Build a DIY mobile workbench with space for a table saw with these step-by-step plans.
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I've been working on getting my shop in order lately and finally built a couple workbenches. In case you missed it, last week I shared the plans for the new miter saw stand. My goal with the shop is to maximize space, but still be able to park the car in there when necessary. The miter saw stand is a permanent workbench at the back of the shop, but I also put together a DIY mobile workbench. It sits against the side wall when not in use (so the car fits), but I can move it anywhere in the shop when I'm working on a project. I built it around the table saw so it works as an out-feed table when I use the saw, but then I can lower the blade and use the whole table top. Win-win!
** UPDATE 9/24/20 - this update is sponsored by MicroJig
This workbench is HANDS-DOWN the most used table in my shop. I use it every day and assemble every. single. project on this thing. There have been so many times I've needed to clamp boards down in the middle of the tabletop, so this week I added some MicroJig dovetail clamps. They're awesome for those situations when your normal clamps can't quite reach far enough. I've already been using them like crazy, so I highly recommend adding them! See Step 11 for all the details.
Tools & Supplies
- Four 3" Locking Casters
- Miter Saw
- Jigsaw
- Circular Saw or Table Saw
- Drill
- Tape Measure
- Clamps
- Level
- Speed Square
- Pencil
- Safety Glasses
- Ear Protection
- 2 ½” Screws
- 1 ¼” Screws
Lumber List
- 10 | 2x4 @ 8' (legs & frame)
- 2 | ¾" Particleboard @ 4'x8' (tabletops & shelves)
Cut List
- 4 | 2x4 @ 5' 9" (long frame)
- 5 | 2x4 @ 2' 6" (short frame)
- 10 | 2x4 @ 2' 7 ½" (legs)
- 2 | 2x4 @ 2' 9" (long shelf frame)
- 4 | 2x4 @ 1' 3 ½" (short shelf frame)
- 4 | 2x4 @ 5" (blocks for casters)
- 1 | ¾" Particleboard @ 3' 3" x 6' 3" (tabletop)
- 1 | ¾" Particleboard @ 2' 9" x 5' 9" (bottom shelf)
If you want to add the MicroJig Dovetail clamps, you also need:
Plywood Cut Diagram for the Tabletop:
Step 1.
Assemble the bottom frame as shown below. Use 2 ½" self tapping screws through the frame to attach the 2x4s.
Pocket holes are a great option if you don't want to see the screws from the front of the bench. However, since this is just a workbench, I simply screwed through the frame into the shorter 2x4s.
Step 2.
Attach the side legs to the bottom frame with 2 ½" screws. The bottom of the frame should sit flush with the bottom of the legs.
Attach the front and back legs to the frame and side legs with 2 ½″ screws. I attached the side legs to the frame first and then drove a couple screws through the legs into the narrow side of the front and back legs to secure them together. You can see the approximate location of the screws in the diagram below.
Here's a top view:
Put the bottom shelf in place on the bottom frame and attach with 1 ¼" screws. Countersink the screws so they won't get in the way.
It's very difficult to put the bottom shelf in later (ask me how I know ...), so definitely put it in before attaching the top frame in Step 3.
Step 3.
Build the top frame as shown. Use 2 ½" screws to attach the long sides to the supports.
Step 4.
Attach the top frame to the legs with 2 ½" screws.
I assembled the frame upside down to get top frame flush with the tops of the legs. Simply flip the bench over, move the new top frame into place, make sure everything is sitting flat on the ground, and attach the legs to the frame. No need to worry about clamping or balancing the top frame in mid-air while you try to attach it!
Step 5.
Assemble the frame for the table saw shelf with 2 ½" screws. Place those two center 2x4 supports wherever necessary to support the base of your table saw.
Step 6.
Place the shelf at the appropriate height for your table saw (mine was 11") and attach to the workbench frame with 2 ½" screws.
Here's a side view:
Step 7.
Use a jigsaw to cut the section for your table saw out of the table top. The dimensions shown work for my table saw. Adjust as necessary.
Step 8.
Attach the 2x4 feet to the legs with 2 ½" screws.
Fasten the locking casters to the feet with 1 ¼" screws. I used washers on each screw since the screw heads were smaller than the holes in the caster wheels. You could also use washer head screws.
