Looking for a way to make your shop more enjoyable to use? Check out this Flip Top Workbench. I no longer have to drag my miter saw out to use it. (videos below)
I found myself finding any way I could to avoid dragging my miter saw, planer, and sander out just to use them for 5 minutes at a time. I solved that problem completely ;-) I don't avoid those tools anymore because they are just a 3 second flip away from being ready to use. I use the workbench configuration 95% of the time so I use this Shop Hack just about every single day. The fenceless miter stop system is awesome too!
I use my mitersaw 10x more than I used to now that I can access it and then flip it back out of the way in 3 seconds. I didn't realize how much I would use the 8 power outlets built into the cabinet but they are super handy while I'm using the workbench side of the flip table.
See how it saves time and space in the video below...
Tool Side Up. Shown with a miter saw shown but you can mount a sander, a planer or any other tool that will fit.
With the workbench side up you can assemble, hammer, drill, and sand. Just plug your tools into the convenient power outlet located on the front of the table. The integrated downdraft table is great to catch sanding dust or drill shavings.
Video - Demo showing the compact storage and portability
Video - The concealed electric mobile base makes it super easy to move around. Just press a button to lift the cabinet and roll it wherever you want.
I also love the built-in dust collection feature for the miter saw (or whatever tool you mount to that side). I just flip the miter saw side up, unlock the miter saw slider, set the length I want using the Chop Stop fenceless miter stop, hit the vac switch on the front of the cabinet, make my cut and I'm good to go. When I'm finished cutting I just flip it back over to the workbench configuration and I'm ready to go. The system includes a blast gate to switch between the tool side and the downdraft table located on the other side of the bench.
I went through a LOT of trial and error to get everything to fit and work just right so I put together plans to save others 20 hours of reworks and a lot of wasted material. There's a lot of functionality packed into this system and I think the plans will save many hours and much frustration because they lay out every dimension as well as instructions for every step of the process. I also include tips to avoid several mistakes that I made while perfecting the design.
If you are looking for a way to save space in your shop that allows you to enjoy your tools more then consider building this system. I can assure you that the plans will be worth 10x more than they cost because of the time and materials savings. A hardware kit is also available but is not necessary since instructions to build every part are included in the plans. The hardware kit will be for those of you who want to save several hours and want your system too look professionally built as possible.
If you are looking for a way to save space in your shop that allows you to enjoy your tools more then consider building this system. I can assure you that the plans will be worth 10x more than they cost because of the time and materials savings. A hardware kit is also available but is not necessary since instructions to build every part are included in the plans. The hardware kit will be for those of you who want to save several hours and want your system too look professionally built as possible.
$9.90 Fliptop Workbench Plans - 100 pages of detailed step by step instructions and photos.
(Compact lifting mobile base plans sold separately)
-Illustrated assembly diagrams
-Photos
-Detailed dimensioned drawings
-Lessons learned will save you time and help you avoid mistakes
-Hyperlinked parts list
Partial plans excerpt below (40 of the 100 pages)
(optional) Quick Build Hardware kit also available
All of the details to build these parts are in the plans but if you want to save time and build like a pro you may be interested in this hardware kit.
Included in your hardware kit:
All of the details to build these parts are in the plans but if you want to save time and build like a pro you may be interested in this hardware kit.
Included in your hardware kit:
- Left and Right Pivot Tubes
- 2 Pivot Tube Washers
- 2 Pivot Tube Retaining Rings
- 1 Blast gate with labeled position markings
- 1 Blast gate spacer
- 2 Vac Adapter Ports
Compact for storage or just to make a little extra room to move around your shop when you need it. The wings fold down in 10 seconds.
Unique features you won't find in any other flip table
5" x 24" Integrated high air velocity downdraft table - One vacuum port powers the vacuum on both sides of the table. The tool side includes a blast gate and port to connect to a tool. The downdraft table side incorporates an innovative automatic air shutoff valve for automatic operation so you don't have to do anything to open and close the air port on that side.
