HDPE work bench top

[alan camby]

Anyone use HDPE over the top of their wood or steel bench top.

I have a few work benches with 3/4" plywood tops that quickly have become stained with oil and other shop fluids. I stained one of the tops with the darkest wood stain I could find to make the top look better.

Wondering if I would regret trying HDPE to cover a bench?
I have been impressed with UHMW while working in a factory but wonder if the HDPE will hold up as well.
I used to own a Argo brand AATV (6 wheel vehicle) and the HDPE hull and skid plate was very durable.

Menards has sheets of black HDPE in 1/4" and 3/8"

http://www.menards.com/main/p-2246284-c-14048.htm
http://www.menards.com/main/p-2246285.htm

What do you guys think?
1/4" or 3/8"?

Menards has the 1/4" in stock. The 3/8" is quite a bit more $ and has to be ordered.

thanks

 

[MFolks]

If it were me, I'd go with the 3/8" thickness. You'll probably need to mechanically mount to the old bench top with screws & nuts. Maybe either countersunk screws, or counter bored holes, for recessed hardware. HDPE is slick, (kinda like Teflon)so most glues won't bond with it.

 

[alan camby]

If it were me, I'd go with the 3/8" thickness. You'll probably need to mechanically mount to the old bench top with screws & nuts. Maybe either countersunk screws, or counter bored holes, for recessed hardware. HDPE is slick, (kinda like Teflon)so most glues won't bond with it.

I have had good luck using elevator bolts to fasten my plywood tops down.
They leave a very nice smooth top while still providing a good capture of the material. Think of a carriage bolt without the dome head, the head is flat.

 

[alan camby]

I agree the 3/8" will probable be better.

With HDPE, am I "boldly going where no man has gone before"?

Anyone else done this? Pictures?

 

[sublimate]

I many applications HDPE is pretty slick, on par with PTFE (teflon).
Will your workpieces slide around as you're trying to work on them?

 

[larry_g]

I have worked on some HDPE tables and have a chunk on my toolbox. It will scratch and gouge fairly easily and then collect dirt to look bad. It is a great top if your working on stuff that you do not want to mar with a harder top or if your working with precision surfaces. It's good if you need it but not suitable for doing heavy auto parts on.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[paranoid56]

thats a real cheap price for HDPE, i wish we had one of those stores near us, even from my plastic mfg i cant get it that price is that smooth or textured hdpe?

 

[Voi]

When I scroll over the picture on the two links it looks like the generic version of Starboard XL (I'm guessing it's not the real stuff at that price).

If it is, both thickness will consist of a foamed HDPE interior laminated on both sides with skins of "solid" HDPE. This is very similar to Sintra, Celtec and other PVC sign boards, but made from HDPE. It is not the same as cheap foam sign board you can buy at craft stores. These are much higher quality products.

My point is that the exterior skins on both sides will be the exact same mil thickness and basically offer the same degree of protection. Just the foamed HDPE interior will be thicker.

If I'm correct I would just go with the 1/4" panel, assuming it will lay flat as well as the 3/8" panel.

I should also add that these materials are only rated for "incidental food contact" (which I think basically means no chopping) because the outer skin is somewhat easily punctured. This technically means it won't be as suitable for a work bench cap but I wouldn't rule it out based on that. I've made numerous jigs, etc. out of Celtec and it can take a bit of abuse.

I'm making some educated guesses about this Menard's product based on a CGI. I'd go look at them closely in person and see what you think. It should be pretty easy to tell.

 

[alan camby]

thats a real cheap price for HDPE, i wish we had one of those stores near us, even from my plastic mfg i cant get it that price is that smooth or textured hdpe?

I believe it was a polished smooth finish. Been a few weeks since I looked at the samples in the store.

 

[rmmiller]

We just finished installing 42' of HDPE counter tops on our counters at work. We went with 1/2" thick just for durability and to minimize any chance of warping. It's worked out great, the black looks good and the oils clean right off (we're a hose shop, hydraulic and industrial).

This is one of the counters we have in the showroom, it's 12' long and there are two of them. We also have three six footers in shipping and receiving, all have seen a lot of traffic and are holding up very well, much better that formica!

 

[Stillboardin]

We just finished installing 42' of HDPE counter tops on our counters at work. We went with 1/2" thick just for durability and to minimize any chance of warping. It's worked out great, the black looks good and the oils clean right off (we're a hose shop, hydraulic and industrial).

This is one of the counters we have in the showroom, it's 12' long and there are two of them. We also have three six footers in shipping and receiving, all have seen a lot of traffic and are holding up very well, much better that formica!

Don't mean to hijack this thread but I had a little freak out moment when I saw this picture. Something told me I knew where this was. I clicked off the thread and it was bugging me so I went back and looked again and then looked at where you were from. Kennewick. I grew up in Richland.

Weird how something looks familiar to you.

Back to normal programming.

 

[dragginbalz]

I believe it was a polished smooth finish. Been a few weeks since I looked at the samples in the store.

The 1/4" they have in store at my local Menards is super smooth on one side and textured on the other.