Advice on finish for workbench

I have just finished my workbench top out of the same issue of Woodsmith that you are reffering to. I made it exactly to the dimensions in the issue but when i added the spline to fit the aprons took the 4.8mm(i think) masonite into account for a flush top. Used 2 full sheets of 18mm MDF glued together aswell as the extra pieces of MDF underneath. Used Vic Ash for the aprons and as Dazzler mentioned left the front removable to change the masonite if required. Haven't fitted the vice or drilled the dog holes as yet.

Now i need to make the framework. Done the legs and some of the rails.

Please ignore the frame work of the bench in the above attachment. That is my old bench frame being used with the new top while i make the new frame to suit. New frame will be made as per Woodsmith plans with the storage draws etc... added later.

Cheers. Steven.

Thanks Guys for the advice. The top will be a little while away yet as I'm working on the legs at the moment.

With regards to the masonite, how do I "secure" it to the bench? does it just sit on top, or is it glued, nailed or what. I can't quite picture this.

The masonite on my top is held on with small nails around the edges. If you glue it on you wont get it off when it needs replacing.
With the masonite held in by the aprons, it shouldn't move but the sheet i had was not as flat as i would have liked so i used nails. If you get a sheet thats flat, you may not need nails.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Steven.

I'd vote for the nails anyway. As soon as you spill something, it'll try to bow from moisture absorption; best to have it locked down. Don't know if there's a special name for them, but I've used (sort of) box nails about 12mm long with head about 3mm diameter. When time to replace, just dig in and pull: don't need to worry about beating up, because it's already beat up or you wouldn't be replacing it.

Joe

Thanks Guys,

I'll keep you posted.


- Argy

Yep, i used nails same as joe has suggested.

I also used a nail punch to tap them flat with the surface so they don't sit proud and catch or damage anything ontop.

Steven.:)