Greetings,
I have been using a door for a bench top, and it is failing - it can't support my vice. I need to replace it.
My skill level is advanced beginner. I'd love a solid bench top made from laminated beams but that is in my future. I am looking for something I can get done in a short weekend.
I've read a bunch of threads and articles and I intend to put a sheet of 3/4" MDF over a sheet of 3/4" plywood. I thought of going with 2 sheets of plywood but I understand the MDF will give me a flatter surface, especially given the quality problems associated with the plywood. I'll glue them and use a few screws to hold them together. As the plywood will be on the bottom I'll get a less expensive grade.
I've read all about the pros and cons of this but haven't read about how well this top will work for clamping. Some questions:
- will this suffice for using hold downs?
- Will the bench dogs stay strong?
- I want to use the bench dogs and hold downs, so would I be better off with a 3rd layer, and if so, should I go with 2 layers of plywood and one MDF, or 2 layers of MDF and one plywood?
- I've read that I should use 1/4" hardboard on top of the MDF to protect it, but how does that get attached - glue?
I'll use the bench top for planing, sawing, etc. I am learning to use mainly hand tools. I have a Jorgensen vice to attach to the top and might get one for the edge at some point so those would need to be supported.
Any and all feedback is most appreciated!
Eric
I have been using a door for a bench top, and it is failing - it can't support my vice. I need to replace it.
My skill level is advanced beginner. I'd love a solid bench top made from laminated beams but that is in my future. I am looking for something I can get done in a short weekend.
I've read a bunch of threads and articles and I intend to put a sheet of 3/4" MDF over a sheet of 3/4" plywood. I thought of going with 2 sheets of plywood but I understand the MDF will give me a flatter surface, especially given the quality problems associated with the plywood. I'll glue them and use a few screws to hold them together. As the plywood will be on the bottom I'll get a less expensive grade.
I've read all about the pros and cons of this but haven't read about how well this top will work for clamping. Some questions:
- will this suffice for using hold downs?
- Will the bench dogs stay strong?
- I want to use the bench dogs and hold downs, so would I be better off with a 3rd layer, and if so, should I go with 2 layers of plywood and one MDF, or 2 layers of MDF and one plywood?
- I've read that I should use 1/4" hardboard on top of the MDF to protect it, but how does that get attached - glue?
I'll use the bench top for planing, sawing, etc. I am learning to use mainly hand tools. I have a Jorgensen vice to attach to the top and might get one for the edge at some point so those would need to be supported.
Any and all feedback is most appreciated!
Eric