Ideas for outfitting the garage brewery

[johnc66]

We just moved into our new home and the garage we have has a lot of room. I have an upright freezer for fermentation and a fridge to convert to a kegerator. I am looking to build a good work bench and I thought you folks might have some ideas for its design. I am going to work with a basic design: 36"dx72"lx32"h. Shelf on the bottom and shelves above the main work surface. I thought about using a piece of aluminum or stainless on the main work surface. Any ideas, additions, etc?

Thanks,

John

[foomench]

stainless

[Bugeater]

If you can't afford stainless (and few can nowadays) try a bench top made of 3/4" plywood painted with the epoxy coating they sell for concrete garage floors. This will take lots of abuse, won't soak up anything and will be more forgiving than stainless when setting down something made of glass a bit quicker than you should.

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company

[Mylo]

I think I saw brushed aluminum formica somewhere. I think it actually has a thin layer of metal on top. That, I'm sure, would be a cheaper alternative to stainless.


Mylo

[foomench]

I've seen lots of stainless steel tables on craiglist in my area. They show up under the business/commercial section. Some are expensive, but most are below $200. Now if I could just find that two-bay stainless sink I've been looking for. I found one for $150, but it was gone before I could pick it up. Lesson learned.

[Hammer]

Stainless without a doubt. The two tables I use have been great. the legs have levelers and the tops always look clean. Both I got for free by keeping an eye out for business expansion and closings. watch the dumpsters around the reasurants too. Stainless cleans easily.

[johnc66]

Thanks for all the great ideas!!

I found this place on line that has brushed SS and I can get a 3x6 sheet for ~79.00

http://www.discountsteel.com/index.cfm/go/main.itemDisplay/itemID/126.htm

I have checked Craigs list for items, even used is expensive and I want to customize it a bit more. But I will keep my eyes open. I was lucky enough to have a utility sink in the garage, right next to the main door for easy outside access.

Keep the ideas flowing..

Thanks,

John

[fastdogbrewing]

Thanks for all the great ideas!!

I found this place on line that has brushed SS and I can get a 3x6 sheet for ~79.00

http://www.discountsteel.com/index.cfm/go/main.itemDisplay/itemID/126.htm

I have checked Craigs list for items, even used is expensive and I want to customize it a bit more. But I will keep my eyes open. I was lucky enough to have a utility sink in the garage, right next to the main door for easy outside access.

Keep the ideas flowing..

Thanks,

John

The problem with online metal places is the shipping, especially now. In most cases you may pay more locally for the metal, but you won't have to pay for shipping.