Work bench top -Metal?

Wasn't sure where to post this, but since I will be working on saws at times on this portion of the bench I thought it`d be OK here.
Anyhow, would you all use 24 gauge sheet metal or a sheet of 1/8"? I have a 24' x 2' workbench and want an area that I can easily wipe grease, oil, gas, etc. off of when working on man stuff "arrrrggghhhhh". Price for 24 gauge, like the stuff used for ductwork, is $20 for a 3' x 8' sheet and then about $5 to have it bent for a backsplash and a downward lip in the front and the 1/8" is $115 out the door.

 

Metal benches are slippery and hard on finishes of whatever you a working on. A sheet of HDPE may be better.

 

I like to use tops from old steel computer desks. Most of them have a very hard surface (like formica) with 2" particle board backing. I look for them at yard sales, salvation army, etc... The only issue is they aren't 8' long if you need that.

Like this

 

A couple months ago I got a 36" x 29" sheet of .0325 stainless steel from the scrapyard for $15. Perfect workbench topper for me. Fluids can't soak into it and it just wipes clean with a shot of carb cleaner.

 

Forgot to mention that in my post about the desk top. Easy peasy to clean, no soaking what-so-ever. Also, very resistant to denting. Stainless is pretty darn strong though.

 

My house had a SS workbench top. After about 6 months I covered it with three-quarter ply. I have some 3'x3' solid counter top sheets (scrap corian) that I use when I need the surface to be non-absorbent or perfectly smooth. Most of the time I'm working with wood or other jobs where the surface has to be able to take a beating and not be too slippery. I find the ply-wood surface is the best for those jobs.

KaptJaq

 

I like a Formica top for the work bench. I build them for a living so that helps with my decision but you can usually get ones at the box stores pretty cheap or we have a discount/junk store that buys factory seconds (scratches, chips or bubbles under the material) and those are even less than I could purchase the pre-made tops at cost. Another option is to go to a counter top fabricator in your area and see about old tops they ripped out of a house, wouldn't cost you anything and it saves them from filling up their dumpster with a top or 2. The laminate is pretty impervious to most cleaners/ degreasers and oils wipe up with a paper towel. I made mine solid plywood underneath on one end and that is where I have a vice. Or just screw down through it to hold something in place while you work on it, its wood underneath (either plywood or particle board) And, after a few years, if you really butcher it up you may be out $0-100 so just replace it. I bet a throw away at least 100+ a year because they are trash to me and I am not saving them for the chance someone would like them for a work bench, but I have called people to come get some tear outs if they left their number for the next time I did a counter.

Chris

 

I have a 3'x3' or so sheet of scrap sheet metal that I use as my work surface for saws - never an issue with finish on the saws, but I'm also easy on them - I don't slide them around a lot etc. Lots of good other ideas above - something that doesn't allow for oils and gas to seep in is nice. Cheers!

 

I went the metal route. I bought it from a metal shop and they bent it up to as I requested. about $125 if I recall. You can see the lip at the rear to prevent fluid from seeping down the back. It also folds down the front of the bench.

 

Wood bench with some scrap commercial carpet. Works. Now if I can only clean it up to see it.

 

Coming from a Tool & Die background, I like a wood bench top. It is "forgiving" when working with metal parts.
Plywood is fine, but a hardwood (butcher-block) is ideal. If things are going to get messy...simply put down a piece of cardboard

 

Laminate wood flooring works good. I have a box for my new workbench, but have to clean off the old one first...

 

I like a sheet of Masonite to cover my bench and saw tops. Easy clean up. Easy to replace, haven't in years. Don't want anything that can conduct electricity. I really don't care for metal. Benches 2x4 construction frame. 3/4 inch plywood top with Masonite over that.

 

Masonite would make a fine top. It's soft, but not real absorbant

 

I use orange gasket material to cover the bench then a thicker black gasket material to work on

 

I`m thing that I may just cut a piece of mining belt to fit a smaller portion of the bench. If that doesn`t work out how I want I have a lot of other IDEAS.

 

Steel top with a chunk of conveyor belt would work well I think.

 

Also, I may use one of those metal drip pans that go under cars when you change oil and place the belt on it....