Re: Work Bench

Leon wrote:

That bit of information probably would have been helpful. ;!) I am wanting a "flat" work bench to shape wood and or use for assembly of furniture. I really want to get something bigger than my TS top. LOL

Personally, The only clear surface in my shop that I can use for furniture assembly is my table saw and small parts of the floor. If you really need a flat surface, really flat and really stable, then you need to build a torsion box with plywood on both sides and an optional easily replaceable hard board top.

My work benches all have 2x6 tops made out of cheap, construction grade 2x's. They look good (like wood) and are strong enough for anything I've ever done. My main workbench is 30 years old, and has been used to build fine furniture, junk furniture, repair electric motors, rebuild gas engines, sharpen chain saws and about every other task one can come up with over a life time. I look at all the fancy "cabinet makers" work benches with the 3" hard wood tops, tool trays and what not and I shake my head... If I made one of these things I'd be afraid to use it, and besides, they generally have no storage in them and I would never build a bench, work bench, tool stand etc. without storage. I don't really care how big your shop is, you need more storage.

Is my main bench top beat up? Damn right it is, but it looks better to me than the day I built it. I planned on having to refinish or replace it periodically, but no way, no how. This is cheap, soft construction grade pine. Whats nice about that is I was never afraid to use it, I could always replace it easily and cheaply if I wanted too, just never found the need.

I might add I haven't seen much of the top in a few years, it is habitually covered in "stuff" If my memory is working, you are the guy that posted a picture of your bench in a once in a blue moon semi-uncluttered condition?

--
Jack
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