Actually several questions.
Hello to all as this is my first post after lurking for awhile. Thank you for all the great information I've gathered here so far.
As I alluded to in the title line I am fairly new into woodworking and am assembling my first bench. Maybe prematurely I ran out and bought the Woodcraft 27 x 60 x 1 1/2 inch birch benchtop on sale and now am trying to figure out the best way to complete the bench. My first concern is whether it will be heavy enough or do I need to add some heft to it? If so, what is the best way to do that? I've thought about putting a layer of 2x6s under the top but I don't know if that is smart or even necessary. If it make a difference my plan is to start out with smaller projects using power tools wherever it's reasonable to do so. Thoughts?
Secondly I wanted to solicit ideas on the best way to attach the top to the support structure. I saw another post which seemed to address thermal expansion but don't know if that is or should be a real issue. It does get pretty warm and humid in South Carolina.
I'm also thinking about putting a skirt around the perimeter. I guess the objective would be to give me a little more real estate as well as better aesthetics. Of course that decision will be partly based on whether I add any of the aforementioned 2x6s. If I go that direction what is the best way to secure it to the top? lag bolts, glue, both? What about the potential expansion issue?
Currently my plan is to leave about 2 inches overhang on the front and back and around 6-8 inches on the ends. I have my eyes on that 30 lb Wilton vise maybe in the future. I hope and assume the top will support the weight of that.
I guess that is enough for the moment.
Thanks for listening.
Pete