[Truckman]

I'm going to convert a space in the basement into a workshop for cleaning, customizing, etc. I'm looking for ideas. Anything you want to throw in, form size to height to shelving, etc.
Right now I'm figuring high enough to sit on a bar stool, approximately 36" wide, maybe 24" deep. With a pegboard wall for tools, plus an overhead shelf, with lighting, and a magnifying light on an arm for that close work. A gun vise, and a couple drawers.
At some point I may start reloading, so I want to plan room for that.
Most likely I will build with 2x4's, attached to the wall to avoid legs getting in the way, and I'm thinking a tongue and groove wood top, or would plywood be better?

 

[oldbrass]

Plywood, the gaps in the 2x4s are a real pain

 

[straightshooter]

Get a good vise and positioned where it has plenty of space for long pieces to fit in the vise and your being able to work on the piece. LOL remember a vise can be a crazy bone buster if placed wrong on the bench.
I agree with the 2x4 causing uneven working surface. Masonite topping the surface works good also and can be replaced easily when or if it gets to much wear.

 

[SWO1]

One thing to keep in mind ...... You CANT HAVE TO MUCH ROOM. My Gun Shop started out 8'X11'. I have extended it to 8' X 19'. Two seperate sections, one for reloading (8X11) and one for cleaning, stock work, scope mounting, ect. I NEED MORE ROOM ...... A drill press, two vices, A double arbor grinder, a knife sharping double arbor grinder. My benches are 2X4 attached to the wall studs with 2X12 top 24" deep. I really want a Milling Machine. I dont know which section fills up faster ..... I keep adding presses for reloading and tools for other work.

I hate peg boards ..... I have a 3 drawer tool box on the bench. All the walls are lined with shelves (all full). a couple of those storage bins that hang on the wall with drawers, one for scope rings, bases, screws, ect. and one for various other nuts, bolts, screws, washers, ect. I NEED MORE.

Darn ..... now I am thinking about another expansion .....WHEN WILL IT END !!

 

[MattNH]

If you are building from scratch, take a look at the pre-made 6' long straight sections of laminate countertop at Home Depot / Lowes. They usually have a backsplash on them and are relatively cheap. You can get different colors / patterns. Smooth flat surface is the way to go.

Also, think desk or table height for a real chair, not bar stool height. My area is an old wooden desk 30" deep, 60" long and I have a wheeled office chair.

As far as tool storage I have always preferred tool chest storage and not peg boards. The area above the my desk is shelving for spray bottles, parts bins and boxes. I made them too deep so I have to move stuff to get to anything in the back. If I ever redo it, I will use more 6" deep shelves.

 

[Truckman]

Thanks all, and keep 'em coming.
The counter top was also suggested by a friend. Great idea, and I think I have an old one around........, somewhere.
I was going with stool height because sometimes you need to stand, and I'm tall.
Not going to get real crazy with extra bench tools, I have all of that in the garage/shop. I'm just looking for a place to build, maintain/clean, and customize, instead of the kitchen table. Especially if I'm going to do any painting.
I'm not going crazy with reloading either, mostly my hand me down .32spl from my dad. Of course once I start with that it might change.
I'm thinking about mounting the vise on an arm that can be swiveled out of the way when not needed.

 

[FOUR4D4]

What ever you decide the beauty of wood is you can always add on later.I built my out of scrap wood and discounted scrap lumber from a lumber yard under $20 and a few slivers

 

[Truckman]

Considering building it to flip up out of the way, and cover the shelves when not in use. That will conceal/protect anything on the shelves.
And keep it from becoming a shelf.

 

[Gumpy]

Truckman, you're a genius! As soon as I get back home, I'm gonna convert mine that way.

 

[straightshooter]

Now I know what to do with my kitchen table. Flip that sucker up so it doesn't get used as a storage table.lol

 

[Truckman]

I have an old ping pong table top that I salvaged, that will be the work area. I will have to paint it, and get a pad of some sort.
Plans are moving along, of course I need to clean out the room first.

 

[Mauserhooked]

You may be able to lay your hands on some foam-backed carpet scraps that would be a dandy pad. Sounds like the suggestions rolling in for you!