Material for Workbench Top

[MongoTA]

I made a "beat on it" workbench top for a neighborhood kid. He used for for several years, he started a neighborhood landscaping business that grew. He did engine work, chainsaw, mowers, etc, on the bench top. Plus a lot of other fiddly stuff. Drove screws into it to hold jigs/forms, etc.

He wanted 96" by 36" , so we bought ten 2 x 6s (1-1/2 x 5-1/2). Ripped them down the middle to make 20 pieces, 1-1/2 x 2-1/2. Flipped them on the 1-1/2" edge, alternating the grain as needed, used titebond and pipe clamps. Ended up with a nice top, 3' x 8' x 2-1/2" thick.

 

[PoorUB]

For years my main bench was 2x4 frame, 3/4 plywood top with 1/8 hardboard on top. Replace the hardboard when it gets ugly.

My current bench top is a formed laminate counter top from Home Depot. They last 5-6. Years then replace.

I also have a steel bench for welding and beating on. My bench vise is mounted on this bench. it is made from 1/4 steel plate and bed to the wall so it isn't going anywhere when I get crazy with the vise.

 

[rd65]

Mine are currently solid core doors, 30" deep, on kitchen cabinet lowers. I may formica some of it, some done in metal would be nice as well. My old bench is in the garage and has a formica top, easy clean up is nice. Maybe someday for the shop.

 

[nadogail]

For years Sold Core Doors from commercial buildings have been used for bench tops.

I once scored some sections of Bowling Alley and traded them for threaded hardware worth a small fortune.

My present welding table top is a repurposed piece on Fiber cement Backer Board.