Step 9.
Center the tabletop and attach it to the frame with 1 ¼" screws. There should be a 1 ½" overhang around the tabletop where it meets the legs.
Countersink the screws into the particle board so they won't get in the way of your work.
Step 10.
I added a simple clamp rack along one end once the bench was finished.
Simply attach a small scrap board to the inside of the legs.
Step 11.
**UPDATE 9/24/20**
To add the MicroJig dovetail clamps, simply route a dovetail along the workbench wherever you want to place the clamps. No need to add any metal track or anything like that!
If you have 1 ½ HP router (which is what my Ryobi is), start by routing a ¼" relief groove. I clamped a 2x4 to the workbench as a guide for the router to make these cuts:
Next, use the MicroJig dovetail router bit to cut the dovetail:
Make sure to cut the dovetail in the center of the ¼" relief groove if you had to cut that first. I just left the 2x4 guide in place when I switched from the straight bit to the dovetail bit to make sure I cut along the exact same line.
I added tracks along all four sides of the tabletop:
Once you've cut the tracks, the clamps just slide right into place:
I'm not sure how the particleboard is going to hold up to the clamping pressure long-term, but it's been fine so far. If I run into issues, I'll replace the top with nicer plywood or something more durable.
If you're planning to add these clamps, I'd recommend going with a plywood top, rather than the particleboard like I did. It'll be more durable in the long run.
And there you have it!
Just a heads up - I built this bench to fit my Ryobi table saw. Make sure to measure your table saw and adjust accordingly.
Please let me know if you have any questions and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Thanks for stopping by!
For more project ideas, you can find me on Pinterest. And to stay up to date with the latest shenanigans, follow me on Instagram.
| Tylynn |
Don't forget to pin for later!
Does this interfere with your Ryobi table saw fence? I have the same table saw and just wanted to make sure.
I situated the table saw so there's a little gap behind it to move the fence around or take it on and off. I just figured out where it had to sit before I attached it to the shelf.
I use a cross cut sled what would you suggest to do to slide it across the the table?
you would need to mark and use a router/strait edge to extend the miter slot
Thanks for clarifying that - I misunderstood the question the first time!
Hello, I have a front extension and left side extension. How should I build around them? Model number RTS31 Roybi
Thanks.
Yeah I'd build around them so you can use the saw to it's full potential.
Thanks for the plans. I had to adapt slightly for the Dewalt rack and pinion fence to work, but the basic design and most of the measurements helped me out tremendously. Thanks
Great! Glad the plans were helpful!
Hey Jonathan. I’ve got the same saw. Do you have any pics of the completed table?
Question for all regarding the fence... what sort of modifications are need to make this work with the Dewalt? The table is right up againt the saw on all 3 sides. My fence slides out pretty far left and right. How do you account for that in the build?
Thanks
Hey man, do you mind sending me rough measurements for your dewalt set up? I have the dewalt as well so trying to figure out what it looks like and how the fence slides will work.
I made a workbench just like this a few years ago and still using it. I ended up building a custom fence system for the craftsman table saw that I had. I also already had a small craftsman router table so I installed it into the other end of the workbench flush with the top so it was flat when I was working on the bench. I love it. I have since upgraded table saws so I will be upgraded the workbench to hold my Shapeoko 3 XXL underneath. Awesome build, great job.
Thanks Chad! That's a great idea for the router. I thought about putting my router in this workbench but ended up leaving it off for now ... might have to try that next time!
any pictures ? i would like to see how you mounted the router 🙂
Can u send me ur plans with the shapeoko 3 xxl.
Could u send me the plans with ur shapeoko 3 xxl Chad?
What about the dust bag for under the saw? How are you collecting all that dust and trash if it is flat on the table?
I just take the blade guard off the saw and vacuum it out. You could cut a section out of the shelf so there's room to attach something for sawdust collection (or just let the sawdust fall out)
I cut out a section under the table saw for a dust collection scoop. Not sure the words... picked it up from harbor freight for $10, then used an elbow, and I plug into the dust collection vacuum when using
That's a great idea!
