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I love tempered Masonite for my workbench tops. It is non-glare and durable; protects cutting tools. Laminate is too slippery.
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I've got dog holes and vices on my two benches. So I can't really cover them up. For glue ups or finishing I usually put cardboard down temporarily and then throw it away after it gets saturated
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01-24-2017, 07:16 AM
(This post was last modified: 01-24-2017, 07:17 AM by Ron Brese.)
Everybody needs a beater bench. I am in the process of building a second hand tool bench to replace my beater bench, however I will be keeping my beater bench to use as a "beater bench". To do all the stuff one doesn't want to do on their good benches.
Ron
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The seat bottoms of bar stools at my local Starbucks are made from masonite (slightly formed) and with a clear finish. It has a nice industrial look.
I saw a TV show once where they cut the sheets into 2 foot squares and used it for flooring. I forget if they applied a finish.
No animals were injured or killed in the production of this post.
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The bench I've had since 1987 has a Masonite top. I made a lamination of three pieces. At the bottom I've got 3/4" plywood. Above that, there is 3/4" particleboard, and last of all, 1/4" Masonite. All three were glued, though I know many others like the top layer to be nailed only. A removeable top can be changed out when it gets dinged up. Like you, I use bondo to patch mine when it gets chewed up.
The size is the full 4' X 8' panel, and I hard-edged it with 4/4 beech.
I love it. It works great, it's practical, and I never have been sentimental about workbenches. I want a workhorse, not a fine finish. I think that places me in the minority. I don't deliberately vandalize my workbench top, but no way would I endure the burdens of using one that I was afraid to scratch.
