Diamond plate or smooth work top?

[64coupe]

I have a large sheet of 1/8" diamond plate to make a work bench top out of. I am trying to decide if I want to use the diamond plate side up or smooth side up. What do you guys think? Anyone have diamond plate as their work bench?

Thanks,

Keith

 

[TOMWELDS]

I'd want a smooth surface personally. Flip it over. Also, diamond plate (11ga) is cheaper than 11ga sheet. Dont know why.

 

[DynoDave]

I would agree. I'd go with a smooth top given a choice. Not only would it seem to make a better/level working surface, but I would think it would be easier to clean.

 

[TOMWELDS]

I get pissed enough just from a piece of slag making my work crooked. I cant imagine dealing with dia plate..L

 

[wythors]

I have a diamond plate bench and, while the look is cool, it isn't the easiest thing to work on. On the plus side, the diamond plate tends to hide marking of the top. If you're going to be doing a lot of fine work, smooth side up is probably best. If you're going to drop a transmission on it and tear it down, tread side up might be better.

 

[muddy]

Smooth for sure......although I've never graduated past wood at this point...Keith

 

[indyjps]

you could cut it and have a smaller section with diamonds up for rough work.

 

[86swb]

I would also go with the smooth. I had a diamond platd work bench as one time and it does look good but if I do again I would surely go with the smooth side up. MO

 

[beezerbum]

Worked at a fab shop. Just know it doesn't bend well (like for a lip etc.) It's hardened some, so it will want to break if you try a 90 degree bend. (Racers were always wanting it "bent" for wings and things. If you soften it then the coating is ruined and it will discolor.

 

[wythors]

Geez, talk about raising a thread from the dead.....

My workbench has a 90* bend where it wraps over the front. The coating is fine.

 

[sjsfire]

Unless your going for "the look" I'd put smooth side up. For everyday use smooth would be my choice.