Repurpose this for bench/countertop?

[67carl]

I didn't want to hijack the thread about workbench top materials so I'm posting my question here. I'm remodeling my garage and will be building a workbench. I also have some kitchen cabinets that I plan to put in my laundry/workroom. I've been thinking about butcher block for either of those applications and have been watching Craigslist. I found these two desks that have B Block/hardwood tops for $50. I think I can rip the tops off and cut to size. What are your thoughts on the cost and idea?

 

[67carl]

A close up of the surface...

 

[coyotejake]

You reeeaaaallly ****. Scratch that. They won't work at all. You'd better sell them to me. I'll just take one for the team on this deal.

 

[softailgarage]

You do ****. I just did a quick search and found almost a matching set for $1200.00. You better grab that tomorrow...I mean first thing in the morning, like 6:00am ('cause I'm loadin the truck up right now, should be there by daybreak )

 

[4xdog]

My first thought was they might be veneer or even decorative laminate over MDF base -- there was a lot of that made during the time period those desks date from. But there were solid ones made, too, and the ad is pretty clear in its description.

Double check 'em, but keep your fingers crossed. They look like they'd make a fine work surface.

 

[Steevo]

If those tops are truly solid oak through and through, that is a heck of a good price.

 

[67carl]

Thanks guys! I've been watching them on C list for about a week trying to figure out if I should or shouldn't. Really don't have space yet (my cabinets are stacked beside and behind my house and covered in tarps as I try to get the garage done), but from your reactions I better not let this opportunity pass. I just contacted the seller so we'll see how it goes.

So now you vultures can turn your trucks around and just go home. Unless you want to come out here and enjoy the 60f day and have a beer or two. I'm buying.

 

[Roadster Rich]

I have an old steel drafting desk with a wood top. 32" by 60" that is heavy as hell. I put a three wheel dolly under each leg and it is the best item in my shop. Wheel it up tight to the wall and when I want to use it for a project I can wheel it easily to any spot in the shop.

 

[zkling]

If those tops are truly solid oak through and through, that is a heck of a good price.

This, I'd be a little suspicious. I've seen quite a few that look like that and ended up being a cheap particle board wrapped to look like solid wood. I hope that is not the case here though.

That or the actual table is pretty thin and the edge is just a edge piece to give it a thickness look.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

This, I'd be a little suspicious. I've seen quite a few that look like that and ended up being a cheap particle board wrapped to look like solid wood. I hope that is not the case here though.

That or the actual table is pretty thin and the edge is just a edge piece to give it a thickness look.

"cheap particle board" yep that is what my monster desk is - same build as that one, except add a full set of drawers.... Mine has double thickness top, and heavy.. Very easy to load into the F150,, One man on each corner; I watched... Used a hoist to unload...... Rolled into my office single handed-in pieces... Original plan was to use for toy train repair, but,, being it is such a nice desk,, I used it for a desk... Double layer of 3/4 plywood would be a better choice for a durable workbench top...

 

[stage20]

some of those are not solid. mdf bottom, with plywood or mdf stands, then the oak top.
2 1/2 or 3/4 inch layers with small runners in the middle. i have a conference table top that is built like this. looks like solid oak, but only about an 1/8" engineered over layers of plywood and mdf. semi solid, and still very heavy. id use it either way for that price.

 

[67carl]

Well I went and looked at them a little while ago. The top is solid oak strips, each strip maybe 3/4" wide and 1/2" or a little less thick. All the rest of it is cheap wood, but that doesn't matter as I only want the tops. It was getting dark so it was hard to see but it looked like the top was attached to the bottom with particle board glue blocks (so it's at least glued to the bottom) and likely some combo of nails/screws. I measured them and got these dimensions for the tops:

19 3/4 x 71
34 3/4 x 71

It may be a little thin for a hard use workbench but maybe not for general use counter tops on the cabinets I'm putting in the laundry/workroom. I could lay down ply or MDF for a base then cut these to fit on top?

They are very heavy SOB's so I'd need to rope a friend into helping me load/unload them into my truck. i told her I'd let her know tomorrow as I want to measure my cabinets and work area to see if I can make them work.

 

[NUTTSGT]

If they are only 1/2" thick, I think I would pass on them and go with 3/4" plywood double thick.

 

[softailgarage]

Or put it on top of 3/4" plywood, thats what I would do.

 

[67carl]

I think I'm going to pass. My cabinets are in a U shape and no matter how I cut these up they won't be enough to cover the run. I was trying to think about where else I could use them but nothing came to mind... Last thing I need is more stuff laying about taking up space.