Recomendations for table top on acrylics work bench?

[dcamp]

I am building a new work table for assembling acrylic tanks and sumps and am looking for sugestions on what type of material to use for the table top.

 

[Simms142]

i like polished formica. MDF is a nice base because it is manufatured perfectly flat. Just make sure you put enough braces and allow for shimming adustments for sag Birch ply would be another good option if you find a good flat piece

 

[Acrylics]

Ditto the above

James

 

[dcamp]

Thanks for the response guys. I have some MDF but was not sure if it would soak up any spilled glue and cause problems.

 

[Acrylics]

Yep it will, solvent will also glue the acrylic to the MDF, use the MDF as a base layer, the place polished Formica on top of it. Very few if any solvents attack phenolic at all - phenolic being the actual plastic that Formica is usually made of (w/ wood backer of course).
The reason for *polished* Formica is so that parts are easily moved on the surface (esp if waxed).

HTH,
James

 

[cklugewicz]

Definitely go with the MDF as recommended above. You might want to consider laminating the MDF with melamine instead of Formica -- melamine is slightly textured and provides a nice, slippery surface without the tendency for things to get stuck like they would on a highly glossy (non-textured) surface.

The Borg has pre-cut 3/4" panels of melamine over particle board. Particle board is also very flat, but it's not quite as sturdy as MDF -- you will need to reinforce the bottom to prevent bowing of the work surface.

-- Chris

 

[AQUAN8TOR]

there is paintable paper faced plywood which is a lot cheaper than either formica or melamine topped tables. It runs about $50 a sheet (4'x8'). It does stick to wet glue, however. but, if you're careful about where you clamp your projects, it shouldn't matter. Plus, you can draw/scribe lines very easily on the paper surface for making different jigs--router/drill press/etc...fwiw

 

[cklugewicz]

The stuff jazzyreef is talking about is called MDO -- medium density overlay. It's great stuff and is used by signmakers all the time. The outer surface will absorb water, glue, etc. if unpainted, but if painted, is terrific for the sort of thing you're wanting. You can usually get it at a specialty lumber or plywood dealer or through a signmaking business. Great suggestion!

-- Chris

 

[agood69er4u]

all good ideas ... but for the truth of the matter.. HPL ( high pressure laminate) aka formica is the 2nd best option, it is best applied over mdf. But due to mdf's nature to absorb moisture from the air care should be taken to seal all the edges and the bottom or distortion will take place. 2nd best is hpl over mdo. mdo painted will only eventualy peal. the best for small projects is a flat table and waxed paper, quick easy and disposable. Using a a good anti bond agent such as Stick- Free will make seperation from the work table a lot easier.. But the best for level, resuable work surface is plate glass... If Dan had only asked me before he started...lol