Workbench Top Material

[Scott Gibbons]

I am going to go with either MDF or Particleboard 4 layers laminated with a final 1/4 replaceable layer of hardy board for my workbench top. The over all dimensions will be 40x96. I have read conflicting information between which would be a better product. To fasten to the top to my steel legs, I will countersink bolts that will be hidden by the hardy board. So this leaves me with 2 questions

1. MDF or Particleboard
2. What kind of glue should I use for lamination


Thanks!

[Jerome Hanby]

I would go with MDF. Maybe use the Titebond laminate glue (the light brown stuff). Think that would give you more open time and very similar bonding to TB-II or TB-III

[Scott Gibbons]

Thanks Jerome!

[John Thompson]

+1 on MDF...

[Scott Gibbons]

MDF if is, off to lowes in the AM! thanks guys

[Scott Gibbons]

I picked up 5 sheets, 4 for the top and 1 for a box/stringer and 1 gallon of the brown titebond. Man that MDF is heavy

[Larry Nall]

Did you mean hardboard for the replaceable top or Hardie Board? Big difference.

[Scott Gibbons]

I think i mean Hardie Board. The stuff is dark brown and about 1/4 thick

[Paul Atkins]

Oh, Masonite! I thought Hardie board was concrete. Maybe ask the Hardy boys. Hardy Har Har. Boy, is it late or what?

[Tony Bilello]

MDF was a wise choice. It is easier on you and the tools. To me, dust is much easier top deal with than sharp chips, besides the MDF is way way stronger.

[ROY DICK]

Build the apron up 1/4" and drop the masonite in. If you need to replace it latter, lift it up and drop in a new one.

Roy

[Scott Gibbons]

Yes masonite thats the stuff.

[Lee Koepke]

I also wiped down a thin coat of paste wax on my masonite, keeps it smooth and clean looking!

[Wayne Hendrix]

Build the apron up 1/4" and drop the masonite in. If you need to replace it latter, lift it up and drop in a new one.

Roy

I agree that's what mine is set up to do except its two layers of plywood not MDF.

[Lex Boegen]

Hardboard (typical brand = Masonite) is a good choice. You can also get "tempered hardboard" which is moisture-resistant. I've seen 4x8 sheets of tempered hardboard at the BORG which has a smooth top layer with a white finish on it. It literally is only a couple of dollars more than standard hardboard, and I think the white finish would make cleaning up glue spills, etc. a lot easier. You could also use a dry erase marker on it for quick notes--it would in effect be a large whiteboard.