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!
I am getting ready to build this table, I got all the materials today. I got my table saw used and it didn't come with a fence or an thing like a fence. I was wondering if you had an recommendation of building my own or buying one on a tight budget that would work with this table?
There are a lot of great YouTube tutorials out there to build your own fence, but I haven't done one yet. Thanks for using my plans!
I just started woodworking in the last year and I am loving it. For Mothers day my husband gave me a jigsaw, router, another drill. And he ordered me a table saw. I had seen your plans for this table, so I got all the materials and started putting it together. I finally got my table saw today and it fits in perfect. Thank you for your plans.
That's awesome! Way to get after it!
Great build. Easy to follow directions. I didn't use plywood as a base for the tablesaw. I framed it with 2x4's. This leaves a large opening for the sawdust. I used the original box that the tablesaw came. Cut it down to fit under the saw. I just pull out the box and dump the dust out.
That's a great way to do it! Thanks for the tip.
What an awesome build! I’m highly interested in getting into woodworking. Just a question for a complete beginner...
What is the blade diameter for your table saw? I’ve been looking for a table saw and I’m a little thrown off by the varying sizes. I understand it all depends on what type of projects you’re working on, but for this build, would I need a 10” or 12” blade/table saw? Or can I get away with a 8 & 1/4 in blade?
Thanks!
I have the 10" table saw, which is the one I built this workbench around. You don't necessarily need a tablesaw to build the workbench - you can make all the cuts with a circular saw and miter saw - but the 10" one is what fits in the workbench. If you decide to go with a different size, you can always just adjust the little shelf to fit your saw.
Hope that helps and good luck!
Not quite getting it. On the material list it shows 10 legs@ 31 1/2 inches but yet on the diagram it shows the legs measure at 2' 7 1/2 ". So do you cut the legs at 31 1/2 inches or at 2' 7 1/2"?
2' 7 1/2" is the same as 31 1/2". ((2*12) + 7.5 = 31.5")
Hello, My name is George! I built this table as my father's day gift and it was a great and easy format to follow! I had a lot of fun making it and it really helps keep my workshop organized!
Thank You
That's great to hear! Thanks for building from my plans!
Hi to All.
Great idea. Just sharing some observations that might be add-on's or improvements. Apologies if this duplicates something already said. There are too many comments to read.
In my experience, wheels must withstand a LOT of force. Make the wheel attachment more robust. Use a 6"-8" 2X6 rather than 2X4. Before attaching wheel blocks to bottom, attach wheels to blocks with carriage bolts-head up, lock washer & nut under wheel mounting plate. Use largest bolt that fits thru holes (probably 5/16 or 3/8). Don't over drill holes in wood or bolt head will spin. Position wheels on blocks so they won't interfere with (at least) 4-1/2" 5/16 lag screws to hold blocks on to table. Get the hardest wheels you can to roll well on debris-covered concrete. Many really old work boxes & warehouse flatbeds had iron wheels.
The next part requires GREAT attention to precision. Edge the work bench with 3/4" to 1" right-angle aluminum. You'll need to route the edges on top so the aluminum will be flush with the top. If you're accurate enough, you can align parallel & perpendicular lines & edges with with the table saw. Be sure table corners are exactly square. You can apply adhesive tape measures & even draw a measurement grid on the table. You can use the table edges to guide tape measures, squares, etc.
Hope ideas help someone.
Very nice plans! I took them yesterday, got the lumber last night and assembled today! I couldn’t be more pleased! I added a miter saw shelf that is removable to have one large flat surface or I can put the miter saw in and have the long-side to work.
Thank you! That sounds like a cool modification!
How do I get a Saturdays free plans that’s exactly what I’m looking to make thank you
How do I get a set of these free plans that’s exactly what I want to build. Sorry about the misspelling on the first one
Hi Rick,
The diagrams and instructions to build this are written in this post that you commented on - that's what all the images and step-by-step are. If you want to be able to download the plans, you may purchase the PDF version. I have to use a different software to create downloadable plan sets and they take a lot longer to put together, so I charge for them. If you prefer the free version, use the diagrams from this post.
hi i paid for plans for this but have not heard or recieved them
Hi there, you should have received an email right away with a link to download the plans. It may not be in your main inbox - make sure to check your spam folder. Please email me at [email protected] if you still have trouble finding them.
Thanks,
Tylynn
what size plywood did you use for the table top? is that 3/4 in.?
Yeah its 3/4"
These plans are excellent! Super solid bench that I love rolling out of my garage!
So glad you love it!
Thank you so much! The measurements were spot on, I cut all the 2x4s and then assembled. You made it so easy. And it works great.
That's great to hear! Thanks so much for building from my plans - I hope you get tons of good use out of it!
I just finished the bench project. This was my very first wood shop project ever. It came out amazing! If I can make this ANYONE can! Thank you! I can't wait to find something else to make...