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Modern Industrial Adjustable Work Stand

$120 for 2 bases, one top ... less if you have scrap lumber and pipe

The hard part of some woodworking is what to do with the stuff BEFORE and AFTER it goes through the tools.

We need an infeed and outfeed table for routers, drill press, and saws but have no room to install a permanent workbench with an adjustable tool lifter.

We saw the coffee table to desk height adjustment mechanism and lightbulbs went off! This adjusts! We can take the top off! It stores!

The first photo shows it adjusted to align with the miter saw's cutting area.

As built, there are a couple of changes:

1 - It's taller. Lowest table height is about 30" ... add 8 inches to each leg.

2 - We only used 1 leg brace, about half way down the leg. Cut it to fit after you get the legs screwed to the top.

3 - the wobble of the adjustable bar on the threaded rod is not good for precision woodworking ... the second picture shows the guide pipe that keeps the threaded rod straight up and down.

4 - No pocketholes (sorry Anna) because this is a workbench, not fine furniture.

5 - The tops are cut from one sheet of 4x8 3/4 in melamine coated MDF ... 2 are 2x6 and one is 2x4.

This could also make an adjustable craft table. Raise or lower it to handle fabric for your sewing machine.

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Industrial Adjustable Sawhorse Desk to Coffee Table
Estimated Cost
$120 for 2 bases, one top ... less if you have scrap lumber and pipe
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

coffee table

My version of benchright coffee table. Made this for my daughter. It's made of solid cherry.

Built from Plan(s)
Classic Wood Coffee Table with Two Drawers and Shelf
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Poly 3 coats
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Chicken shed

Submitted by diegaeb on Wed, 10/07/2020 - 08:32

I had started this project last year in September and finished it finally 2020 in March because I get my chicken then.
I did modify the chicken coop a little bit due to the material I got.
The instructions and most of all the cutting list I like best!

Antje

Built from Plan(s)
Shed Chicken Coop
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)

Comments

Play Kitchen

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/11/2020 - 16:33

Play kitchen made from a mix of oak and oak-veneer mdf, with stickers on the burners and knobs.

Built from Plan(s)
Simple Play Kitchen Sink and Stove
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Beeswax on top, milk paint for base
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Recycling center

Loved building this recycling center. Basically made three cabinets from the plans and then attached them together. Now the dog can't get in the trash and the recycling and empty cans don't gather in the counter and it looks great! I used piano hinges for the doors which makes them feel much more stable.

Built from Plan(s)
Wood Tilt Out Trash or Recycling Cabinet
Estimated Cost
$200 (including 3 garbage cans)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Triple Doll Bunk Bed

Submitted by dananryan on Sun, 01/13/2013 - 21:18

My friend's 7 year old daughter custom ordered this bunk bed! She asked for a bunk bed for her 3 dolls and she even picked the color! I had a lot of fun building it and learned a lot in the process. As usual, finishing took longest. Lucky for me, my hubby likes spray painting :-)

Blog Link
Doll Bunk Beds for American Girl Doll and 18" dolls
Built from Plan(s)
18" Doll Mattress Sewing Tutorial
Doll Bunk Beds for American Girl Doll and 18" Doll
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
3 coats of Rustoleum Berry Pink spray paint, sanding btw. coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Master Bath Barn Door

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/17/2017 - 16:34

Created this door with pine wood tongue and groove lumber and pine wood planks. Purchase barn door hardware / track from Jet.com and door handles from Hobby Lobby. 

 

This replaced my Master bath door and I think came out pretty good. Thank you for the ideas!!!  Jeff M.   Brownstown, Mi

Estimated Cost
Wood 55.00
Handles 2 for 8.00
Stain ( left overs)
Barn door track 54.00

Total $117.00 and 10 % Military discount at lowes
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax. Mix of Kona and Driftwood Grey
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Shoe Dresser

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/01/2017 - 08:26

We used the shoe dresser instructions with some modifications to make it longer

Built from Plan(s)
Shoe Dresser
Finish Used
Stain, polyerthane, chalk paint and wax
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Circular saw guide/sled

Submitted by Veronica P on Thu, 01/22/2015 - 17:46

Until now I've been doing the majority of my project cuts with my $30 jigsaw. Yes, it took about ten times as long as yes it was not quite as accurate so I ended up putting more time into sanding to clean things up after but I just didn't feel comfortable using the circular saw.

