level workbench

[mike/builder landscaper]

i am going to build a new workbench. my idea is to use 4x4 timber for the legs , 4x2 for the rails at 400 centres and have storage underneath. i want a big solid bench. so for the first surface i was going to put down a 18mm osb board. then edge the sheet of osb with some 4x1 pse timber. then i was thinking of pouring self levelling compound over the osb and then once dry finnish off with a sheet of 18mm mdf and cover this with a 4mm ply that can be changed when it gets worn. then plane and sand the edge back flush with the ply. will this work?

 

[OPJ]

Sorry, if I'm following this correctly, you're looking to have about 58mm (94 - 18 - 18) of the self levelling compound in thickness? Sounds like it might be quite heavy, which would only be a problem if you intend to move the thing. How strong is this stuff when it's set? Is it brittle at all?

 

[Scouse]

I saw someone on 'Grand Designs' on More4 do something similar with a kitchen worktop, built a frame and filled it with concrete. Seemed to work well. I think James May did the same thing on 'Man Lab' too.

Maybe I watch too much telly... :shock:

 

[Eric The Viking]

Axminster* sell an American (who else?) book on "concrete worktops". Looks like a lot of fuss for something to break crockery on, but hey...

E.

PS: Do you call downloadable woodworking books "Kindling"?
I'll get me coat, etc...

(*Other booksellers are available.)

 

[Rob Bacon]

I would not use self levelling compound as it will crack up when you use the bench you could use 50mm timber battens and make torsion bench top ie; 18+50+18+4 and the still lip with 4x1 this would be more stable, concrete worktops as used in the states do not get the pounding of a bench plus they have rebar and resin to strenght'en them.

 

[Eric The Viking]

Sorry: re-read your original posting.

My bench is 1.5" chipboard, with 1/2" ply on top. It's got 4x2 ribbing across the underside (lengthways) to stiffen it, and a hardwood front edge about 6x4" rebated to take the ply and chipboard. There's a hardwood lipping around the side and back edges. It's quite heavy and very stable, and takes clamps well.

I don't think you need the levelling compound really. I'd also think the MDF may also be overkill: thick green chipboard (the waterproof sort) instead of OSB would be both flat and dense (and heavy!). I held the ply down with screws from underneath on roughly 6" spacing.

Don't skimp on the front edge, however you do it though.

HTH,

E.

 

[RogerS]

What about drilling dogholes? Might be a challenge.

 

[BTR]

My workbench is based on a 4x2 frame and has 2 boards off 25mm mdf joined together for the top making it 50mm and a 25mm sheet off mdf for storage on the lower section definately strong enough