Kitchen top as bench top

[candor]

I have a left over kitchen top, it's one of those laminated chip board tops, I'm guessing it might be a bit flammable for welding though?

 

[rtbcomp]

Another problem may be toxic fumes given off my the laminate if you get it too hot.

 

[madkayaker]

If it gets to hot it gives off lots of fumes and bits brake off violently!

 

[candor]

Another problem may be toxic fumes given off my the laminate if you get it too hot.

I was thinking that may be an issue too, I'll put it to use somewhere else as a none welding bench.

 

[garethp]

As above as anything much hotter than a pan full of boiling water can damage them.

However it is excellent stuff for general workbench use, extreme point loads or hammering on will mark it but otherwise its ok.

 

[candor]

As above as anything much hotter than a pan full of boiling water can damage them.

However it is excellent stuff for general workbench use, extreme point loads or hammering on will mark it but otherwise its ok.

Thanks, I like the fact that it's easy to clean, so good for working on engines etc.

Thanks again lads!

 

[CompoSimmonite]

When I cut a large section out for an inset kitchen sink I sealed the edges of the waste piece with PVA glue and screwed a length of 2x3 to the bottom. That then allowed it to be clamped in a Workmate and made a decent portable workbench that lasted for many years.

Paul H

 

[gordonendersby]

Ive got a long piece of kitchen top I bought as seconds years ago.
2x4 legs and frame underneath it and all at a decent standing hight.
My bench grinder and vice are bolted too it and Ive spilt all sorts on it including battery acid and its been easy to clean.
Ive bounced motorcycle engines around on it without any problem.
It takes a serious beating.
Cheaper than commercial workshop bench tops.

What about making a bench for general use out of the kitchen top and then having a removable steel plate on top with an air gap under it. Either some box section or some sacrificial lengths wood as a stand off from the bench.
You get the best of both worlds and it should be pretty stable.

For a welding table, while im still learning and practising on small stuff, is a black and decker workbench with a 5mm thick plate with a couple of bits of angle underneath to clamp it to the work bench. The plate dissipates the heat well and hasnt scorched the work bench top yet. So I cant see it being a problem over a kitchen top.

Gordon