For the uses you're describing, I'd make the top of a double layer of 3/4"
plywood and then cover that with 1/4" tempered hardboard. I'd also put a
trim strip about 3/4" thick 1 3/4" wide hardwood (oak would be good) around
that to protect the edges. The edging should be flush with the top of the
1/4" hardboard. This combination would provide a nice, flat surface that
would hold up well to the abuse it is likely to see. Once the hardboard got
really beat up and oil soaked, it would be an easy matter to replace without
the need to rebuild the bench. I'd polyurethane the oak trim and leave the
hardboard as is. A strong sub-frame of 2x4s would be able to support
motorcycle engines, trannies, etc. Be sure the wall cleats that hold the top
are screwed into studs.
Cheap, easy and very serviceable.
Charley Robinson
> -----Original Message-----
> From: shop-talk-owner@Autox.Team.Net [mailto:shop-talk-
> owner@Autox.Team.Net] On Behalf Of old dirtbeard
> Sent: Saturday, February 10, 2007 8:47 PM
> To: shop-talk@autox.team.net
> Subject: bench top
>
>
> Hi guys,
>
> ...
> My question to the list is if you were building this as your second bench,
> would you consider decking the workbench with:
> a.. 2"x4" or 2"x6" running perpendicular to the wall (standing one would
> be
> facing the end cuts)
> b.. 3/4" particle board
> c.. 3/4" plywood
> d.. other?
> And if you would use a wood surface, would you treat the wood with:
> a.. mineral oil
> b.. polyurathane
> c.. other?
> Thanks guys, this is going to be my second bench and does not need the
> 10,000
> lb. capacity that my Hercules/Little giant welded steel bench has.
>
> Oh, it will be used mostly for motorcycle and British car work, along with
> the
> normal house and yard stuff.
>
> best,
>
> doug
>
> '72 BSA B50SS
> '74 Triumph TR6
> '01 Harley XLH883
> '03 GMC Cargo Van
|