Wait, what happened? I just I bought the stuff on the shopping list, made all the cuts but now I still have 4 extra 8’ 2x4s left over. I’ve checked and double checked that I made all the cuts. Not a big deal I guess. I’ll find something to do with them for sure.
You're correct. Sorry about that. I just went back and double checked, and I must've added something up wrong the first time. You only need 11. Thanks for bringing that to my attention!
I bought 11 and only used 9! I guess it depends on making the right cuts to make as much use of each one
Sorry about that! Sometimes I don't calculate the exact most efficient cuts. Thank you for letting me know - I hope you can find a use for the extra boards!
The above is an interesting tutorial. May you please end me a brochure with variations to the work bench shown in the above tutorial. May you please state measurements in centimetres? Just asking.
Having a hard time getting the table saw shelf mounted...built exactly to spec and it is too big for the space. Might have to build it in the space after measuring how high it needs to be. I have Rockwell portable table saw vs your ryobi
Hmmm ... not sure what's going on with that. All I can recommend is to triple check everything or just build it to fit. Let me know if I can help at all! Also, make sure your Rockwell will fit. I built the bench to fit the Ryobi, but the Rockwell may have slightly different dimensions.
Figured it out - mounted pieces separately. This was my first “big” project so it was a learning process
I'm glad you figured it out! First project is always a learner 😉
will this bench fir for the Ryobi 10 in. Table Saw?
I ended up making the table wider and it worked like a charm! My fiancé and family was quite impressed... Onto the next project! Thank you
Perfect! So happy to hear you built this!
That's the saw I have, yes.
Does this prevent you from using a mitre? It looks like the table would block the channels.
I designed the gap wide enough for my saw to get full miters to either side when the saw is positioned at the front of the tabletop. Double check with your saw before you attach things, but it should work if you have the same saw.
I've been searching and searching and this is it! But I'm not on Instgram. How can I get access to the plans?
These are the plans. I just have a video on Instagram to help clarify anything if necessary. There's not a printable version (I can't quite afford that software yet 😉 ), but all the info you need to build this is listed on this post!
Hey! Definitely going to give this a shot but don't you need 3 sheets of plywood assuming 4x8 sheets? Based on your cuts for the bigger top and bottom shelf, I don't see enough leftover to make a 33″ x 18 1/4″ single square for your table saw shelf? Let me know I am missing something here. Thanks!
I cut the tabletop out of 1 piece of plywood and then cut both the bottom shelf and tablesaw shelf out of the 2nd. If you have a 4'x 8' sheet, you should be able to rip it to 33", cut the 69" section for the bottom shelf, and have a piece that's 33"x27" left. Cut the tablesaw shelf out of that at 33"x 18 1/4"
I downloaded the extension to get the PDF and it won't give me the plans. can you please send them to me?
I'm sorry, but there is not a downloadable version for these plans. The lumber list, cut list, and plans are all listed in the post. I do not currently have software that allows me to create downloadable plans.
If you download and install a FREE PDF creator application it will setup as a Printer Driver on your PC. Then go into to ShetchUp, load your plans, and choose the option to print. When the print Dialog box pops up go to thye drop down list where your default printer should be showing and you'll find the PDF driver. Selcet that and you will be able to print it as a PDF file to any loctaion on your PC. Try this one..
https://www.pdfforge.org/pdfcreator
Maybe I missed something but I can’t find in these plans where to use 4- 2x4 @ 5ft?
It's four 2x4s @ 5 INCHES long. They're the "feet" for the bottom of the legs so you have something to attach the casters to. I see that was a little difficult to read since I wrote (feet) in the description ... definitely looked like you were supposed to cut them at 5 FEET long, not 5" for the feet. I just went back and edited it. Thanks for drawing that to my attention and sorry about the inconvenience!
I can’t wait to build this. Got a new table saw that needs a home.
I made this! Thanks!
I want to be able to use the entire workbench without the table saw.
I am going to make the opening slightly more than 1-1/2" wider and 3/4" deeper than the top of my saw. I'll put 1x3 cleats on three sides and drop an insert made from a double layer of plywood into the opening so it is flush with the bench top.
I am also thinking about doing the same thing on one of the long sides to drop in a miter saw and then cover the opening.
That's a great idea!