Work bench top

[JoeyMitch]

Hey guys. Tried the search bar but couldn't come up with a good thread. We're going to replace our work bench top very soon. Currently it is 5/8" plywood. We were going to do that again but maybe we will switch it up a bit. What do you guys think? We don't think stainless would fit the budget as this is just for a home garage Thanks.

 

[balane]

When I built my main work bench I used what I had on hand. That consisted of a few 2x12's making the bottom layer of the work surface. Then I ripped a large piece of 1" MDF to size and used wood screws to attach it to the 2x12's. On top of that I glued down some black formica. It has 4x4's for legs and the back is bolted to the wall.

Again, I'm not saying I would design it this way myself but it was materials I had on hand and ended up working well. Have used it for a couple of years now and it's still solid and looks good. My vise is mounted to it as well and it's stable enough for me.

 

[lowbucktruck]

I used a solid-core door for the top of my new workbench (it was free!), worked great. Nice and solid. I had to rip it to size, of course. I added the alum. trim later. I have been using this worktop for a year now, no problems.

 

[jeffmoss26]

My 2 benches are both Craftsman...the newer one is MDF and the older one is particle board. After beating them half to death with drills/saws/spraypaint, I went out and got a sheet of masonite board and had it cut into 2 pieces, one for each bench. It came out perfect!
Here is the thread I made on the subject:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=116289

 

[carterbeauford]

oak plywood, stain and poly it. if it gets scratched, sand and refinish, looks like new.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

if it gets scratched, sand and refinish, looks like new.

It's a workbench. It will get scratched every day. Marks and scratches add character, IMHO.

 

[tjsr19]

I took 2x4s and glued them on end. Then planed the top smooth. Next time I would square them up on my table saw first... But mine came out nice anyway. I have under 20 dollars in mine.

 

[yost69]

I used 3/4" mdf with a coat of poly on it. Has worked out very good so far.

 

[2oolhound]

I took 2x4s and glued them on end. Then planed the top smooth. Next time I would square them up on my table saw first... But mine came out nice anyway. I have under 20 dollars in mine.

Similar to one I had. The back wall wasn't finished so I started at one end nailing 2x4's on end to each other. As I got to a stud on the back wall I did a lap joint there. I had a 2x6 attached along the back wall for the 2x4's to sit on as well. A second 2x6 ran along the front and a third one was 6" back from it. The front 2 were notched into 8" logs that were the legs. I could have wailed on that bench with a 10 lb sledge hammer and it wouldn't have hurt it.

 

[Bull]

Find yourself a small amount of reclaimed oak flooring. Looks great, easy to do, is durable.

 

[C.BRAXMAIER]

I went with 2x4 for the frame 3/4'' plywood and toped it off with 18 gauge sheet metal, the only thing i do to it is wipe it down with wd40 once in a while..

 

[Journaler]

I went with 2x4 for the frame 3/4'' plywood and toped it off with 18 gauge sheet metal, the only thing i do to it is wipe it down with wd40 once in a while..

Nice workbench!

Off topic: I like that file handle, was it a simple matter of cutting off the old, welding on the new?

On topic: Did you wrap the sheet metal yourself? How did you fasten it to the top?

 

[C.BRAXMAIER]

Nice workbench!

Off topic: I like that file handle, was it a simple matter of cutting off the old, welding on the new?

On topic: Did you wrap the sheet metal yourself? How did you fasten it to the top?

I think I got the file Home Depot, I measured my bench and had it bent to that
Size by a local shop, the fist one I did I used I silicone to hold it down but was not needed after I bolted my vise to it.

 

[bobcatdan]

If sticking with wood, I like tops made from 2x6 or 2x8 then covered with masonite. Personally I like steel.

 

[coolreed]

Depends on want you want to do.

I like a SS top for mechanical work and greasy work.

I prefer hardwood for other chores. You can get some solid maple tops really reasonable.

Masonite is good to have around, cheap, flat. When it gets too scared up, throw it away and put on another peice.

 

[pipsters]

I think I got the file Home Depot, I measured my bench and had it bent to that
Size by a local shop, the fist one I did I used I silicone to hold it down but was not needed after I bolted my vise to it.

Out of curiosity what was the approximate cost...looking to do the same thing you did.

I don't like a wood top due to oil/**** soaking in. I want something I can wipe down.

 

[Ksullivan]

I am considering using a workbench and making it similar to a butcher block, determine what thickness you want and then rip down 2x stock to the right thickness and glue it all together. Should last for years!

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

Anyone using Corian?

Any material to stay away from?

 

[lowbucktruck]

Out of curiosity what was the approximate cost...looking to do the same thing you did.

I don't like a wood top due to oil/**** soaking in. I want something I can wipe down.

Well, if money is no object... then do stainless steel. A wood top like mine just needed a good coat of polyurethane to seal it; messes clean right up.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

I'm currently building a new surface for my main workbench. I'm doing 1/2" plywood covered with gray Formica laminate over the existing 2x8's.

I got the Formica for free after my buddy's wife said "oh hell no" regarding his choice in countertop color (gray), and I figured it'd be a good use for it.

 

[C.BRAXMAIER]

Out of curiosity what was the approximate cost...looking to do the same thing you did.

I don't like a wood top due to oil/**** soaking in. I want something I can wipe down.

I think it was 7' long and 2' wide for one I have 2 the same it was around $40.00
I didn't think that was a bad price...

 

[tool_scrounge]

Anyone using Corian?

Any material to stay away from?

Corian scratches up pretty easily so I would avoid it.

Hard maple butcher block is my choice. Recycled bowling lane wood I hear is also good, provided it does not have too many nails. Keep an eye out on Craigslist for it.

I once saw a maple butcher block top with a five sided welded stainless cover (1/8" thick). Very nice!

 

[rockchucker]

Priced my Stainless Bench Top at just a hair over $500 with the Back Splash and 1 1/2" drop down finish in the front. 14' x 24"

The Frame of my Bench can be seen on my shop thread. I went with 3/4 Cabinet Grade Plywood for the Bench top then just have scraps of 1/2" on top of that to stop Oil Seepage and smashing marks. =)