Workbench From Scratch Materials
Earlier today, I bought a bunch of lumber and a pound of screws.
In theory, this is enough supplies to make a workbench from scratch. The 2x4s will provide the legs and cross supports. The OSB (a kind of plywood I just learned about) will form the tabletop and shelf underneath. Hardboard, a dense fiber composite, will be the top layer which will provide a durable and replacable surface that should be completely splinter free.
So far, I have managed to create a jig that should allow me to cut a straight edge with my saw very easily and do a lot of cleaning to make a space for the workbench. Tomorrow, I will cut everything to size and assemble it.
If everything works out, I will have a new table for a fraction of the price of purchasing it from a furniture store. It will be a lot more solid than my current desk and dining room table for constructing and clamping things together. But, above all, it will be replaceable. So I won't have to worry too much if I drip glue or scratch it damage it. In the worst case scenario, I will be able to spend ten bucks and get a new surface board.
My basic plan comes from here.