Looking for a new garage workbench...

Talk to omgjon about these cabinets. He has a few. And the tools that go in them.
John

 

So can anyone comment on how these compare to the Snap-On line? Cost/Price seems to be about the same... but I have to admit it has been a good number of years since I've expanded the tool collection, so I'm probably a bit out of touch...

 

The Beta tools are quite nice but getting warranty issues addressed can be a PITA. Every town has a dozen Snap-On salesmen with instant replacement available.

Find a full 2" Maple top work bench (not laminated, solid) and you will never be sorry. I also found 1000' x 6' rolls of "blemed" Kodak thick glossy photo paper to cover it for dirty work. Another great value I have found is at the Aluminum and Stainless recycler. Full 10' heavy Stainless commercial counters with legs, shelves and back 4" splashes can be had for a few hundred $'s.

 

I got a decent solid maple top workbench at Costco (8 feet long) for about $250 IIRC. It is nice and sturdy with adjustable feet for sloped floors. Not as good looking as the one you posted, but it works well with a few rolling cabinets I have that tuck under it.

BT

 

At that price you are paying a heavy "Ferrari tax" for what doesn't look like a really good quality bench. The top looks to be "composition" and although it has some features like a light and a backboard, those don't cost a lot to do.

The Costco or Sam's club solid 2" top benches are a far sturdier place to work from. Unless you are just "furnishing" a garage to look nice it would be better to find something that is tougher... If you want to paint it red, take it to a body shop and have it painted or powder coated and it will still be 1/5 the price of that piece....

JMHO

 

+1

I bought the Costco workbench and was pleasantly surprised with the high quality and sturdiness of the construction. No need to the spend extra $$$ IMHO.

 

Unfortunately our Costcos in Canada are crap for tools and workbenches.
This is on sale this week:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443305681&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672077&bmUID=1221595792331
I'll go take a look at it for that price. Just a different worktop and it'll be good - I hope. Again, depends on the build quality.
Having said that, this also shows how often I really use a workbench - I have an old desk at the moment that was made in the 70's and is solid maple - but it's ratty beyond refinishing.

 

I bought mine at Sams, and it is tough as hell. You could put your car on it if you were so inclined and stupid enough to do so. I have it and love it. It's a "work" bench.
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