What metal for workbench top?

WinDancer

WinDancer

Joined
May 15, 1999
Messages
720
I built a new workbench 30 inches wide x 11 feet long. I am going to mount all my sander and grinders on it. I will not be doing any pounding or anything on this bench.

Can you suggest what kind of sturdy metal top surface for it?

Thanks!

Dave Evans
Tenino, WA

 
Some shops just use plate steel 1/2", 5/8", 3/4" depending on size and strength of bench. Weld a 2" pipe near each cornor for legs, flip over, and you have a great workbench.

BlacksmithRick@aol.com
 
Dave-

This isn't really answering your question, but my workbenches are topped with 7/8" plywood and formica.

It looks good, is easy to keep clean (CLEAN is important to me) and a great deal cheaper than a metal top, at least from the prices I've seen on metal large enough to top a bench.

VJ's over in Rochester sells sheets of 12' formica for $15-35 depending on the pattern and thickness.

Just an idea.

Nick
 
Rick said:
Some shops just use plate steel 1/2", 5/8", 3/4" depending on size and strength of bench. Weld a 2" pipe near each cornor for legs, flip over, and you have a great workbench.

Windancer's bench is 30" wide and 11' long. I'd like to see someone flip over a bench that big made of 3/4" steel plate.
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Dave, a metal top bench will be noisier than a plywood benchtop, My grinder bench is plywood with a couple of steel heat shields in strategic areas. I used some scrap pieces of wood stove pipe, because thats what I had.
A 3/4" plate 30"X11' would only weigh in the neighborhood of 800lbs. Not to much for a manly Man
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Sola Fide
 
Try a recycling yard.
Probably 8-12ga sheet metal would work to top your new bench. Galvanized metal won't rust as fast. If it were me I would go with a laminate or the hard type masonite. cheap and easy to keep clean. Metal under your spark areas should keep you safe from that 2am firetruck
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Just my 2cents

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Thanks for the input.

I think I am just going to go with plywood and formica, and plan on new formica every few years as required.

Dave Evans
Tenino, WA
 
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