Workbench top

[Eric Aldrich]

I'm currently try to streamline my garage for my up-coming projects.  My current workbench is 2ft deep 6ft long and topped with a old laminate countertop.  It works great for most of my mechanical needs but doesn't provide a good flat surface for my woodworking projects.  I am going to build a frame to hold a 8ft long 3ft deep working surface but don't know what my best and economical solution is.  All I want is something durable and as close to perfectly flat as possible.  I've investigated butcher block tops and tossed around the idea of hardwood plywood tops but want to do it right the first time without crying when I drop the cash for it.

[ray vile]

I made a bench top from mdf and birch plywood, I also added a couple of t tracks for hold down clamps I have the pictures posted check out my page, I also used 1x 2 mapple to edge the top out with

[Eric Aldrich]

Thanks for the info. Ur bench looks great. What is the total thickness of the birch and mdf top?

ray vile said:

I made a bench top from mdf and birch plywood, I also added a couple of t tracks for hold down clamps I have the pictures posted check out my page, I also used 1x 2 mapple to edge the top out with

[Mark Ruggles]

I did an oak butcher block top. Got it special order from Menards when they had 20% off. I love it, very flat and durable.

[ray vile]

1-1/2'' the maple edges are 1x2's bought right from lowes, only had to cut the to length they are mounted from underneath with pocket holes

Eric Aldrich said:

Thanks for the info. Ur bench looks great. What is the total thickness of the birch and mdf top?

ray vile said:

I made a bench top from mdf and birch plywood, I also added a couple of t tracks for hold down clamps I have the pictures posted check out my page, I also used 1x 2 mapple to edge the top out with

[Fins59]

Problem with MDF is that if it's not sealed and you put something wet on it, it will stain and deform.
I have a 4'x8' MDF 3/4" thick top for a work surface and recently purchased and put a 3/4" piece (4'x8') of melamine (nice birch color) on top of the MDF. 1 1/2" total thickness and perfectly flat and any wetness wipes right off and sawdust cleans up better on the melamine than the MDF. $30 for the melamine at Menards.

[Eric Aldrich]

Thanks for all the info guys.  Very much appreciated.  I have some great directions to take off in now.  Hopefully (time providing) I will be posting some pictures of my new bench soon.