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Work Bench Surface
I need to put some kind of surface on some workbenches. I was wondering if anyone has tried Vinyl Floor tiles & if so how it worked? They are cheap and would be easy to install.
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What are you going to use the work benches for? If they are like most work benches, you're starting with steel. So if you're going to use them as typical work benches, tempered masonite would work well. Also consider marine plywood. You can secure both materials with countersunk machine screws.
I think tiles may be too fragile if you'll be doing hammering on the benches or setting heavy components on them. Just some thoughts. |
OK, I will weigh inn here!
After several garages and multiple benches I would recommend 1/4" thick UHMW (or ask your plastic distributor for cheapest plastic sheet). You can purchase it in 4x8 sheets, (white) cut to fit. It is both durable, and great looking. It also is a great barrier to prevent scraches on fragile surfaces, and cleans with a simple rag and general cleaner. Purchase it at any plastic house. OR.. my favorite and maybe my next bench (if I can afford it) will have copper sheet. Soft, malable and really cool looking! Regards, steve |
When we remodeled the Kitchen I took all the cabinets and put them in my garage. I now have MDF board on the tops and need something to cover them to keep oil froam soaking in. I was in Home Depot and they have the self sticking linolium tiles that are inexpensive. Linolium floors seem to be pretty tough and so I would think this would work. In addition if one tile was damaged it could be replaced.
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Get the self stick tiles. Easier to replace and works pretty well. As cheap as they are you can beat em up then replace as needed!
I like Steves idea too..gotta' give that some more thought! DV...new building in the works :) |
I covered my plywood with sheet metal purchased from Home Depo(2'x4' sheets I think). I also bought the angle iron they sell and used it for the front edge of the bench. Wipes up nicely and can be hammered on. Cheap too!
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At work, we have steel top benches that we've added a sheet of 1/8"-1/4" thick rubber sheet. We then have a small steel plate on top of that in one section for a hard surface. It seems to work great at not damaging parts, or getting stained. Any liquids wipe off.
I would think that would do great on top of either a countertop type bench or a steel one. |
I HAVE A CONTRACTOR COMIMG OUT NEXT WEEK (I'VE USED HIM BEFORE) TO MEASURE MY WORK BENCHES.
I'M GOING TO DO THEM IN STAINLESS STEEL WITH A 4" SPLASH BACK AND A 2.5" EDGE DROP ALL AROUND. WELDED ON ALL CORNERS. I HAD THIS IN THE SHOP AT THE OTHER HOUSE (PRE-BOOM) AND LOVED IT. LOOKS GREAT, GIVES DURABLE A NEW MEANING, AND CLEAN UP IS A SNAP. IT'S A ONCE IN A LIFETIME INVESTMENT (UNLESS YOUR DAMN HOUSE BLOWS-UP) AND WILL OUTLAST A TON OF PLASTIC OR VINYL. ALSO, YOU CAN CUT ON IT, GLUE ON IT, WELD ON IT AND JUST WIPE IT UP. STEVE - JUST WHAT IS "UHMW"??? Y'ALL HAVE A REALLY GREAT DAY, BLACKJACK |
Stainless steel or aluminum
Over 3/4 plywood. Have the shop break to fit, break in a back splash, glue or nail to the plywood. Relatively cheap, easy clean up, chemical and heat resistant and very tough. If you get bored, you can polish it!
Rick |
Jack,
UHMW, "Ultra High Molecular Weight" (I think). This is the white plastic sheet you see used (in or as) industrial guide "type" applications and even as cutting boards. Many grades of plastic are now available, some much less expensive than UHMW, but for our purposes just as good, and much less costly than SS! Steve |
THANKS, STEVE.
BJ |
I would use a 2x6 or 3/4" plywood base and top it with either of the following products which are relatively sturdy, inexpensive and easy to replace.
I second the idea of -Tempered Hardboard or A Melamine topped Hardboard or Particle Board-Melamine is a resin impregnated paper bonded to the substrate that is pretty tough. (Same material that you often see on the shelves of new cabinetry) Pretty sure the Home Centers carry this Good Luck |
Steve & BlackJack - "UHMW" is actually UHMWPE which stands for Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. Great stuff and very machinable. It can also be purchased in black or whatever color additive the manufacturer decides to make.
Robert |
Mine are stainless steel. After wood, etc., there is no comparison.
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ROB-R,
THANKS VERY MUCH. I'LL LOOK FOR IT. IT WOULD BE GREAT FOR MY NON-GARAGE WORK BENCHES. Y'ALL HAVE A REALLY GREAT DAY, BLACKJACK |
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