07-24-2020, 11:47 AM
(This post was last modified: 07-24-2020, 11:57 AM by Mike in kc.)
I've built several benches using poplar. It does work nicely and is plenty strong. HERE is a series of pics of one of the benches. Although they weren't built specifically for woodworking, they handle a LOT of weight and would be easily adaptable.
One of the pics show one of the benches with more than a ton of equipment on it and not a hint of sag. They are very sturdy and don't rack. The leg assemblies are built using a frame and panel type construction, with the stiles and rails about 4 X 4 and 1/2" birch ply panels. The tops are two 3/4" sheets of good quality Birch ply glued together, mounted to the leg assemblies with lag screws. I edged these with Oak and applied laid a top of sheet of Masonite, which of course you wouldn't to for a woodworking bench.
One of the pics show one of the benches with more than a ton of equipment on it and not a hint of sag. They are very sturdy and don't rack. The leg assemblies are built using a frame and panel type construction, with the stiles and rails about 4 X 4 and 1/2" birch ply panels. The tops are two 3/4" sheets of good quality Birch ply glued together, mounted to the leg assemblies with lag screws. I edged these with Oak and applied laid a top of sheet of Masonite, which of course you wouldn't to for a woodworking bench.