8 integrated power outlets - Never have to run extension cords again. You have outlets available on all sides... two on the front of the flip table, two on the rear, two on the tool side and two on the side of the cabinet. The two outlets on the side of the cabinet are switched to make it easy to turn the vacuum on and off using the front mounted switch.
Flush top workbench - the miter stop system is fenceless and the work top is flush with the rest of the work surfaces so you can use one side as a very large flat surface workbench or assembly table.
Rock-solid quick latch system - the table latches are super fast and easy to use. The design ensures the work table can support hundreds of pounds without deflections.
Documented "lessons learned" - I document all of the lessons learned throughout the build. You will see how to avoid every mistake that I made.
Electro-hydraulic lifting mobile base - Plans sold separately.
8 integrated power outlets - Never have to run extension cords again. You have outlets available on all sides... two on the front of the flip table, two on the rear, two on the tool side and two on the side of the cabinet. The two outlets on the side of the cabinet are switched to make it easy to turn the vacuum on and off using the front mounted switch.
Flush top workbench - the miter stop system is fenceless and the work top is flush with the rest of the work surfaces so you can use one side as a very large flat surface workbench or assembly table.
Rock-solid quick latch system - the table latches are super fast and easy to use. The design ensures the work table can support hundreds of pounds without deflections.
Documented "lessons learned" - I document all of the lessons learned throughout the build. You will see how to avoid every mistake that I made.
Electro-hydraulic lifting mobile base - Plans sold separately.
Benefits of this Flip Top Workbench System
- A detailed, hyperlinked parts list makes ordering all of the hardware a breeze. Save hours of time with this alone.
- The detailed drawings and cut lists takes the guesswork out of the design. Build quickly with confidence.
- Gain more work area with this huge 36" x 83" flip table that folds to a compact 36" x 38".
- An innovative, space saving, FENCELESS miter stop system allows the system to be used as a workbench or assembly table when it is not being used as a miter stop system that eliminates having to measure and marking your stock.
- 8 Easy access to power ports. 8 integrated power ports so you will never have to look for an extension cord again. One power port is switched. Use it to turn your vac on and off.
- Integrated Dust Collection plumbing including a tool vacuum port and blast gate on one side and a downdraft table on the other side. Connect one hose to the side and everything else is pre plumbed for no-hassle operation.
- Integrated Downdraft Table allows dust-free sanding and cleanup is a breeze.
- Change from one tool to another or to a work table in seconds. Mount one or two tools on the flip table system. The system will accommodate a 12" sliding compound miter saw, planer, sanders, grinder, etc... The work table surface is flush with the fold-out wings so you have a large 36" x 83" flat work surface to work with.
- Move the system anywhere in your shop with ease using the electro-hydraulic mobile base (plans sold separately). This compact and mobile workhorse will quickly become one of the most versatile tools in your workshop.
- Store your accessories in the large 28"x24" soft-close storage drawer at the bottom
What you get... Detailed descriptions
Nearly 100 pages of fully illustrated plans (100% money-back guarantee)
(Excerpt of plans shown below... mobile base not included)
Nearly 100 pages of fully illustrated plans (100% money-back guarantee)
(Excerpt of plans shown below... mobile base not included)
- What is your time worth??? Many of you can make a system like this without plans but how much extra time will you have to spend getting it right? I spend several weeks tweaking the design and build to get it just right so you don't have to worry. The plans will save many hours and and save $$$ by avoiding rework. To make this within a size that fits through a door and holds a large 12" compound miter saw requires very precise design.
- Hyperlinked parts lists will save you hours of searching. Not having to search for all of the components will pay for itself in the time it saves.
- Tool and materials lists, including cut sheets.
- Detailed dimensioned drawings for all custom parts. You can make everything from the drawings then just put it together like a puzzle.
- Photos and exploded views to make it easy to see how everything goes together.
- I include specific tips and tricks to help you avoid the mistakes I made as I built this system.