Back to the drawing board

Old Work Space

New Work Space

So it became apparent when I organised my workbench and then used it that my old VanHaus workbench is not very suitable for the task. It was purchased (£70) just to do some light work and hobby stuff about six years ago.  Well all the MDF has warped and some of the steel is damaged so it is no longer stable. It always wobbled a bit as well. The steel frame isn't very thick either. It was however portable. I don't own my own house, and living in England I probably never will so I need something that can be broken down and stored as my current rental I will probably only be there for two, maybe three years tops before downsizing again as my children will be fully grown and out on their own.

Now I had though about getting a nice wooden workbench. Treated wood so it could be in a garage, larger depth then what I currently have which would be a big help in bookbinding but the weight of it and the fact that it isn't very portable keeps me from committing to this style of workbench. They are around £250

I was viewing my options when I asked a coworker who works in maintenance if he had any suggestions after telling him what I have and what the minimum I'd need. He brought me down to the workshop and showed me their BigDug workbenches. They look similar to the VanHaus but with proper steel construction. These are extremely sturdy workbenches. 

So I went to their website and they have several options all made with the same construction standards of a heavy steel frame that would be easy to break down and store.  There is even and identical workbench to my VanHaus with either a full shelf or half shelf underneath and still has the pull out drawer. 

H:1556mm x D:610mm either W:1220mm or 1525mm

It's pretty tempting but at just over £400 I'm not sure it is worth it. Replace the laminate tops with chipboard and it brings the price down to £350, take away the drawer and it is £196, take away the lower shelf and it is £174. Tempting...but no.

The same kind that the maintenance staff use range from £160-£180. I'd still loose the pull out drawer, which is a shame, but the design is so solid I feel it would be easy to customize the workbench to my needs. It would be easy to break down and store on the off chance I'd not have a place to put it when I eventually move. Again having seen one in person I know that unlike my VanHaus which was stored for two years (where most of its damage occurred) the most I'd have to worry about with a BigDug is replacing the chipboard tops. 

H:1677mm x W: 1220mm or 1525mm or 1830mm D:610mm or 760mm or 915mm

My thoughts are that if I don't install the middle shelf I can use the long frame bars to add a back in which to place my metal pegboards to the back of this. I may even be able to put a Bookbinding Steel Bench Shears or a Bench End Guillotine on the end of this by shortening one of the shelf legs and putting an angled bracket to give it support. Things to think about for the future.

So I think this may be a viable solution for me.  I will need to do some more measuring to make sure everything will fit in my current space and to see just how deep I dare to go.