Stainless Steel Tool Box Work Surface

[thr3squared]

I recently picked up a new tool box with a wood top, and would like to make a stainless cover to put over the wood.

To those who have this kind of setup already- do you what gauge metal was used?

 

[gloy]

Any gauge you want if it's just a cover. If it will be a work surface it must be thick enough to not stretch at impact points, or it will expand and bubble up in spots and never be close to flat. If you want it thick enough for a work surface I would not go less than 13 gauge (0.093"). Typical stainless sheet is pretty soft because it is annealed for fabricating or folding without cracking, which makes a thin guage a poor choice for a workbench top.

 

[thr3squared]

Any gauge you want if it's just a cover. If it will be a work surface it must be thick enough to not stretch at impact points, or it will expand and bubble up in spots and never be close to flat. If you want it thick enough for a work surface I would not go less than 13 gauge (0.093"). Typical stainless sheet is pretty soft because it is annealed for fabricating or folding without cracking, which makes a thin guage a poor choice for a workbench top.

Thanks! And yes it will be a cover over the wood, but I will use it as a work surface. Its a pretty solid piece of wood, so no need to get rid of it.

 

[tool_scrounge]

I have seen vidmar tool boxes with a 1.75" thick butcher block top with a 5 sided welded stainless steel box that fit tightly over the wood. The steel was about 0.09" or so thick. It looked to be a nice combination.

 

[thr3squared]

I have seen vidmar tool boxes with a 1.75" thick butcher block top with a 5 sided welded stainless steel box that fit tightly over the wood. The steel was about 0.09" or so thick. It looked to be a nice combination.

That's what I was thinking of doing exactly. If I get the measurements right and its a snug fit I wouldn't even need to glue it down (though it probably wouldn't hurt).