Battery Powered Portable Workbench
Have you ever run into the situation where you just can’t find an outlet for the next tool you need? I know the frustration, especially when it comes to having your workshop in a garage that doesn’t afford you many outlets. This makes it difficult to work on major projects and also forces you to have to plug in your tools in a certain location. With this workbench however you don’t need any wall outlets and you can move it with ease.
Materials for this project
*Wood and particle board
*Hand or electric saw
*Wood glue
*Backup battery
*Overhang light
*Drill and screws
*Door hinges
*Four to six wheels
Building the bench
The first thing you are going to want to do is determine which tools you will want to use on your work bench. Once this is determined, measure out the proper length and width of the bench surface, making sure to include runoff space for extra materials. Once the surface of the bench is completed, begin to construct the base, leaving room to place the wheels. Take each one of the wheels and place them equal distance apart on the base, being sure to use enough that they can support the weight of the surface. Then cut out the desired height for each one of the walls and attach them to the base using wood glue. Once all the walls are properly glued, drill eight to ten screws in the inside of each of the walls in an angled direction. This will allow for the screws to enter through the wall and exit at the base, giving a stronger hold to the glue. Place the base on the top of the walls with the help of wood glue, allowing for the surface to dry for twenty four hours before moving on to the next step.
Constructing the cabinets
The size and complexity of the cabinets depends solely on what you would like to store in them. While the design of the cabinets is up to you, there will need to be enough space for the backup battery to rest and allow for easy access to plug in tools. Cut out an opening for the desired number of cabinets and save the cutout piece to serve as the door. Attach hinges to the edge of the cabinet door equal distance apart and screw them to the desired wall openings. Once this step is completed you can add pegs for your wrenches and other tools as well as for your extension cords. Just be sure to try to place as little weight inside the bench as possible as you want to make it easier to move around. Construct a small side peg on either side of the bench to hang your overhang light and test the stability and movement of your bench to ensure that everything is working properly.
Finishing touches
Now that your bench is almost complete you will have a work station that is not only freely movable within your shop, but one that does not require always being plugged into a wall outlet. You can buy a few solar batteries and store them in your bench so that they can recharge while you work to give you added battery life and mobility. To help to protect your benches surface and make it stronger you can also add a thin sheet of particle board. This will make your bench heavier, but it will also make your bench easier to clean and will help to protect your workbench from unwanted damage.