Well, I've got a list a mile long of things I'd like to build so it's time to  put on my big girl panties and get comfortable with the circular saw. So...I read a ton of tips and tricks online and saw a number of different guides.

Taking a little from a few different pictures of guides and using the scrap wood from an old dresser, I put this together. I clamp it to the top of my work table and go to town. I love it and now feel comfortable using the circular saw. I'm sure it's helped me make more accurate, straighter cuts than I would otherwise have made too. 

Estimated Cost
Scrap
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Tony

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 07:12

By using this jig, you are losing the full potential of your blade depth. A speed square would work just as well as this system and provide you with a full blade depth worth of cuts. I've seen systems like this before but really only useful for ripping long lengths of plywood/MDF/etc and not for cross cuts. I'm not trying to knock the way you do wood work, simply providing others with an alternative and easier way.

Veronica P

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 12:39

You're absolutely right that by using this I'm limiting the depth of my cuts to some degree. I have used the speed square as well and it's definitely a great tool that I'll use more in the future. The jig just offers me a little control until I grow more comfortable with the circular saw. Just an option for other newbies like me who might be apprehensive about using the circular saw.

2 x 4 Garage Shelves Built into Basement Storage!

Hello Everyone! This is my FIRST brag post here on Ana-White.com - but not the first project that we've built from her awesome plans. :) 

We have an unfinished basement that desperately needed some shelving because 1. It's our workshop in the Winter and 2. We don't have an official 'storage' room in the basement of our split level home. When I saw these plans I immediately thought they could be modified to fit our space and get my stuff off the floor! 

I modified the plans just enough to fit our space. After reading through them completely, I realized for an 8 ft wide space (beside the stairs) I only needed three supports for the shelves. Easy! The only trick was fitting the shelf into the space AFTER installing the shelves. Because I had walls on two sides (unlike the tutorial) I couldn't do the shelves as the last step. 

I LOVE how these turned out! They are a strong as a ladder (we tested them... :)) and they hold everything I need them to, and a little bit more. It's a definite improvement on my previously messy, cluttered, saw-dust covered space ... :) 

Built from Plan(s)
DIY Garage Shelves [Freestanding]
Estimated Cost
Our space was 8ft tall by 8ft wide, so we ended up purchasing about $60 worth of 2x4s to complete the project. We also used 2.5" screws, which are around $4 per box of 75.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None - we left the wood bare and natural because it's just for storage - not for looks. :)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor Kitchen Island using remnant Granite

Submitted by gerrell on Wed, 06/23/2021 - 18:07

I've had these granite pieces that I got incredibly cheap from a remnant place last year for another project. A few weeks ago, I put them on some spare IKEA desk legs to make a workspace on my deck. I hated the look AND they were a little wobbly.
I spent some time searching the web and thankfully stumbled upon these plans. I modified the dimensions to fit the granite tops, used fewer pickets on the shelves and painted the whole thing black.

I think it looks great and adds awesome outdoor counterspace on the grilling deck!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Kids double trustle table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/16/2021 - 08:46

I loved this project!!! And am so happy with how it turned out!! I have 4 kids and this has so much space for everyone!
We paired the double trustle table with the farm table benches ( which I adjusted the length and height of the legs to make it kids size.)
The table top instead of a solid top we used 2 1x12 boards. And for the beaches we used 1x10 board for the seat.
Thank you for the amazing plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Beginner Farm Table Benches (2 Tools + $20 in Lumber)
Double Trestle Play Table
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Tops are finished with a walnut gel stain and than coated with a few coats of varathane. Legs and bottom we wood burned with propane tiger torch and finished with linseed oil.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Grillin' and Chillin' - Outdoor Grill Food Prep Station

Needed a table for food prep with my grill and found your plans! I used treated lumber for the base and nice cedar planks for the top. The treated lumber had a whiter than usual color which made the base really pop out. I put a nice pecan stain on top and a few coats of poly so the BBQ sauce wouldn't stain it! This was so easy, literally took 2-3 hours to build, stain and poly was done over the next few days. Ready for my next ana-white project. Thanks for posting these plans.

