Test bench work

[Deleted member 13571]

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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<---24"--->

 

[Vicenarian]

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

 

[Deleted member 13571]

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.

 

[Deleted member 13571]

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]

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.

 

[Deleted member 13571]

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]

Countertops

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.

 

[Deleted member 13571]

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.

That's actually a really good idea, thanks. I never thought to finish the wood top.

Do you think I should get one piece of 1/2" particle board with a thin (1/4") piece of luan to put on top, or just go for a single (probably solid core) luan at 5/8"?

 

[vdub12]

Link?

Are you talking about just installing countertops?

Counter tops are expensive.

I would just glue down laminate to the plywood. Make sure you use 3/4+ plywood for the top.

 

[Styxbound]

Tops

Definitely put the particle board or better yet BC plywood. Be sure you have good bracing underneath. You know you can stain the top too if you like.

 

[Corbin]

I spent a bit more but I like it oak plywood, and just added a finish its 1/4 inch.

 

[Deleted member 13571]

Anyone used Melamine before? It looks like particle board but has a hard epoxy finish. Don't know if its durable enough for standard workbench work, but would be great for technical stuff...

 

[blackburgpchelp]

I'd recommend something like Masonite. Very easy to replace, very cheap, yet a nice smooth non-splintering surface.

-Rance

 

[tackify]

+1 for Masonite

It's a smooth, hard surface that will take a lot of abuse (and yes, it can take a pretty good errant hammer shot since said you wanted something you can hammer on).

Screw 5/16" over 1/2" plywood and it'll be mighty durable. If after some time and heavy use you want to replace it, it's cheap and easy.

 

[Deleted member 13571]

+1 for Masonite

It's a smooth, hard surface that will take a lot of abuse (and yes, it can take a pretty good errant hammer shot since said you wanted something you can hammer on).

Screw 5/16" over 1/2" plywood and it'll be mighty durable. If after some time and heavy use you want to replace it, it's cheap and easy.

that's what was on there before. Yeah, I guess I am warming up to that concept.

The workbench I took out was original to my house (1926) and the bench had seen better days. It was rotted out from water in the basement (no longer an issue).

A couple pieces of particle board (OSB?) + masonite is much cheaper than most of the other options and probably will be as strong. Ill put in some pictures when everything is done.

Keep comments coming, though, if you got em. My first house, my first workbench, so I'd like to keep as many ideas flowing as possible.

 

[Martyn]

As I took over our converted garage/dining room as a workshop it already had a large, solid rectangular dining table. I just got a sheet of 1/4" mdf to go on top. It's durable and works really well.

 

[Deleted member 13571]

As I took over our converted garage/dining room as a workshop it already had a large, solid rectangular dining table. I just got a sheet of 1/4" mdf to go on top. It's durable and works really well.

Yeah, right now I use our 3rd bedroom, which acts as an office. However, it isn't well insulated and in the summer is unbearably hot.

Down in the basement it'll be nice and cool, stable humidity, and quiet for me to work. I am so excited to get to work down there....