Work Bench Top Protection

[Canadian Charlie]

Hey guys, I just put on a new top on my workbench, half inch plywood. Is there something I should apply to it to protect it before I bolt up the vice????

 

[lilredex]

Paint would be nice, and maybe 3/4" ply under it if you intend to do any real work there.

 

[Steevo]

12ga steel does a good job of protecting it.

 

[wizness]

I used hard board. Works good and super easy to replace. I would add more plywood honestly. Half inch is pretty weak but good luck.

 

[allinon72]

Couple coats of poly urethane to make it more fluid resistent.

 

[zkling]

I would not use plywood for a work surface. If you insist, a good sanding and a coat of poly. Topping it with a piece of MDF or hard board would be a better idea.

 

[QtrHorse13]

I use textured HDPE. It has a slight texture to it and is very dense. It is what food cutting boards are made out of. It is resistant to most chemicals that a typical workbench comes into contact with. It is harder that plywood but costs more. You could get the smooth version if you prefer a smooth surface, HDPE SR. The only thing I don't like is that your choices for colors are limited to white or black in most cases. You can get colors but they cost more and are harder to get.

 

[torqueman2002]

Conveyor belt.

Really, it is tough, inexpensive, cuts with a sharp utility knife, and solvents do not affect it.

 

[boobag]

Conveyor belt.

Really, it is tough, inexpensive, cuts with a sharp utility knife, and solvents do not affect it.

good idea, but finding it is another dilema.

 

[torqueman2002]

good idea, but finding it is another dilema.

I am lucky to live in SE Michigan, where there are many industrial suppliers.

I Googled conveyor belt and there are 3 with in 15 miles.

Here are some offered on eBay.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p4712.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0&_nkw=conveyor+belt+material+used&_sacat=0

To secure it to the bench, I used drywall screws with finishing washers.

 

[A**holes Garage]

12ga steel does a good job of protecting it.

ditto

 

[velocipede]

Right now my bench has a tempered hardboard (Masonite type) top, sealed with shellac, which wears so well it's never been replaced. I do a lot of woodworking and actually keep the hardboard covered with disposable red rosin paper from the BORG which can be easily replaced if it gets too greasy from some wrenching job:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Trimaco-36-in-x-167-ft-Red-Rosin-Medium-Weight-Paper-35145/202040751

Recently, I was in tow with the missus and noticed this on sale at JoAnn Fabrics and bought it on a whim:

http://www.joann.com/36x59-cutting-mat/2622033.html

Got home and read mixed reviews. Apparently, you can't trust the accuracy of the markings, but I think it will serve my purpose: Impervious to most liquids, will take a beating, won't tear easily, can be cut on and used to help align parts and should be an easy clean up. Time will tell.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I used hard board. Works good and super easy to replace. I would add more plywood honestly. Half inch is pretty weak but good luck.

+ 2 !

 

[Canuck76]

I like bulk roll red rubber gasket material.

Chemical resistant and wears well! A little contact cement holds it in place.

 

[lilredex]

So, where does one find that? I'd like to make up a few gaskets with that.

 

[Big Bad Dad]

When I worked in an HVAC sheet metal shop, I bent up a sheet of 24ga. metal to cover mine. Make sure it has hemmed edges to avoid cuts....

 

[mtwaterguy]

12ga steel does a good job of protecting it.

I agree here's mine.

 

[Canuck76]

So, where does one find that? I'd like to make up a few gaskets with that.

This is where I get it from: http://www.raleighdurhamrubber.com/products.htm#gasket.

I've purchased 1/8" & 1/4". I would stick with the 1/4" for a bench top.

 

[zkling]

This is where I get it from: http://www.raleighdurhamrubber.com/products.htm#gasket.

I've purchased 1/8" & 1/4". I would stick with the 1/4" for a bench top.

Mind sharing the price for a roll?

 

[Whiskeymike]

I used hard board. Works good and super easy to replace. I would add more plywood honestly. Half inch is pretty weak but good luck.[/URL]

x2. I then cover the hard board with packing paper so I can throw it away after it gets dirty. Also handy to write measurements, do math and draw something out. I also don't mind using a razor on it when trying to cut insulation from a wire or other purposes.

The nice thing about the hard board is that it's smooth and cheap so you don't mind replacing it when it get's beat up.

I like the idea of a metal top, but I have a welding table so the hardboard is a nice alternative for things that need to be a bit softer and non-conductive.

 

[BonzoHansen]

I used hard board. Works good and super easy to replace. I would add more plywood honestly. Half inch is pretty weak but good luck.

I do the same

 

[Canuck76]

Mind sharing the price for a roll?

Sure thing. 1/4" x 36" x 25' was $275. Not too bad if you divided the cost over 3 work benches.

 

[22george]

I used conveyor bolt also
Works great

 

[Davefr]

Use the PVC flooring tiles intended for garage floors. (Metal is to slick):