Woodworking Workbench - Change of plans

As I started to contemplate how I plan to use this workbench, the utility of one of it’s features constantly bothered me. The Tool Well!

I’ve setup my workshop in a single car garage, so free space is at a premium. I’m diligent at putting tools away when I’m done with them and stay relatively organized. A tool well would either attract clutter or be a surface with little utility.

One thing I sorely lack in the workshop is a large assembly surface for arranging pieces, joinery, glue ups and planning - and tool well would half the working surface of the workbench. I thought about cutting some MDF or plywood to size and close up the well when I needed a flat top, but this seemed like more of a hassle. So with little remorse, I axed the tool well from the plans.

By this time, I had already cut up the 2x4s to size and squared off the corners so this decision would mean another trip to the stores. This time I scored some 2x4x92 5/8 that were in amazing condition - very little bows or twists. They were so good that I contemplated getting enough to do the entire top, but then what was I going to do with 7 pieces that I had already spent time getting into usable shape. So with another 7-9 of these beauties I headed home for more dimensioning, ripping and planning.

First set of 2x4 that were already cut to size, squared off and planned down.