Protect workbench from the petrol....

[superfly]

Hi lads,

I have made a workbench and I have a wood sheet as the work top.
I would like to protect it from the oil, grease, petrol, and other stuff which can go on it.

So I am thinking about but on the top a galva metal sheet, basically I don't want to have to paint it and I don't want it to rust.

or doing nothing and the day the work top is going too bad, remove it and but a new one?

What do you think?

The wood is already against the water based on the shop, but you know seller

 

[SC_BK]

I wouldn't have said you needed to protect the wood. If anything the oil/grease/petrol will preserve it

 

[madkayaker]

as long as you don't spark up on it

 

[pedrobedro]

A thin sheet of aluminium on top will stop any damage to the surface but if it's inside and being used regularly it shouldn't rust.

 

[Sean]

Hardboard and when its manky rip it up and put down a new bit?

Mines got a sheet of 2mm steel for building engines on. Anything thinner is likley to stretch and start to "pop"

and as its getting covered in petrol and oil rust is not going to be a big problem.

 

[astro_al]

Sure, stick a sheet of galvanized steel on. Cheap if its thin, why not?

Personally I'd use untreated steel and just wipe some oil over it, but whatever suits you.

Al.

 

[superfly]

Thanks Lads,

I could go for the 2 mn sheet on it and don't bother with the rust as you said it will be inside anyway and I will simply screw this bad boy on.

thanks for the advice, I think I was looking for something away to complex. :-)

cheers

 

[chunkolini]

My bench is covered in 1" marine ply with a skin of steel on top, not treated, no problems.

Chunko'.

 

[REDBURN]

Coin top?

I use a sheet of "coin top" polyvinyl mat, acid/oil resistant, from machine mart, in grey. You just clean it with brake cleaner when needed.

There was an unknown advantage too, in that any parts you are working on are easier to pick up as they dont get sucked onto the worktop surface , especially when wearing gloves, moist/ flat components