melamine workbench top durability?

[redline9k]

Finishing up a build and looking like a steel top is going to be out of budget...

I dont work with anything too heavy that would easily dent it, but I would imagine things get dropped on it from time to time, degreasers, glues, oils ,etc....

would you suggest using melamine, formica, or something else as far as durability goes for a workbench top?

 

[mjozefow]

Go with 3-4 layers of 3/4" plywood, topped with a sacrificial piece of hardboard (aka masonite) or Luan. I love my WB top, and it is very durable.

Also, if you cut the top at 32" then you can get three thicknesses from two sheets of plywood.

Furthermore, if you keep your construction to all 2x stock, you will save a lot of money, and end up with a more dimensionally stable bench.

 

[brownfoot]

the solvents, oils, garage stuff (even gasoline) will not hurt it
pencils write on it for notes very well, good ole WD-40 will clean it

just don't do any metalwork or heat on it

have used a section of countertop (post formed) for a drill press table, just support it underneath for the weight or it will sag, thr laminate is very thin on these

or use 5/8" or thicker underlayment and glue the laminate to it like the old style kitchen tops, the laminate is almost 1/16 thick and pretty durable
around here, some of the old floor covering places also did countertops from the sheet stock and may have a "scrap" you could get cheap, that is if sparkle pink is ok for the shop.............

 

[On Edge]

I used a sheet of Melamine ripped in half for a workbench top. Has held up for about 5 years with no problem. I do plan to change to an IKEA SS look Formica top here real soon.

 

[Falcon67]

>just don't do any metalwork or heat on it

I have a piece of 1" thick melamine covered shelf from a junk store. About 24" x 30" . It's where the belt sander, 14" metal chop saw and welder are used. MIG welding scores and discolors the top, but otherwise hasn't hurt it very much at all.

Also - check with a industrial air conditioning company, might be able to have them bend up a sheet metal top for your bench fairly cheap.

 

[Wingnut65]

I have been using a plastic laminate counter top as a daily workbench for 9 years with no problems. I have scratched the heck out it, but it is a workbench. A razor blade scrapes off all glue and other debris. I have another 2x workbench for the vice and heavy work.

Good Luck with your project and Welcome to GJ.

jeff

 

[benjamming]

You could also have the sheet coated with Line-X.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Go with 3-4 layers of 3/4" plywood, topped with a sacrificial piece of hardboard (aka masonite).

This is what I do. Hardboard is very durable, and when it does finally get too beat up you can simply replace it.

Plastic laminate can chip, some solvents will damage it, and of course you can melt it with heat.

 

[redline9k]

3-4 layers?!

I think a 3" top with grain oriented layers would be a little (alot) overkill.

I need a basic daily workbench for medium duty household stuff.

I think im going to try out a cross braced 2x frame with 3/4" melamine surface and see how it goes...with the hope of getting a few years out of the top before i need to replace it.

 

[terabyte]

here is mine
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27528&highlight=melamine
I moved it from the shop to the new garage and its still holding up well.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Oh wait, I didn't catch that part about 3 or 4 layers of plywood. Yeah, I don't think you need that much, a single piece of 3/4" plywood for the top would be enough for most tasks.

 

[kbs2244]

Do it your way.
If and when you have a problem then go with a sacrificial piece Melamine.
I use whatever is basicly whit from the junk pile at the local big box.
If a 4x8 has damaged corners they cannot sell it.
But I can trim it to fit.
My tops last about 5 years with average use.

 

[dmeadow]

This is what I do. Hardboard is very durable, and when it does finally get too beat up you can simply replace it.

Plastic laminate can chip, some solvents will damage it, and of course you can melt it with heat.

I used hardboard, as well. Note the downside is that it will soak up any and all liquids and get really ugly over time. Easy and cheap to replace, though.

 

[Teikas Dad]

I just finished my workbench...put an 8 foot long butcher block countertop that I bought at Ikea for $58.00. It's an inch and a quarter thick and made out of birch. Solid and heavy...and cheaper than an 8 ft countertop from the big box stores.

 

[Zeke]

You could also have the sheet coated with Line-X.

That would seen to be difficult to clean. I have both high pressure laminate and raw wood. Each has it's own benefits.

 

[mdbeck1]

My workbenches for pounding stuff are wood (one piece 3/4"). The assembly tables have formica because I had it. ALL of the woodworking tables I've built have the formica now. The wood slides easier and if it's a light color I can write on it in pencil (wipes off easily). I only used flat sheets so I could clamp stuff to it.