Buy vs Build Workbench -- and a cabinet question

[JPG]

Perhaps HF store policies vary by area.

If I take a 20 percent off coupon to my local store, they'll give me the discount off whatever they're currently selling that item for. For example, the latest store flier I have now shows the 2 HP dust collector selling for 179.99 through June 24th. It's regular price is 249.99. With the coupon, I can get it for 144 plus sales tax.

Now regarding the work bench, this same flier has a "super coupon" price of 149.99, while the catalog and internet show the price as 139.99. To get the "super coupon" price, I'd have to clip the coupon from the flier and give it to the cashier for the sale price. Or, I could show the clerk the catalog and get it for 139.99. If I were interested in buying the bench, I'd take a 20 percent off coupon and try to get it for 112.

In any event, Harbor Freight has a wide array of prices in effect at any given time so it pays to check around before shopping there.

When I inquired, the policy I indicated in my post #9 above was what they replied.

[mickyd]

Ok, I think I'm on my way to HF. Buying local is $20 more, but after deducting shipping it is only an 8 dollar savings.

......

So did you make the plunge? I really enjoy mine. No complaints Can't speak for long term durability....haven't owned it long enough. FYI - The top is actually 3/4" thick. Still plenty solid but don't be deceived by the edge making it look 2" thick.

[paulrussell]

Yes, I did jump in and I think it was well worth the money. Like you mentioned, it has a 3/4" top.

For those who are curious:
The drawer sides, bottoms, and support panels are MDF/fiberboard of some sort as is the bottom shelf. The rest is hardwood, however only the structural members of the legs are made of single-piece hardwood. All other parts are glue-ups. As MickyD said, only time will tell how they will stand up, but they appear to be solidly constructed. The bench is solid, and provides a tremendous amount of storage space between the four drawers and the lower shelf (and in my case, on the floor below.)

It is not especially deep, but for me that is perfect because I can put it against the garage wall and still pull my car in.

I had a few holes that were not pre-drilled per the instructions, and a couple holes that were drilled too big and stripped. Neither was a major problem as I drilled the missing holes and used strips of oak with glue to shim up the oversized holes. The only things I glued were the drawers, as I might have to relocate this in the near future, and I thought it would be nice to be able to split it into two halves (legs and top) for lugging up or down stairs.

It is not a dream workbench, but IMHO it is a terrific value.
PS: The vice works much better once it is installed right side up!

[mickyd]

Yes, I did jump in and I think it was well worth the money. Like you mentioned, it has a 3/4" top.

....

Don't know if your interested in giving your bench mobility but if you are, this approach I used on mine works quite well. I will probably modify the wheel support boards making them an inch wider (from 2" to about 3") and will move the wheels out further, eliminating the need for the hook and eye screw.

I also like the additional height gained by the wheels.

[8iowa]

For me, the lack of a shoulder vice would kill the deal. I can't see how the HF bench would be very useful for a lot of hand tool work.

[mickyd]

For me, the lack of a shoulder vice would kill the deal. I can't see how the HF bench would be very useful for a lot of hand tool work.

How does a shoulder vise differ from the end vise shown on the bench here? I googled shoulder vise with little conclusive help answering my question.

[JPG]

How does a shoulder vise differ from the end vise shown on the bench here? I googled shoulder vise with little conclusive help answering my question.

Google does not know Everything!!! Read the whole thing. You will encounter much more than a shoulder vise!
http://www.reference.com/browse/%27shoulder+vise%27

[mickyd]

Google does not know Everything!!! Read the whole thing. You will encounter much more than a shoulder vise!
http://www.reference.com/browse/%27shoulder+vise%27

Internet BLASPHEMY!!!:eek: Google knows everything if it's been on the net for any amount of time.

Sure would love to see a photo of one in action. Anyone gots?

[osx-addict]

Sure would love to see a photo of one in action. Anyone gots?

How about this one... Taken from thisWikipedia page..

[mickyd]

How about this one... Taken from thisWikipedia page..

picture removed

Now that's more like it!! Thanks. Since the HF bench has an overhang lip around it's perimeter, C-clamps / quick release clamps can be used to simulate this type of vise.