space in my small, single-car garage shop. I am at least lucky enough to have a dedicated woodworking shop, but not everyone is afforded that opportunity. A friend of mine has a very multi-use single-car workshop, like most hobbyist workshops. The workshop is used for everything from storage racks to having a washing machine and freezer. He’s been on my case for ages to build a Universal Workbench to help optimize his space. His main issue, space-wise, is that he was operating using a dedicated mitre saw stand. This takes up lots of space and only performs one task: mitre cuts! When he needed to glue, clamp, or use a router, he couldn’t do any of that on the mitre saw stand. The Universal Workbench- For Small Shops enables you to swap in your tools as you need, then store them away when not in use. This is done by means of a mounting plate. You can swap between tools in under a minute. Perhaps you are done cutting and need a workbench for assembly. You can simply pop in the smooth plate, and the top will become one flat, smooth workbench. There are lots of potential additions, such as a T-track for setting up a stop block or even a router fence. The possible modifications are endless and can be customised to every user’s needs. Perhaps you already have one of our plans- The Perfect Saw Horses; these can be used as a base for the top if you don’t want to build a full base for the unit.

Multiple benches can even be used to create your own custom mobile workshop. If you wanted a slightly longer or deeper bench, just build it to your custom needs.

NB: There are 2 inserts that come with the purchase of the plan. The one is for a Metabo KGS 254m Mitre saw, and the other is a blank insert that turns the table into a flat, continuous worktop. Adding your own tools would require you to follow the same steps as laid out in the making of the blank insert and adjusting the height based on the depth of the tool you are wanting to create the insert for.

The Universal Workbench is a single station designed to do the work of several. Instead of dedicating floor space to a separate stand for every tool, you get one bench that adapts to whatever you’re working on.

What makes it different:

🔧 Customizable tool plates. Each tool mounts onto its own interchangeable plate. Swap plates and the bench changes roles, so it can handle just about any tool you own.

🛞 Fully mobile. Roll it wherever the job is: to the door for dust-heavy cuts, out to the driveway on a nice day, or against the wall when you need room to move.

🪚 True multi-use station. One build replaces a pile of single-purpose stands, which is exactly what a small shop needs.

The full plans are available now on our website, with cut lists, step-by-step instructions, and a blank plate template. Build it once and let it grow with your shop.

 

Check out the full build on my YouTube channel: Woodshop Junkies