Thread: Laminating a workbench top

Not sure which FGI laminating resin you have, and there seems to be a range based on vinylester and polyester systems. Neither is epoxy and both are intended for other applications, primarily bonding to like products to build up layers within or around a form. Haven't had anything to do with vinyl ester so won't comment there, but poly resin is well known for brittleness and poor penetration into timber. Epoxy has more flexibility and good penetration, hence its high regard in marine application.

On the other hand, for what you want to do, a decent PVA or polyurethane glue would be better, having adequate adhesion without the glueline hardness associated with the resin compounds.

The resin glueline hardness would be a major issue with leveling the top after the glueup, the only method available would be sanding which would tend to hollow the boards between the gluelines as the raw timber would be softer than the resin impregnated timber of the glueline.

I had the same question a while ago so I went off to the local joinery shop. When I told them I was gluing hardwood (spotted gum benchtop in this instance) they told me I would need to use epoxy (two part) glue. I thought, if it's good enough for the professsionals . . .
To avoid the stress of finding a supplier of the glue and then having to buy a full tin of the stuff for one little job, I asked if I could buy some from them. For $15, I walked away with enough to do another 20 benchtops.
If you try the same thing, go prepared with a couple of containers for the glue (Part A and Part B)
The glue in this instance was called TechniglueCA.
Cheers

I can testify that Techniglue is a great epoxy. But to laminate a hardwood benchtop - why not PVA? Doesn't PVA glue hardwood very well, provided the glue is applied soon after the hardwood has been prepared (otherwise it gets a bit oily - which isn't good for epoxy adhesion either is it?)? Just wondering....

wood glues like PVA should be able to do the job.
glue up time is an issue... i bought tightbond 3 for it's longer glue up time properties but even that's only about 15min.

My workbench top is laminated mixed hardwood (30x50mm) strips. They were glued with standard white PVA. After 5 years there is no sign of delamination and the bench has copped a fair workout including some metal bashing during that time. I don't see any need to fork out extra $ on expoxy.

The easiest way to ensure that your laminated top is flat is to add one lamination at a time and not try to glue it all in one go. Ensure you have freshly planed/sanded/machined surfaces at the glue line to avoid any issues with oily or resinous timbers afffecting the glue.

Thanks all.
Once I cleanup the mess the timberyard made when they "Dressed" the timber I'll have a crack with PVA.