Vintage Workbench Console

Step 1

Cut the Feet From the two 2x4s cut at 19 1/2″ long, cut the ends at 45 degree angles, so the long point to long point measurement remains 19 1/2″. Cut the two 2x4s 21 1/2″ long end off at 30 degrees off square so the long point to long point measurement remains at 21 1/2″ long. Line one of each board up, as shown above, and screw together with 2 1/2″ screws and glue. Sand the ends to rounded with coarse sandpaper. Then finish with medium and fine grits.

Step 2

Feet Soles Nail or screw the feet soles to the bottoms of the feet. Use 1 1/4″ screws and glue or nails.

Step 3

Build the Legs Build the legs from 1x3s and 1x4s as shown above. Build four. I used Kreg Jig™ to build the legs from the insides, hiding my screw holes. I choose to use an open leg for a few reasons. 4x4s are difficult for many people to find. If 4x4s are not dried properly, they can crack when brought inside. And using the open leg makes attaching the bottom shelf so much easier. But you can use 4x4s instead of the open legs, just add a 1×4 to top and bottom, instead of the 2×2 on top, and make the legs 30″ long. (shown below)

Step 4

Leg Supports, Top and Bottom Screw the leg bottom support to the legs and the top support to the legs with 2″ screws and glue.

Step 5

Step 6

Bottom Shelf I used the Kreg Jig™ to attach the sides to the bottom shelf. I used 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws. Screw the 1×6 to the 1×12 as shown above.

Step 7

Shelf Sides Attach the sides to the bottom and ends as shown above. I used the Kreg Jig™ and 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step 8

Tabletop Drill pocket holes and join the tabletop boards with 2″ pocket hole screws.

Step 9

Tabletop Trim Screw tabletop trim to the sides of the tabletop using 2 1/2″ screws and glue. Blue boards are 2x4s and green boards are 2x6s.

Step 10

Final Trim Screw the remaining 2x6to the front. Attach towel bar to this board.

Step 11

Assembly Use 2 1/2″ screws to screw supports to top, joining the base to the top. Finish as desired. I used Minwax Early American.

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.