Anyone who does any amount of work with tools ends up needing a workbench. While most types of work can be done on pretty much any workbench, some types of work have specific requirements. Jewelry makers, for example, have their own special workbenches, as well as welders and woodworkers. These specialty workbenches have evolved over the years to provide for the exact needs of that trade. Welding requires a heavy-duty metal workbench that can ground the part being welded and won’t be damaged by the high temperatures. Likewise, auto mechanics usually use a steel-topped workbench so that oil and grease can be cleaned off easily. So, always make sure the workbench you choose is appropriate for the work you're going to do.
Workbenches come in all shapes and sizes. For most do-it-yourselfers, the deciding factor for their selection ends up being a combination of available space and price. However, the configuration of the workbench itself is actually a much more important consideration. A properly made workbench can actually help you do the work much better than a simple tabletop can.
While we've listed our top picks for the best workbenches, you may still be looking for that perfect one. To guide you through your search, read on to learn more about what you should keep in mind before making a purchase.
What Kind of Workbench Do You Need?
Woodworking Workbench
This is a workbench with a hardwood top normally made of laminated maple. It's extremely flat as the bench needs to be able to help align the pieces being put together and ensure they're flat as well. It also has a sophisticated clamping system which allows for the clamping of large projects such as tabletops and doors which can't be clamped effectively any other way.
General-Purpose Workbench
For those that don't do large complex woodworking projects, a simple workbench might do the trick. You still need a flat surface which is essential for aligning parts when gluing and clamping. But a simple workbench won't have the clamping system that a true woodworking bench will.
A general-purpose workbench is usually made with a wood top and metal legs. This provides a good combination of strength along with a smooth work surface. The better ones will have a hardwood top while lower priced ones will have plywood or particleboard. Workbenches for woodworking will always have a laminated hardwood top that is extremely flat and smooth.
Portable Workbench
Another type of workbench to consider is a portable workbench. Even if you have a regular workbench in your shop, having a portable gives you more work area and flexibility. A portable unit can be used for quick repairs and tasks when your main workbench is filled with a project. Or, it can be taken to a remote location to provide you with a workspace when you need it.
Portable workbenches were originally developed for use on construction job sites. However, they are just as useful in the garage workshop, especially for those who don't have a lot of room. Having something that you can set up to do the work and then fold or roll away when you are done helps maintain the functionality of your garage space.
The major difference between most portable workbenches and sawhorses is that these benches usually have some sort of clamping system built in so that you can use them to hold whatever you're working on.
To start, you want to make sure that the workbench you choose is actually going to help you do the type of work that you are planning on doing on it. If you do lots of different types of work, you may want to consider having more than one workbench with each one set up for a different type of task. You might also want to consider something like a standard workbench, with a portable for working on larger projects.
What to Look for in a Workbench
Strength
The strength of a workbench is of utmost importance. You’ll subject it to pounding, clamping, pushing, and stacking heavy materials on top of it. If the workbench isn’t strong enough, it will start wobbling and eventually break after a while.
A sturdy top is also critical for most types of work. Most manufacturers offer a plywood, particleboard, or MDF work surface. Of these, the MDF is the smoothest but plywood is stronger. You need to consider if you are going to be pounding on the top and if so, you want to make sure you buy one that will offer solid support without the top breaking.
Clamping
Woodworkers need to think of clamping capability more than anything else. Does the workbench have clamping built into it? Is it possible to use standard clamps with it? Is the top flat enough to ensure proper alignment of the workpieces when gluing them together?
Storage Space
For those who are doing other types of work on their workbench, storage space is often an important criterion. Being able to store your tools on or within the bench itself can be a convenient space saver.