I'm about to build a nice workbench (at least I hope it will be nice). I know the preferred wood for the top is hard maple. I have some ash I came across (free stuff) a few yrs back, ranging from 2-3" thick, 6- 12" wide, and 8-12 ft long. Enough to make at least 2, maybe three large table tops. Question is, will ash hold up in the shop / workbench environment? Will it make a serviceable workbench top, or should I start scrounging for some hard maple?

What say ye fellow creekers?