I need to replace the splintery top of my workbench; 81" x 30". What is the best material to use?
Is there any reason not to use plywood with formica laminate? formica chips , can catch , plywood splinters , , MDF or Melamine ,and repace as needed , U usually cover a sturdy bench top with 3/8" or 1/2" replaceable material. Its nice to have mdf so you can screw into when needed , but nice to have Melamine for glue cleanup . both have advantages , and both chap to replace.
best material for workbench top
I need to replace the splintery top of my workbench; 81" x 30". What is the best material to use?
Is there any reason not to use plywood with formica laminate?
Is there any reason not to use plywood with formica laminate?
21 - 25 of 25 Posts
Bob is making a pretty decent bench too. FWIW - there is a workbench smackdown thread somewhere on here. I'm still trying to get used to navigating the new site.
They make Melamine with MDF core. Also using conformat screws will improve grip in both MDF or particle board.
We are using white Melamine for all our countertops and table tops. It's cheap and easy to replace when damaged. But we rarely use hand tools and don't beat our table tops with hammers. I particularly like that Melamine is easy to keep clean. Also easy to add T track. It can be an advantage or disadvantage that it is also slick. That is good when your outfeeding stock off of a saw but not so good when you are pushing against a cabinet while driving screws. We use clamped down 2x4s to hold cabs as necessary.
We are using white Melamine for all our countertops and table tops. It's cheap and easy to replace when damaged. But we rarely use hand tools and don't beat our table tops with hammers. I particularly like that Melamine is easy to keep clean. Also easy to add T track. It can be an advantage or disadvantage that it is also slick. That is good when your outfeeding stock off of a saw but not so good when you are pushing against a cabinet while driving screws. We use clamped down 2x4s to hold cabs as necessary.
Try MDF core Melamine. That is what we use.I need to replace the splintery top of my workbench; 81" x 30". What is the best material to use?
Is there any reason not to use plywood with formica laminate?
I have a smaller table for glue ups and outfeed, its plywood skinned with formica. Easy to do and it cleans up quick. It is quite slippery though
21 - 25 of 25 Posts
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