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?
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.
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.
Posts: 3278 | Location: I live in southern mississippi | Registered: Jun 01, 2008
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,
sig: if this is a new economy, how come they still want my old-fashioned money?
Posts: 4713 | Location: North Burbs, MN | Registered: Mar 14, 2007
