Aluminum topped workbench

[ron in sc]

Finished aluminum topped workbench. It's one of those Sam's Club benches I've had for a few years with the maple hardwood top.

Finished size of top is 73" wide, 27 1/2" deep by 1/2" thick 6061 T6 top.

 

[hguerrero]

looks good...i have the bench without the middle support bars...somehow the maple top looks to good to work on...is it just me?
question...why not wrap completely around the edges?
was cost a factor?

 

[ron in sc]

somehow the maple top looks to good to work on...is it just me?
question...why not wrap completely around the edges?
was cost a factor?

Maple top looks great but does not tolerate corrosive paints or chemicals very well or any heavy duty hammering on metal parts.

Cost was not a factor I got a 4' by 8' aluminum plate from a friend for free. The top extends 1/2" beyond the maple top on both sides and the back. It extends 2" beyond the maple in front, that way I can clamp something to the top if need be.

Also I don't know if that aluminum could be bent when it's 1/2" thick. It's rather stong, I was told it is structural aircraft aluminum.

 

[akdiesel]

It looks good.
It would crack if you bent it in a normal press. It can be done correctly but more than likely it would be expensive.