Metal Workbench Top Over Particle Board

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Originally Posted by Lionelgee

Hello All,

I bought one of those workbenches that are made out of pallet racking last year. The bench will be used outside without an cover over it. I would like to put a metal covering over it so the particle board is protected from the weather. It would also be good to use the bench for welding to.

What type of metal sheet and thickness would you use?

Would your specifications include using a galvanised sheet?

The workbench has two layers of particle board. The first forms the top of the bench with some overhang past the pallet rails. The second layer of particle board is a shelf that is cut flush to the pallet rails.

Kind regards
Lionel

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Hi Lionel
As people have said, the particle board will suck up moisture and fall apart in no time
If you don’t want to replace the top, paint it especially the edges. If you want to cover it with metal for a welding bench maybe seal it with pva glue and water 50/50 mix and put a sheet of fibre cement on top before the steel
[emoji481][emoji481]
Gav

Hello Gav,

Thanks for the tip about painting the particle board. I think I will follow Don's suggestion of replacing the particle board with some thick planking. I reckon hardwood would be the go - with a significant overhang.

I will also heed caution from other posters and look at having a separate welding table.

Kind regards
Lionel

Hello All,

What size overhang - wider than 30 mm have you found to be user-friendly when clamping things to the front and back of your workbench?

After using my pallet racking based workbench for a while I found that the current particle board overhang of 30 mm is not wide enough when clamping.

I went one of the timber yards and had a browse of their stock. I found some 120 mm wide and 25 mm thick hardwood that I will replace the particle board with. After receiving some responses I will be able to work out the dimensions of the front and back overhang and know how much timber to buy. I appreciate your input.

Kind regards
Lionel

I have 50mm overhang all around on welding bench, which works well, but mine also has holes throughout to use clamps through as well.