Workbench top ... my plan. What do you think?

[Dick in Wisconsin]

I'm looking to put tops on two workbenches in the race shop. I have frames.

I propose to start with 1" plywood or OSB and put them MasterForce stainless steel on top of that:

https://www.menards.com/main/tools-...e-reg-work-surface/p-1444451674956-c-9188.htm

I apparently can't look at the product in the Menards store, have to order it to the store and then look at it. The product information on-line is silent with respect to thickness of the stainless steel. The price after 11% rebate before sales tax is $160 each for the 72" x 24".

1" OSB or 1" plywood under the stainless steel.

I've never bought sheet steel. Would I be better off going to a sheet metal shop and getting galvanized or whatever sheet steel is and having it bent in front and with a back splash in back?

Another thought is marine grade HPDE ... 1" thick, maybe 1.5".

Looking for thoughts on my ideas. Thanks!

 

[tjdux]

Can say that here in my small town is a metal fab place called PVI and they have done lots of custom metalwork for our reaturant in stainless steel.

We had them make a counter top with bends on each edge that was about 3x5ft and it was around $230 custom made to our exact specs 12awg SS.

I donno what you have near you but if you have a free hour (or likey less) and a good metal shop nearby bring them some plans and have them get you a quote.

Any good shop will take you seriously and get you a solid quote. The local place we use is a 200 employee manufacturer firm that still does small jobs when asked and i always get treated nice and im a less than 1000 dollar every 5 years customer compared to their big $$$ accounts.

Also in the mean time claw more info out on that menards top. It maybe worthwhile for the price but not its its 20 awg steel or something like that.

Good luck

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[matt_i]

Weirdness they can't even advertise a thickness.

I vote for at least getting a metal shop quote. Just make a sketch, if you give them specs and time, it could be a nice "filler" job for them if they find a time when they aren't busy and you can afford to wait abit. I would also drive the "cash discount" idea too.

The 12ga thickness TJDux suggested would be so much heavier than what Menards is selling I feel certain. I would be surprised if they were selling 16ga....

 

[MJD1]

The description says 70 pounds. Aprox 12 square feet. 10 gauge, close to 1/8" is approx 6 pounds per square foot.

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

The description says 70 pounds. Aprox 12 square feet. 10 gauge, close to 1/8" is approx 6 pounds per square foot.

Good point. Thanks!

 

[Sjfab]

That probably includes backer plywood (mdf)

 

[Aquamoose]

If you're not set on steel, consider a fiber mesh rubber top. It's a thin sheet of industrial rubber that is approx 1/8" thick and it gets glued to a mdf top with a bull nosed front. Had it for over 20 years and it's just the right top. Parts don't slip from under you, it's easy to brush clean, can wipe off solvents, and easy to create.


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[Dick in Wisconsin]

If you're not set on steel, consider a fiber mesh rubber top. It's a thin sheet of industrial rubber that is approx 1/8" thick and it gets glued to a mdf top with a bull nosed front. Had it for over 20 years and it's just the right top. Parts don't slip from under you, it's easy to brush clean, can wipe off solvents, and easy to create.

Leaning towards steel, but open to a good idea as well.

Where do I find "fiber mesh rubber top"??

Thanks for the idea!

 

[larry_g]

I'm going to assume that the metal your getting from the box store is going to be fairly thin. That to me says you have to have a fairly hard subsurface to put it on or it will dent and malform easily. Plywood or OSB is a relatively soft material. You might want to consider a layer of hardboard in there or use a maple or oak subsurface.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[pi_guy]

I did a 3/16 aluminum sheet on one of my boxes. I found that if I dropped a gear or something hard I would rather damage the sheet than the part. Plus if I needed to jig something taping holes in AL is easier than steel.

 

[Aquamoose]

Leaning towards steel, but open to a good idea as well.



Where do I find "fiber mesh rubber top"??



Thanks for the idea!

Industrial rubber supply house. Search for a company that sells conveyer belts locally and inquire. I got mine in San Bernardino, CA years ago. Try Abbott Rubber in Illinois. I took the liberty to look one up locally for you (more or less). They sell cloth inserted rubber sheets.


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[Big Dad]

They have one of those tops in my local store on display, very nice

 

[Barnabas]

Look at used restaurant equipment stores and check the classifieds for used stainless steel restaurant kitchen tables.

This 108" x 30" kitchen table with bottom shelf just sold for $55 at a local auction at a closed restaurant. You could remove the legs and use this top on your own counter.

 

[Barnabas]

How close are you to Roseville MN?

Here are some great stainless steel tables at an auction.

https://www.restaurantequipment.bid/cgi-bin/mmlist.cgi?rebid1/category/ALL

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

Look at used restaurant equipment stores and check the classifieds for used stainless steel restaurant kitchen tables.

This 108" x 30" kitchen table with bottom shelf just sold for $55 at a local auction at a closed restaurant. You could remove the legs and use this top on your own counter.

Great idea!

How close are you to Roseville MN? Here are some great stainless steel tables at an auction. https://www.restaurantequipment.bid/cgi-bin/mmlist.cgi?rebid1/category/ALL

I'll check that out. Probably five to six hours.

 

[Sjfab]

I build and sell custom stainless workbenches and I live in the Minneapolis/st Paul metro area. If you're looking for a nice stainless counter top, I can build whatever you're looking for.

 

[Socket Pounder]

Is the stainless bonded to the wood substrate?

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[Sjfab]

Is the stainless bonded to the wood substrate?

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Mine is yes