Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I was encouraged by the large number of positive reviews as well as the customizing options this kit allowed for. I had an idea of what I wanted going in and this kit provided for that. I cheated a bit by having the folks at the big orange box store cut all my wood for me (big shout out to them for cutting nearly perfect cuts). I used upgraded 2x4s and also used a sheet of 3/4 ply overlaid with another piece of 3/4 sanded birch ply. I wanted a cleaner top look so opted for the two layers. This also allowed for a better grab on my bench vise once I installed that. I also added a rounded piece of 1 1/2'"moulding on the front of the bench to cover the front edge as well as the two different layers of ply visible from the front. More for aesthetics than anything else, but it's a nice look. I had to cut away small areas on each side to allow for the plastic legs braces as the ply sets in behind them slightly. I chose to go with one long top shelf for storing power tools etc. I like the one smaller shelf on the side for smaller tools, bits, etc. I used a Miniwax stain conditioner (highly recommend, especially for birch), and a Miniwax stain and poly as well. I applied 3 coats, as I am going to use my bench primarily for gun repair/assembly and wanted to avoid fluid stains, etc. I don't suspect I will be beating or scraping the crap out of my top, so the poly works for me. If you're doing carpentry, metal work, etc you may choose to avoid the poly. I added some galvanized pegboard also found her on AMZ and a few small storage buckets and hardware containers. I added a shop towel holder on the side for clean ups and of course had to add a bottle opener on the front. I added a nice LED shop light across the top and at 5000 lumens, it provides more than enough light. I will add a magnifying glass lamp at some point for the detail work. Overall, love this bench. I probably spent more than I would have if I'd just gone out and purchased a complete bench. But I wouldn't have it customized the way I like it, and would've missed the fun of building it myself. Highly recommend to anyone even remotely handy. If you get the wood cut elsewhere, it's very easy. As others have mentioned, get a nice power drill and a few Irwin Quik Grip clamps if you're assembling yourself. Can't do it without those. Enjoy.