What would make a good top/cover for a workbench? Im using folding plastic table, wood workbench and a SS shelf on saw horses as my work surfaces. I want a cover or matting or such to cover the surface mostly for wood working. Any suggestions?

i would use apiece of 1/4 in tempered masonite cut to fit

yup. us gran'pas agree

If you cut the hardboard 2 inches larger both dimensions, (or 1 inch bigger on all sides) and then glue a wood strip around the perimeter, and flip it over. It will not slide on the table top, but will stay centered and yet easy to remove.

Sounds like a good start, but is there also a cheaper alternative? I was thinking of a mat similar to what drafting boards had. A mat like this would be great for my temp table and my wooden workbench that gets used mostly for "tooling" anyhow.

I'm keeping the hardwood idea in mind, however I don't want to make anything permanent yet cause Im hoping (praying) that I can finally make my new work benches next summer. In the meantime, I have a few misc projects I want to do and I'll be helping my son here soon with pine cars.

then get a big-donkey cardboard box and open it up. try an appliance center, they bring the boxes back for disposal after installing them.

go to a proffesional bicycle store and ask for an ADULT size bike box. it works great and you get 2 covers if cut properly.this keept my workbench clean for the last 30 years.after the cover is dirty recycle the cardboard ..

you gotta get some 4x4s for the legs and 2x4 for the frame. build a real work bench. using saw horses and a card table would drive me slap crazy
every time you do anything the table shacks and moves
if money is an issue. it darn sure is at my house
buy a 4x4 once a week, the start hoarding 2x4s
couple of mths, you got a work bench
or.. ck a repurpose store in your area
and buy a couple of used base cabinets, then cover with plywood... oh yeah..thats what i want
as far as a top goes i perfer wood covered with sheet metal. easy to clean up, and oil doesnt soak in and get all over you.

This is what I'm after. Does anybody know if theres something like this at lowes, stapes, etc?

I've looked some, but may have looked in the wrong spot. At least now with this website, I can take a print in someplace to ask.

all the home centers have some sort of packaged work bench, some with steel tops. none are as sturdy as you can make yourself with some straight cuts, carriage bolts, and 2x planking on top or 3/4 or heavier plywood.

if you have an alcove in the garage or shed where you can strap the thing between framing members for added stability, even better. I was going to disassemble Dad's old workbench before we bought this house with a framed, legged, screwed into the studs job with a top of 2x8.

I am sorry to say that with the rapid bursts of activity around here the last 5 years, my workbench is safely covered... with half-done projects and stuff that needs to be filed. that protects it well.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: swschrad,

http://i1357.photobucket.com/a...uff/internet/033.jpg http://i1357.photobucket.com/a...uff/internet/034.jpg http://i1357.photobucket.com/a...uff/internet/035.jpg
this is my little work space. its my work bench and reloading bench...the top of the table is 2x6 which are hinged to give me more storage http://i1357.photobucket.com/a...uff/internet/032.jpg

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Frodo,