We have a small garage and I have been looking for a small workbench that we can store under whatever set of summer/winter tires we're not using. The 48" width of this workbench was perfect, as is it not having a lower shelf or bar to block the tires. But that's just the start.
I did a lot of research and every time I came across a workbench that looked like it might fit the bill, the reviews would turn me off. Everything in my budget seemed weak, wobbly and not likely to stand up to serious work.
The reviews on this were encouraging, and one look when I began to unpack it showed how high quality it was.
The bench top is thick and so beautifully finished, you could use it for a dining table. The legs and supports are industrial gauge steel with a thick powder coating.
Everything went together perfectly -- no need to drill or re drill holes. I did follow their suggestion to hold off on final tightening until everything is screwed together, but there was only one place where that came in handy.
I was really impressed how every screw hole came with its own sink.
The directions say the job needs 2 people, but there was 2 places where it did. The first was flipping the bench over onto its feet ( you assemble the base upside down. ) The second was having my husband help lift and steady the pegboard assembly while I screwed it into place. Oh, Phil also helped lift the drawer into its slot.
Full disclosure: I am a 76 year old woman with a bit of mechanical ability. The instructions were easy to follow and EVERY part was labeled. The included pegs for the pegboard was a nice touch.
One suggestion: position the bench near where you want it to go and make your decisions about where you want the power strip and light to go. I actually pushed both cords through the holes and plugged them in before screwing them into place. The workbench as a whole is heavy so you want to get it in place before you install the drawer.
The drawer is somewhat shallow, yes, but that turned out to be a benefit for me. The pegboard holds all my screwdrivers, plyers, levels and other odds and ends. The drawer was big enough that I can lay out my collection of hammers, files, tape measures, and saws and see them all. In all honesty, I don't have the huge tool collection I used to -- we pared down a lot when we went full-time RVing -- but I have everything I need for projects around the house.
I've had good workbenches before (thanks, Dad), but this one is the best (sorry, Dad.) I'd recommend it to anyone who needs a starter or doesn't have much space. I am so impressed with the quality that I'm planning to get the four shelf cabinet to match.