Watch How to Design and Construct a Portable, Folding Workbench

Woodworking Workshop
Watch How to Design and Construct a Portable, Folding Workbench
YouTube player

This portable workshop from Paoson WoodWorking was such a delightful surprise to find in my inbox last week. It is a very well equipped workshop that folds up into a portable box when not in use. As you can see above, it can be moved by a single person (though two would be nice), and unfolds to allow for a wide variety of work.

I have to say that I’m pretty surprised by the simple mechanics that were employed to make this work. Things like the extending table top surfaces don’t have complex locking hinges or anything, simply a piece of wood that fits into a notch as an angled brace. Despite the simple design, the demonstration project of creating a wheeled drawer, seems to go without issue.

YouTube player

In part one, you can see the original design. Meant to be wheeled around in a tiny space, it has castors on one side so that you can tip it and move it. The concept was first drawn up in some CAD software, or possibly SketchUp, and then assembly began. The 3 axis router that we’ve featured before makes an appearance here as a tool he uses while mounting the table saw.

YouTube player

Part 2 brings more refinement to the work surfaces. The router extension is constructed and mounted in this episode. A fun bit to note here is that all of the knobs he uses to tighten the system were created by hand as well.

YouTube player

In part 3, the power distribution system is added. It isn’t simply a power strip attached to the inside, you’ll note that he’s added an emergency stop button that will kill the circular saw. The 2nd extension with the jig saw is also constructed.

YouTube player

For part 4, the focus is on creating accessories. There are all kinds of brackets, sleds, and other bits that need to be created.

 

YouTube player

The final part of the construction videos brings everything together. The final touches are added to his accessories and the system is tested by making a few things.

A portable workshop is a pretty cool concept and I really enjoy the creative methods he employs to get space savings. If you wanted to replicate his project exactly, you can purchase the plans from his website.

Discuss this article with the rest of the community on our Discord server!
Tagged

I get ridiculously excited seeing people make things. I just want to revel in the creativity I see in makers. My favorite thing in the world is sharing a maker's story. find me at CalebKraft.com

View more articles by Caleb Kraft

ADVERTISEMENT

Maker Faire Bay Area 2023 - Mare Island, CA

Escape to an island of imagination + innovation as Maker Faire Bay Area returns for its 15th iteration!

Buy Tickets today! SAVE 15% and lock-in your preferred date(s).

FEEDBACK