David Miller
02-23-2008, 2:37 PM
I am in the planning stage of building a workbench. Right now I am thinking about the top. I haven't decided if I'm going with a slab with or without a tool tray down the middle. But either way I have a question about making the top.
Is there a disadvantage to using a slab of 8/4 material laying on it's face for the workbench top compared to 8/4 material ripped, stood on it's edge, and glued up? I have a slab of cherry that is 85"x15"x2". It is probably over 30 years old and is still rough sawn. I've had it for almost ten years and was given to me buy a mentor. I don't want to ever chop it up and I was thinking that using it for the majority of the top of a bench may be an excellent idea. I also have a couple 104"x7.75"x2" pieces that I could use for the remainder of the field and the apron.
However, the slab is not flat. :( It has ~3/4" crown along it's length. Can something this thick be "coaxed" flat?
Another question: is there a problem with using 4/4 material, ripped, laid on edge, and glued for the top? If not, would it be cheaper than using 8/4 material?
Thanks,
Dave
Is there a disadvantage to using a slab of 8/4 material laying on it's face for the workbench top compared to 8/4 material ripped, stood on it's edge, and glued up? I have a slab of cherry that is 85"x15"x2". It is probably over 30 years old and is still rough sawn. I've had it for almost ten years and was given to me buy a mentor. I don't want to ever chop it up and I was thinking that using it for the majority of the top of a bench may be an excellent idea. I also have a couple 104"x7.75"x2" pieces that I could use for the remainder of the field and the apron.
However, the slab is not flat. :( It has ~3/4" crown along it's length. Can something this thick be "coaxed" flat?
Another question: is there a problem with using 4/4 material, ripped, laid on edge, and glued for the top? If not, would it be cheaper than using 8/4 material?
Thanks,
Dave