[Boatanchors] Need Design Ideas for Test Bench Construction

[wa1zuf at juno.com]

Ken,

In my opinion, a work bench should be no deeper then 20 inches, this serves to keep "stuff" from accumulating on the back of the bench that you can't find when you need it and keeps your work area down to 20 inches anyway. As for height, like you, I find most to be too low I go for 38-42 high. For the top I build a 2x4 frame 2 inches narrower then when then what the work surface will be. That gives me a 2 inch over hang to clamp to. Also a small clamp on vise is a great tool to have on hand. 

For the top, a 1/2" layer of CDX  topped with a 1/4" tempered Masonite. I use wire brads to hold the top down, no glue or screws. This way when the top get worn or an oil filled transformer spills out on it, all you have to do is "pop" it up pull the brads through and re-install. 

Good Luck, enjoy and Happy New Year,

Steve - WA1ZUF