Got tired of not having a proper workspace in the garage, so I removed the old "workbench" that was there to build a new, larger, and more stable one.
Most of the material I've used is lumber that I had lying around, and I must say I'm satisfied with the build so far. Good surface, stable (will attach a large vise to it, among other things), etc.
The only thing I essentially bought new was construction plywood (15 mm) to be used as a bench/work surface, believing it would be hard and durable enough. I usually don't apply much force on the work surfaces, but quickly noticed that the plywood is unfortunately too soft to use as a surface to work on. (Before, there was a kitchen laminate countertop that the previous homeowner had set up as a workbench/work surface).
Therefore, I'd like to add something on top of the plywood to create a harder/more durable surface to work on. It can't be particularly thick as the height of the bench is at the highest level now.
What do you recommend out there?
- Oil-hardened MDF?
- Something else?
Metal is unfortunately too cumbersome, and I'd like to keep the "build" on as small a budget as possible. )
I have been using building plywood on my bench for 3 years now. It is partially impregnated with hydraulic oil that leaked from a log splitter. Works well without any further treatment.
But you could put an oil-hardened board as a "sacrificial board" so you can easily replace it when needed.
I have been using construction plywood on my bench for 3 years now. It is partially impregnated with hydraulic oil that leaked from a wood splitter. Works well without any additional treatment.
But you could put on an oil-hardened board as a "sacrificial board" so you can easily replace it when needed.
maah said:
I have been using construction plywood on my bench for 3 years now. It is partially impregnated with hydraulic oil that leaked from a wood splitter. Works well without any additional treatment.
But you could put on an oil-hardened board as a "sacrificial board" so you can easily replace it when needed.
Among all the "boards" out there, is oil-hardened MDF the strongest/most durable?
It can be a "sacrificial board" as you say.
I work on motorcycles so a little oil spill, etc. will occur. What I didn't expect, though, was that the construction plywood would be so soft. The slightest angular object leaves deep marks on it.
Feels so sterile with sheet metal, plus the counter is angled (45-degree at the "standing spot"). Feels tricky to fix... I've never worked with sheet metal. *scratches head*
Where do you buy sheet metal? Hardware store?
Anyone with experience with other types of "cover boards" that could be used in my case without adding too much bulk?
I saw in a garage thread someone using floor mats of the type used at airports on their benches. They must be incredibly durable and also resistant to liquids. I'm thinking of copying that in my build.
Feels so sterile with metal, plus the bench is angled (45-degree angle at the "standing area"). Feels tricky to fix... I've never worked with metal. *scratches head*
Where can you buy metal sheet? The hardware store?
Anyone with experience with other types of "cover panels" I could use in my case without adding too much?
You custom order metal sheets from a metalworker or blacksmith if you can't do it yourself.
I saw in a garage thread that someone used floor mats of the type you find at airports on the benches. They must be incredibly durable and also resistant to liquids. I'm thinking of copying that in my build.
That would be perfect. Please let me know where you get such mats when you get started.
I use form plywood for my workbench, there is also so-called wear plywood used on trailers which is also a good alternative.
Wear plywood would have been good to choose, of course. I checked the local XL Bygg and they charged 2000 SEK for a sheet of 1200x3000 mm, and an acquaintance (a skilled craftsman) recommended construction plywood instead...
Wear plywood would have been good to use, of course. I checked with the local XL Bygg and they charged 2000kr for a sheet at 1200x3000 mm, and an acquaintance (a skilled craftsman) recommended construction plywood instead...
The idea was to be as "economical" as possible...
Formplywood is more durable than regular plywood but costs less than wear plywood...
Maybe it can be something to have as a surface layer!? It's a bit slippery, I use it in the workshop - Works great!
Formplywood withstands more than regular plywood but costs less than wear plywood...
Maybe it could be something to have as a surface layer!? It's a bit slippery, I use it in the woodshop - Works great!
)
maah said:
slacker said:
