Original Project by AverageJoesJoinery from Instructables.
License: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
My workshop space hasn't been working well for me so it was time for an upgrade! I decided to build a new work surface and incorporate storage options for sheet material, my router table saw well as shelves and drawers. This project is sponsored by Magnet Driver. Using the code: JOE25 will get you 25% off your purchase from them.
What you'll need
Materials
- 18mm Plywood1 pc
- 6mm Plywood1 pc
- 25mm MDF1 pc
- CLS1 pc
- Laminate Flooring1 pc
- Paint1 pc
- Wax Stain1 pc
Tools
- Track Saw1 pc
- Mitre Saw1 pc
- Drill & Driver1 pc
- Magnet Driver Bits1 pc
- Magnet Driver Snaker1 pc
- Paint Brush & Roller1 pc
- Router1 pc
- Jigsaw1 pc
Steps
1
Clear the Space
Clear the Space
Clear the Space
This was the back of my shed before I started the big clear out. The big frame is my fold down cnc table that hardly got used. To the right of that is my dust collection and on the lest are some wasted shelves. With some space cleared I could turn my attention making some sawdust.
2
Boxing in the Back of the Workshop
Boxing in the Back of the Workshop
Boxing in the Back of the Workshop
Boxing in the Back of the Workshop
Boxing in the Back of the Workshop
+6
Using my track saw I first cut some 6mm plywood to box in the back of my workshop. I cut it to 108cm x 230cm. I also cut some 18mm plywood to form the new work surface. I cut to 2 pieces to 210cm x 60cm.
I used the track saw for the cross cuts too. I cut both pieces of 18mm plywood together so I could sure they were the same size.
Before boxing in the back I needed to add some scrap blocks. These will give me something to screw the 6mm plywood too where there aren't any studs. I made use of the Magnet Driver bits on this step. They help a ton when needing to hold a piece in place with one hand. The Snaker made it nice and easy to drive the screws in awkward positions.
I did add some expanding foam to act as insulation but it didn't expand half as much as I expected it to. At least its fire retardant. Boxing in the back was as simple as using screws to hold the 6mm plywood in place. I added some 18mm pieces to the left and right side to box in too.
3
Fit the Work Surface in Place
Fit the Work Surface in Place
Fit the Work Surface in Place
Fit the Work Surface in Place
Fit the Work Surface in Place
+8
With the back boxed in its time to cut the CLS timber. I used the mitre saw to do this. I cut battens for the back and right hand side of the wall. The work surface will be secured to these. I also cut some pieces to make rectangular legs.
The magnet driver bits helped again when it came to screwing the battens in place. Holding the timber with one hand and driving with the other was much easier.
I put the rectangular legs together in place. Less chance of getting the sizing and positioning wrong this way. Just screwing the wood together like this isnt very strong... on its own anyway. When I add the plywood top and hardboard boarding to the sides it will be solid. The space I have to left hand side will be for sheet material storage.
On goes one of the 18mm plywood pieces. It gets screwed to the rectangular legs and the battens. The second piece of 18mm goes on top and just gets screwed to the first piece of plywood. This way, when the top gets ruined it can easily be changed for a new piece.
The hardboard will add strength to the rectangular legs and will prevent things falling off the shelves that will go in between.
4
Paint & Shelves
Paint & Shelves
Paint & Shelves
Paint & Shelves
Paint & Shelves
+4
A lick of paint makes everything look better. I went with grey try and hide any dust and dirt that will build up.
I needed to make some small shelves to prevent bits falling down the back of the plywood I boxed in the back of my workshop with. MDF was ideal for this. I cut up some 25mm MDF into 7cm wide pieces using my track saw. I then rounded over the edges with my router.
Using a jigsaw I cut out notches to let the shelves in around the studs on the wall. They then got 2 coats of white undercoat paint followed by 2 coats of magenta acrylic paint. These should be a nice accent colour against the grey.
5
More Paint & Finishing Touches
More Paint & Finishing Touches
More Paint & Finishing Touches
More Paint & Finishing Touches
More Paint & Finishing Touches
+2
Speaking of the grey. I wasn't happy with the shade of it so I added some black to darken it until I liked the colour.
To try and protect the work surface a little I applied a couple of coats of wax stain. I don't know how long it will hold up but its better than nothing.
To give a bit of a backdrop I screwed some laminate flooring in place. I got this as part of a damaged pack from my local hardware store. Its always worth checking what they have in the clearance section.
Adding the shelves in place now really makes them stand out. The contrast with the dark grey and dark brown laminate flooring shows of the magenta really well.
Conclusion
I'm so glad sorted out this space. It looks loads bigger, its given me a ton more storage space and its given me another work surface. I hope its inspired you to have a go at changing up your work space.
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