Melamine

[Munga]

I'm in the process of building a new router bench and as of now the top is 2 x 16mm sheets of MDF and was going to put a third melamine coated sheet on top of that giveing 48mm thick top but am unsure of the durability of melamine under this type of work load has anyone got any opinions on this for or against.

There will be a Jessem Mast-R-plate inserted in the top sheet with a Triton router. 8 drawers @130 x 110 x 400, 4 @ 330 x 300 x 400 & 4 @ 85 x 330 x 400 plus dust chute etc.

Top is 1000 x 820 with an overhang of 50mm all round as a clamping aid.

Arch.

[echnidna]

If the top is supported by cross members 18mm is thick enough.
Melamine will work for a while but being very thin it may wear through reasonably soon. Better to sheet the top with Laminex or aluminimum or even some gal steel sheet.

[journeyman Mick]

Arch,
Melamine is a pretty hard surface, but very thin. Unless you put a hell of a lof of timber across your table you're unlikely to wear through it for quite a few years. If you do you can simply replace the top with another piece or glue an off cut of laminate (a fair bit thicker and harder wearing) over the top (adding some laminate shims in the router plate recess to bring everything level).

Mick

[Munga]

Bob, the table has the two center dividers as supports the idea of the third layer was that I can get a 1220 x 2400 sheet for the same price as a 1000 x 850 sheet of laminex. I thought of aly as a cover but I was put of by the marks it left on some work when rubbed on it and steel as I'm a fumble fingered idjut I was worried about damaging the cutter edges if dropped.

Mick, thanks mate I will go with this idea as you point out I can replace it in the future if it wears excessively.

Thank you both for your help.

Arch

[Scribbly Gum]

Dear Munga,
Roger Gifkins uses the thick lamipanel. I think its about 3mm thickness. He also has tips and how-to's on router table building. Might be worth a look. Here is the link: http://www.gifkins.com.au/
The Router table plans are a PDF file so you will need Adobe Acrobat to view them.
They are quite good.
While you're at it have a look at some of his beautiful boxwork.
Regards
SG