I’m going to be buliding a top for my new work bench this weekend and was wondering what you guys thought of this. I’m going to be using half inch plywood for the base then quarter inch Birch for the top. The reason for the Birch is so I can change it out from time to time. I won’t be hammering on it just assembly and stuff like that. I have a bench off to the side that can handle all the heavy duty stuff I need. What do you guys think? It’s not to late to chang I won’t get to it untill tommorrow.
Who Dares Wins.
Replies
I used a 3/4" particle board countertop blank for one I built many, many, years ago, (I'd tell you long ago it was but Cag would call me a geezer again, and I'd have to dopeslap him), and it has held up just fine. Nice smooth/flat surface, and cheap. Countersink and screw it down if you worry about replacing it.
I'm not too crazy about the two layer plywood thing, or any plywood unless you trimmed the edges.
and I'd have to dopeslap him
One of these days your going to get so old that dope slap won't be a threat anymore. :)Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals build the Titanic.
I think that you will have movement issues.
For an assembly table cover it with laminate or tempered hardboard (with a cost of finish and wax). You will have glue that drips on it and you want it easy to clean off.
Gunner.. G'day.
I like to us 2 layers of 1/2 inch ply [glued and screwed] with a long over hang for clamping and tempered masonite [1/8 or 1/4] on top of that brad tacked it in place. Brad tacking makes it easy to change out. Some times I use the VT covered masonite in white similar to cabinate liner.
Rubber cement [spray on temp hold] from 3m works too if you don't want any flexing or poping.
Since I'm saving you soooo much loot you can send me that Birch.
IMERC
Norm built one on New Yankee Workshop that looked pretty good. I think he used 3/4 ply and banded it then put tempered hardboard (Masonite) for a easily removed/replaced work surface. I belive he used some scraps of oak for banding. If you are not going to do real heavy work on it consider a hollow core door with a layer of tempered hardboard. Clamp the hardboard to door, use flush cut router bit to trim exactly, put hardwood band around it, make frame from 2x4, glue and screw cleats to bottom side of door to attach to frame.
There are many ways to build such a bench, If in a damp location I would not use the door idea and would not use particle board either. In a good dry location particle board should be ok. I think that the hollow core doors are pretty strong if beefed up as described.
i made some benchs for a sheet metal shop to spec with locking casters at bottom and 1 1/2 inch angle iron all around with masonite inlays. angle iron keeps masonite in place and its easy to replace, dont know if the steel on the edge would work for an assembly table for you or not but maybe a wood moulding?
Gunner
Maybe to late, unless you are sleeping in.
I've used two layers of MDF, put some finish on it, that way you can wash glue and other stuff off of it, can beat on it till your arms fall off and wont hurt it, cheap to.
I dont worry about screwing something down on it or anything for that matter, dont cost much at all.
Doug
Another vote for masonite, I had a 6'x10' assembly table set up in my parents old basement, made the base was only 4'x8' and for the I made a box frame out of 2x4 on edge covered in 1/2 cdx coved with masonite counter screwed in the four corners of each piece.
Nice and smooth, and flat and easily replaceable and cheaper then birch.
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals build the Titanic.
1/4" Tempered hardboard"Masonite" gets my vote also.. makes a nice work surface & when it gets buggered up just replace it..
ToolDoc
Masonite top it is. I saw the one Norm built and that's what I had in mind when I was thinking replacable top. I can always use the birch some were else.Who Dares Wins.
Cool, finally, a use for those "formal entries" that so many houses seem to have.
Sorry, could not resist.
Very nice benchwork, though.
I have 2 work benches in my shop.. I built them 1/4 inch below my table saw for an in-feed and out-feed table.. I made them out of particle board and 2by4's. I route on then, drive nails in them and when the top gets real ugly I take out 6 screws in each top and change them out. They are 36" by 72"