Work bench question
12-04-22, 12:56 AM
#26
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I would not suggest a rubber topped bench. Now having a sheet of a "rubber" that can be moved about as needed... I have one of the self healing cutting boards with layout lines on it on one of my bench tops. One bench is metal but it's the one that has the cutting matt on it. For my uses a metal top is a bit harsh, I like a wood top and all the other benches are plywood topped.
Tools | Flickr is an album of some of my tools with various work benches from over the years. Note that I have some using plumbing pipe as the base. These are very modular and easily broken down for moving.
I have mounted many vises on benches, never bothering to use any layer of anything under the vise. I find keeping the vise hold down bolts tight is enough to net have any bench top wear od any concern. Andy
Tools | Flickr is an album of some of my tools with various work benches from over the years. Note that I have some using plumbing pipe as the base. These are very modular and easily broken down for moving.
I have mounted many vises on benches, never bothering to use any layer of anything under the vise. I find keeping the vise hold down bolts tight is enough to net have any bench top wear od any concern. Andy
12-04-22, 09:37 AM
#27
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The plate was a B day present from my first wife. I made a wood cover for it to add one more trash collecting surface when not in use. Andy
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AndrewRStewart
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12-04-22, 10:01 AM
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This is what I have. I coated the Masonite with varnish to give it more solvent resistance. I didn't really think about needing to replace it and now, after 44 year the Masonite is a bit chipped up with a few dings and stain marks, but nowhere near needing replacement. I can't imagine any bike work that would require a metal topped bench.
12-04-22, 10:39 AM
#29
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This is what I have. I coated the Masonite with varnish to give it more solvent resistance. I didn't really think about needing to replace it and now, after 44 year the Masonite is a bit chipped up with a few dings and stain marks, but nowhere near needing replacement. I can't imagine any bike work that would require a metal topped bench.
12-04-22, 11:09 AM
#30
elcraft
I use a cutting mat on a wooden surface for the bulk of my work. I have found that large aluminum bakers’ tray make a great chemically resistant and spill containing surface. These bakers sheets are available from commercial cooking supply houses. Likewise, I also use cafeteria type trays as surface savers and a great “ball bearing” catch trays.
