Building one from scratch creates a sense of accomplishment, but it also takes time. That's fine too. Some nice layouts and ideas shown thus far.
An alternate method is to purchase some industrial-grade workbenches at an auction. They're usually extremely HD and cheap compared to new or your hourly rate.
A bench top should be stout. Industrial supply houses usually carry metal bench kits ranging from HD legs to matching tops, backsplashes, shelves and drawers. I bought some preformed, bolt-on leg ends and a a couple of steel bench tops (about 15 minutes to assemble). Another material for a top is a solid core door (undrilled). Buy a dented one from the local building supplier for cheap, rip to the correct width, then use the remnant for an equally HD shelf. For light duty surfaces, preformed laminate kitchen counter tops can also be used.
To prolong the life of more vulnerable bench top surfaces, cover with a sheet of surplus stainless sheet and have the leading edge bent 90º, preferably with a nice radius. This provides a clean edge to sweep metal shavings, cig. butts, gum and candy wrappers into the trash. Masonite and large sections of disposible cardboard works fine too. Cardboard is handy because of its ability to absorb oil.
Sherwood
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