alternative to toolbox tops?

[xurusaibobx]

hello gang!

i was wondering what other option if any have you guys tried using as a toolbox top? am picking up a snap on double bank and instead of buying their stainless steel or wood block top i was wondering how many of you try to fab up your own top? using different material or the same?

500-800 dollars of a top is just a little crazy to me.

 

[gonefirefighting]

I use plain ole steel plate. cant hurt it and can do anything on it.

magnetic, can weld, cut, hammer, and even jig on it. hit it with a wire wheel and good as new

 

[remileblanc]

theres a guy at work who had a wood top covered in line-x. seems to hold up good and looks good.

 

[bassbone52]

I use a 3/8" sheet of plexiglas. It holds up pretty well.

 

[jk47]

Ikea counter tops come in a couple of different size's, thickness's, materials...

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/kitchen/10472/#

 

[jeffmoss26]

they put 3/8 or 1/2 inch plastic on the tops of workbenches at work. Don't think it's plexiglas as it's opaque.

 

[plinker]

Most of the one's I've seen are either countertop or butcher block type material.

 

[OccupantRJ]

they put 3/8 or 1/2 inch plastic on the tops of workbenches at work. Don't think it's plexiglas as it's opaque.

Sounds like polypropylene.

 

[afazz]

I use a piece of 3/4" Birch plywood, I think the 4x8 sheet cost $40 and it was enough to do my KRL722 and my friends US General. I think it has one coat of polyurethane in these pictures.

 

[jeffmoss26]

OccupantRJ, you may be right. I will have to ask on Monday!

 

[Motofixxer]

A regular countertop from your local home improvement store. There are some awesome laminate options available.

 

[lucky3]

I got a oak workbench top from menards for $77 and cut it down to fit my classic 78.
Heres a pic.

 

[MoToys]

Solid core wood door. Check for one in the ding and dent section of your local door company. You can usually get one for $50 or so.

 

[bgott]

http://www.tractorsupply.com/rubber-horse-stall-mat-4-ft-x-6-ft--2219003

It's a PITA to cut. Cut it with a Skil saw.

 

[dragoocoda]

Woodcraft sells butcher block tops in various sizes, Rockler does as well.. About $150-$200..

 

[Outlawmws]

Somewhat depends on what you do/what you want out of it, and what you will do on top of it.

Besides the factory SS or wood tops, and besides the other wood tops mentioned, you can go with IKEA butcher block tops, as they are fairly popular for a good "finished look" top, and are beefy enough to take a fairly good beating, Plywood, Hardwood, faced ply, Hardboard/masonite (On plywood), Formica, Aluminum plate, Steel Plate, conveyor belting, rubber walkway mats, Yoga mats, and Corian could be used. On the subject of exotic materials, I'll bet Granite or marble would be cool in the right environment, I've even seen carpeting used

 

[OccupantRJ]

I use conveyor belting on my roll around box at work because it keeps you from having to chase small assemblies while using wrenches to repair them, due to the torque applied. With a smooth top, things would suddenly jerk and move around when I least wanted them to.

 

[JeremyManning]

x2 ikea countertops are solid wood and cheap

 

[xurusaibobx]

I got a oak workbench top from menards for $77 and cut it down to fit my classic 78.
Heres a pic.

yeah thats probably the option i go with.. but my snap on guy did say marble or granite top would look sick hahha