Getting a heavy duty work bench is exciting because it allows you to do more and use heavier equipment, but you might be wondering if you really need it. Getting a heavy duty table is quite an expense, especially if you are just doing light work or if you could make do with a smaller, more affordable, industrial workbench. Here are considerations you should make before investing in one of these workbenches.
Tools and Projects
One of the biggest considerations should be the weight of your tools and projects. If you’re working with a handheld drill and screwdriver, then you probably don’t need a heavy duty bench. Projects that are light, or ones that don’t require heavy materials to stay on the table for extended periods of time, are usually best suited for lighter tables.
You’ll need a heavy duty work bench if you are using powerful and heavy tools along with heavy materials and parts. Be sure to check the maximum weight of the industrial workbench to ensure that it can accommodate your needs. These tables can typically hold hundreds to thousands of pounds, so they should be fine for the largest home projects.
Stronger Tools
Aside from the weight, you must also consider the strength of your tools and how much force they exert on the workbench. Handheld drills and manual saws won’t put much pressure on the table, so it should remain stable while you’re working. Larger power saws will likely make lighter tables shake around during use and may even lead to damage to your project or the table itself.
A heavy duty table is meant for abuse. The additional weight will also ensure that the workbench will remain in place while you’re using your strongest tools. Heavier tables are also ideal if you’re working with chemicals as there’s a lower chance that you’ll cause significant damage to the thicker material.
Additional Modifications
You may need a heavier workbench if you’re looking for additional modification. For example, adding numerous drawers, a vice grip and large risers may be too much for a regular workbench. They can topple over or start to bend under the extra weight. Heavy duty units are capable of taking a lot more, meaning that you can add whatever you want to the table without worry.
Just be sure to abide by the table’s maximum weight. If you add too much, then the unit will still have structural problems, but it’s usually hard to cause damage to these heavier workbenches.
Due to these additional modifications, these benches tend to be more ergonomic. Instead of reaching for tools or looking throughout your garage for the right item, everything is right there and ready for you.
Durability
If you’re worried about durability, then there’s nothing better than a heavy duty table. These workbenches can take so much extra abuse, plus the material is thicker and shouldn’t crack under normal conditions.
You want to protect your investment, and the only way to do that is to ensure that the workbench can take your project’s needs. While a normal workbench may be enough, you can have some extra assurance with a heavy duty unit. These things are made to last and likely won’t need to be replaced if you treat it right.
Conclusion
A heavy duty work bench isn’t always necessary, but it’s best if your projects or tools are very heavy, you value durability or you want additional modifications on your workbench. While these units are more expensive, they also last much longer and often have more features. If you’re serious about your projects, then definitely consider a heavy duty bench.