Built from Plan(s)
Sturdy Work Bench
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Simple pecan stain and minwax poly. Brushed on the stain and kept brushing until I got the darkness I wanted
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

tr7dul

Wed, 07/09/2014 - 16:24

I was looking on Pinterest and found this table. It was exactly what I was looking for. You inspired me to go out and buy a miter saw and some wood and make the table. It turned out wonderful. It now has a permanent place on my patio and gets used when I grill mostly. I was hoping to be able to upload a photo but don't see the option to do so. Anyway, I want to say thanks for the great plans/instructions.

Farmhouse potting bench by Rocky Acres Woodworks

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 11/06/2021 - 07:17

I used 1x4 for the top and stained with dark walnut danish oil

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Potting Bench

Comments

TV Stand

My wife wanted a new TV stand. I found some plans online but ended up using the basic plan then added my own ideas to it. Used all pine boards. Then finished with Minwax Simply White.

Comments

Corn hole

Another great tutorial and project done. Thanks Ana

Built from Plan(s)
Easiest Corn Hole Board Plans with Free Printable PDF

Comments

Modified Simple Outdoor Dining Table

Submitted by ewood on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 08:04

Wanted a Patio table and when I saw the plans on this site I really liked it; I just changed the plan a bit. Everything was screwed from the underside of the table, also I attached the legs with 2" lag screws.

Built from Plan(s)
Simple Outdoor Dining Table
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modern Patio Chairs/Love Sear

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/25/2022 - 15:57

Super easy and fun project! We altered the original plans to build a loveseat and had zero issues. We did add some extra support below.
I did not find 25”x25” cushions within our price range so I settled for 25”x22.5” and they work but ultimately 25x25 works best.

Built from Plan(s)
Essential Wood Outdoor Chair Frame for Deep Seat Cushion
2x4 Outdoor Side Table

Low Loft Bed for Toddler

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 11/12/2022 - 17:08

I built this low loft bed following Ana’s plan as soon as I found out that I was pregnant with baby #2. We needed a “big boy” bed for our 3 year old, and I couldn’t find a loft bed on the market that was priced reasonably or looked sturdy. This the biggest challenge I have taken on to date, and I was certainly sore after building. I don’t have a workbench, so I worked on the floor of my garage and used a couple of saw horses that my dad had next door. I am so proud of this and can’t wait to build more after baby boy comes!

Built from Plan(s)
Essential Loft Bed (Adjustable Heights)

Comments

Farm House Table and Benches

Submitted by markelll on Mon, 09/12/2011 - 09:28

I wanted a big rustic farm table, didn't want to drop thousands on one from a store, so I decided to make my own!

I built it in the (formerly empty) dining room, with tarp on the floor and plastic to seal the doorways.

Was a big project and my first project so I started with the benches as this site and users recommended.

I used the farm house bench plan - just shortened the dimensions so that I could have two benches on either side of the table. Then I merged the two table plans so that I could have the top with the bread boards but legs that attached underneath (like the rustic table) so that they could be removed when we move. I'll work to upload my plans too.

Used Minwax Wood Stain in "english chestnut" and Deft Satin Wood Brushing Lacquer (instead of a Polyurethane).

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Table - No Pocket Holes Plan
Simple Rustic Table
Estimated Cost
approximately $300 (for wood, finish, sand paper, stain, screws..)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax "English Chestnut" and
Deft Satin Wood Brushing Lacquer to finish.

I prepped the wood by sanding it down to 220 (could have done an even better job sanding, and sanded the table and bench tops even finer).
Used a sponge brush to apply the wood stain, wiped off rather quickly (only a few minutes on the wood).
Used brush to apply Deft Sating Wood Brushing Lacquer. Used spray can of Deft when I ran out of liquid. Didn't go on as thick. Although using a brush is more of a hassle, it had a better coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 09/25/2011 - 12:18

Your use of short benches makes the set more family and guest friendly. I usually hand rub my finish, I think i want to build this and probably use 0ak 2X12's (know it will be heavy).

