Stupid workbench idea?

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Maybe consider using granno dust instead of concrete: i redid some steps on a job which were basically a series of galvanized trays about an inch deep filled with granno mix and floated flat. Quite literally set like granite with a very hard wearing surface.

Used to use granite sand for block paving. Cheap as chips on jersey as it was quarried rather than shipped in.
Get it damp before you wack it and it set hard too.

 

[bigegg]

Used to use granite sand for block paving. Cheap as chips on jersey as it was quarried rather than shipped in.
Get it damp before you wack it and it set hard too.

Road planings or mot1 might work?
If you're going to that much effort

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Road planings or mot1 might work?
If you're going to that much effort

For the bench?

 

[bigegg]

For the bench?

Yep.
Fill the "tank" with it.
Self amalgamating. Not fluid like sand.

 

[Rig Pig]

Yep.
Fill the "tank" with it.
Self amalgamating. Not fluid like sand.

And smell beautiful when you're welding the bench shut too!

 

[MattF]

If it is just for beating on, and not welding upon, I wouldn't be farting about with concrete. A good hardwood will do what you want, and be easily replaceable if needed, though if you face it with a steel top, it'll outlast you.

 

[bigegg]

And smell beautiful when you're welding the bench shut too!

I'd weld up the "tank" including the top upside down.
Fill with road planings, smash down with the bfh.
Then bolt on the plywood base, and flip over.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

If I was determined to go concrete id make the tank out of ply. Well supported im place. Pour the concrete. And bed the steel on top while wet.

 

[Dcal]

If I was determined to go concrete id make the tank out of ply. Well supported im place. Pour the concrete. And bed the steel on top while wet.

Can't agree with this

If the concrete is cast onto the steel it will be a much better job especially with shear keys and re-bar.
Mass concrete "could" eventually let go. The re-bar is what stops the concrete cracking
Don't mind using timber for the sides but I would keep some connection to the steel plate.

There are lots of ways of making a bench and this wouldn't be my first choice (if it was I would already have one) but I can't see a problem trying it.
Its a lot of work but it will make a great bench top.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Can't agree with this

If the concrete is cast onto the steel it will be a much better job especially with shear keys and re-bar.
Mass concrete "could" eventually let go. The re-bar is what stops the concrete cracking
Don't mind using timber for the sides but I would keep some connection to the steel plate.

There are lots of ways of making a bench and this wouldn't be my first choice (if it was I would already have one) but I can't see a problem trying it.
Its a lot of work but it will make a great bench top.

Oh id utilise rebar and chicken wire.
The ply tank it to save me wasting too much time and stop bits dropping all over the floor when it starts disintegrating.
Concrete aint all that strong. Especially at a few inches thick.

 

[sardine]

You fools.

You need to cast the entire bench out of carbon, launch it into the heart of the sun and fuse it into a solid diamond.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

A bit late to this party, but I've gone with madness.

 

[thinfourth]

What’s your budget? I got a 20mm plate laser cut locally and didn’t cost much and was delivered.

As low as posible

 

[bigegg]

As low as posible

You realise that for 2000x1000 steel plate from brundles, 10mm is only 50 quid more than 6mm? 12mm is only 85 quid more?

Plus VAT, of course - but seems a bit of a no-brainer, unless you already have the 6mm plate.

 

[thinfourth]

You realise that for 2000x1000 steel plate from brundles, 10mm is only 50 quid more than 6mm? 12mm is only 85 quid more?

Plus VAT, of course - but seems a bit of a no-brainer, unless you already have the 6mm plate.

Even if i get a 12mm top i'll still try the concrete

I do have a workbench which has a 1/2" top with massive lumps of wood underneath

It cannot be moved without something with a diesel engine and hydraulic cylinders and it is excellent

i just want to try something new

If i can get away with a thin top and it works then we all learn

if it doesn't work someone can buy it on fleabay

 

[chris pruteanu]

Use scaffolding boards and clad the platform in 3mm sheet metal- plenty strong enough and takes hard blows without bother !

 

[addjunkie]

A wheel is round and works, so why try to reinvent it. The same could be said for wood and steel work benches

 

[Dcal]

To get a better wheel?

 

[Aesgarth]

The world would be a fairly boring place if nobody tried anything new...

 

[slim_boy_fat]

The world would be a fairly boring place if nobody tried anything new...

Aye, but within reason....