Work Bench Surface

[OverkillYJ]

So I built a work bench on Saturday out of some wood I was able to reclaim from an old deck I tore down. The only wood I had to buy was 2 2X10X12 for each side since I didn't want to piece the sides together. It is as strong as I would like, but I am not sure what type of surface I should finish the top with. I would like to be able to weld on it without worrying about a fire. I might put metal on top, but I still think I would need a fireproof barrier between the metal and the wood. I also dont know how I would like the metal when working with electricity.

I dont want to do plain plywood because I do mechanical work mostly, and in the past I end up with oil stains on my work spaces since the wood just soaks it up the second it hits. So I would like something I could wipe oil and flammable fluids and things right off of.

One last thing is that I would like to do what I can to stop it from burning my garage down. Something I can paint the rest of it with. I know there are additives you can put in paint to make it flame retardant. I would like something I could add to paint, or just put on by itself so I don't have to worry about someone leaving a cigarette or something stupid on it and burning the place down. Any brand recommendations or good ways to do this?

And as far as the pics, yeah, I didn't square the legs yet so it may look a little funny.

 

[FarmerPete]

Use metal. Get a rubber pad that you can use on top for when you're working with electronics. I've never used this particular one, but here is an example http://www.amazon.com/Elenco-Electronics-WS-3-23-Inch-Anti-Static/dp/B0002KXCYE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1379338040&sr=8-2&keywords=electronics+work+mat

 

[Thumper68]

I would go with 1/4 in plate but if you want to go with a sheet metal top put 1/2 in cement backer board under it for heat resistance.

 

[Falcon67]

X2 - Hardibacker and then your top.

 

[NUTTSGT]

If you want to weld on it, I'd get a piece of metal at a local fab shop. Have them brake it at the front so it covers the front edge. Then have them create a 6" back splash to prevent welding berries from rolling down the back edge.

I think 6" will be plenty as your wall looks like concrete. If it were mine, I wouldn't worry about something in between the steel and wood. It's going to take alot of heat going through the steel to catch the wood on fire. If you're torching on that top and burning holes through the steel, them I'd be worried about it.


Paint, I wouldn't worry about finding a flame retardant paint either. You're bigger concern is a welding berry or spark dropping down under the bench into the pile of wood underneath it. Wait an hour after you finish welding before you leave the garage, is a good rule of thumb for something to show itself. I'd just paint the bench with some Rustoleum and be done with it.

 

[OverkillYJ]

Yeah I should say that wood underneath is just a temp thing. I needed to get it out of the way. I am not even close to getting my garage the way I need it.