Suggestions?

I will use it on a Florida roofed concrete deck for an outdoor dining area. Typically more formal dinners. Deck overlooks beautiful cove.

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 11:00

Can you explain how you merged the plans to add the bread boards? I would love to do the same!

Jeff (not verified)

Fri, 06/01/2012 - 09:09

This is exactly what I am looking for in a table to build. We want bread boards on the end and we don't want stretchers on the bottom. How did you combine the two to do this. Can you send me a copy of your plan? [email protected]

Kimberly Dassel (not verified)

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 13:35

Could you please send me the plans for this table? I love it and would love to attempy making it. Thanks so much!

Joe (not verified)

Wed, 01/02/2013 - 15:53

Your farm table and benches were exactly what I was looking for. Please send me the plans if they are available. Thanks

Faye Sawatzky (not verified)

Wed, 01/02/2013 - 19:23

I would love a copy of the plans for this gorgeous table you made. I am inspired.

Kelly Lucas (not verified)

Tue, 01/22/2013 - 15:26

Would love, love the plans for this project if you are willing to share. Many thanks! :)

danno2084

Fri, 01/25/2013 - 20:57

I'm sure you've heard this a hundred times already, but we've been looking for a very long time for a table like this. We would also love the plans if you're sharing. Thanks for the great blog!

jsh2001

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 07:47

Getting ready to build my own and now you have me thinking I prefer this design with no stretchers on the bottom. Looks great!!!

Mammavof3

Sat, 03/16/2013 - 20:12

Can I please please please have the plans? I have a very narrow dining area and this table is PERFECT. Thanks

PorkyPok

Wed, 05/08/2013 - 13:30

I too would really love/need these plans. PLEASE. Thanks :)

Cbreck21

Sun, 05/12/2013 - 14:30

I would REALLY like the plans for his version as well. I am going to combine them. Can someone ask him to post or his he sending via email? If so, [email protected]

Thank you SO much!!!

wendykeeler

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 09:48

just bought a cabin and need all sorts of furniture. I love what you did and would sure love to have your plans and how you merged the two----both for the table and especially for the benches. Trying to do a 10' table for huge family gatherings. Thanks so much! You rock!

Sarina88

Tue, 07/23/2013 - 14:28

This table and bench set is exactly what I am looking for. You did such a great job!

Do you have plans that you wouldnt mind sending to my email? [email protected]

KailuaGirl

Fri, 09/06/2013 - 14:25

Hi There!
It seems like there are no replies to the many requests for the merged plans.
I'm guessing he used the top of one set of plans and the bottom portion of the other set of plans?? I will attempt to tweak myself..
Good Luck!

markelll

Fri, 01/09/2015 - 19:54

Hi everyone,
Well I didn't see all these comments! Sorry to have ignored your requests for plans!

This is the bench I made (I did four of these, and adjusted the measurements so they were each about 40" long)
http://ana-white.com/2011/01/farmhouse-bench

I was going to do this table, because it matches the benches, but decided I wanted a table with removable legs so it would be more maneuverable when we move!
http://ana-white.com/2009/12/plans-farmhouse-table-knock-off-of.html

I ended up using more of this plan in terms of how I assembled it, but adjusted the plans to have the tabletop include breadboards (the plank on top perpendicular to the long tabletop planks) and I used 4x4s for legs, plus the top was from 2x8s not 1x10s. I put in the optional cross supports too, and additional supports under the breadboard to connect it to the table frame and table top slats.. this is more info than you need, all to say, plans are flexible and you can do what you want!
http://ana-white.com/2010/03/plans-very-rustic-table-and-cool.html

Sorry I don't have detailed notes. I was very picky about the dimensions (based on space) and how high I wanted the table (about 1.5" taller than a normal table). I also measure the distance between the underside of the table and the tops of the benches so I could cross my legs under the table (an odd requirement).

Happy Building!

brentlbg

Wed, 04/01/2015 - 15:10

I like the english chestnut stain. That works so well with this type of lumber. Great job. I plan to use the same stain on the Tryde coffee table I am building. Thanks for sharing your work!!!