Test bench work

[coalescent]

Hey guys,
I am setting up my PC workbench in my basement and it will also double as my normal shop bench.

I have the framing all complete but don't know what to cover it in.

I want something durable so I can pound and hammer on the thing, but also want something that isn't going to be super splintery or anything (for more delicate PC work).

It doesn't have to be dirt cheap but it's quite a bit of space....

<-----------7ft.--------------->
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||        |<---------60"-------->
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|8ft      |
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|V        |
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<---24"--->

[Vicenarian]

Hmm...the Home Depot people are probably your best bet for this.

[coalescent]

Originally Posted by Vicenarian

Hmm...the Home Depot people are probably your best bet for this.

I guess one of my other questions is how much ESD will be a concern as I use various types of wood. I plan on getting a couple anti-static mats to ground to nearby pipes but would applying a laminate be a better idea? Definitely increases the price...

[vdub12]

Laminate is the only way to go. I was going to cover mine with 1/4 inch aluminum but was worried about esd.

Laminate can take abuse and is easy to change if you want to every few years.

[emsbronco]

Look at pre-made laminate covered kitchen counters, either from a lowe's type store or from a "Seconds" store. They'll have a nice rounded front edge so you won't catch yourself on any splinters and can be mounted straight onto a 2x4 frame. As an added benefit, you may be able to get these with a 45 degree end cut already to make it a nice smooth surface stright into the corner.

That is what I did in my old shop before we moved into our new building. My new workbench uses some used 1" laminate countertop from a corporation that remodeled their breakroom.

[coalescent]

Originally Posted by vdub12

Laminate is the only way to go. I was going to cover mine with 1/4 inch aluminum but was worried about esd.

Laminate can take abuse and is easy to change if you want to every few years.

Link?

Are you talking about just installing countertops?

[coreyspeed]

Originally Posted by coalescent

I guess one of my other questions is how much ESD will be a concern as I use various types of wood. I plan on getting a couple anti-static mats to ground to nearby pipes but would applying a laminate be a better idea? Definitely increases the price...

Pipes are not the best idea for grounding as they may not be earthed correctly. I suggest using an ESD earthing plug or taking an earth feed from the mains electricity. it will be a much more reliable connection

[Snazzy PC Repairs]

For something simple, kitchen counter worktops are a great idea. Look for any bargains / end-of-line stock at your DIY store.
You could always get a couple of large ESD mats for the sensitive work.

[coalescent]

Originally Posted by coreyspeed

Pipes are not the best idea for grounding as they may not be earthed correctly. I suggest using an ESD earthing plug or taking an earth feed from the mains electricity. it will be a much more reliable connection

Since I am running electrical to the area of the basement, I could probably just attach to the ground there.


Unless I can find some really cheap (REALLY CHEAP, cheap as plywood) countertops, I dont know if I wanna throw that much money at the bench. Still quite a few other costs to worry about.

[Styxbound]

I've built a number of decent countertops using various woods, including luan or plywood for cheapos. What you do is apply several coats of a good polyurethane varnish after a sealer.