workbench

[spargs]

Hello all I am wondering what everyones thoughts are as to what timber I should use for the top of the workbench that I am building. I would like this wood to be available at ordinary hardware stores (eg. home timber and hardware,bunnies etc) and not a specialised wood place. The top will measure approx 1600 x 1000. I have been told a close grain hard wood is an appropriate timber. Any suggestions. Thanks nick

[Robert WA]

Where are you Nick? Your location may well dictate what you use.

Australia has plenty of hardwoods, most of which would do if milled and dried properly. Here in WA jarrah is a popular choice, preferably salvaged jarrah that is well seasoned. Be prepared to have 4 mates around to help move the bench if you go down that route.

Lots of workbenches these days are built with MDF or plywood tops, 3 layers of 18 mm topped with 6 mm masonite seems to be the standard. Nice and flat, plenty of mass and tough enough to withstand sensible use.

You may find that a specialised timber place, or a salvage place, is a better and cheaper source of good timber than a place like Bunnings.

Good hunting. Let us see a picture of the bench one day.

[spargs]

I am in Melbourne. I was wondering whether ash would be a decent substitute. The plans that I am using say to use beech.

[Eastie]

Mountain ash would be fine, laminating thin strips to achieve the required width would be preferable (to me) to using wider boards though. As Robert said if you want function over form - go with two or three sheets of 18mm mdf laminated together with a sacrificial sheet of tempered masonite on top :)

[Ben from Vic.]

spargs

Some Bunnings store also stock Jarrah, which is another great timber for a work bench.

It's a little harder and heavier that Ash. It will cost a little more.

Ben.