Dual purpose workbench. Woodwork and metal work?

[Maker]

My benches are 2" thick wooden tops, they get used for welding, woodwork, machine maintenance, electronics, painting, you name it. It's easy to take precautions against fire, the real issue is metalwork on a wooden bench makes it absolutely filthy, and then you won't want your nice carpentry project on it

 

[MattF]

the real issue is metalwork on a wooden bench makes it absolutely filthy

That's why nowadays I wax my workbench tops. Use some beeswax polish on a cloth, once it gets grubby, give it a rub with the cloth, & the crap literally wipes off.

 

[TEO]

That's why nowadays I wax my workbench tops. Use some beeswax polish on a cloth, once it gets grubby, give it a rub with the cloth, & the crap literally wipes off.

Nice tip, too late for most of the flat surfaces I have to balance stuff on but next time... all the benches are ceiling high with clutter

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

the real issue is metalwork on a wooden bench makes it absolutely filthy,

Kitchen tops are a lot easier to clean...especially if they're black.

Once metal work has been done on a top you won't want to be doing woodwork on the same top I think.