Flat stable Worksurface

Sep 14, 2004 8 Replies

I need to make a flat tabletop worksurface 40" x 96". It will only be supported 3 spots over the 96" length at 6", 48" and 90" from either end. I want to come back and measure it years from now and its still flat. The other criteria is I only have 4" of clearance below the top. Flatness should be what is praticle with an 8' straight edge and feeler gauges. Ideally a maple top that I could put an mdf wear surface on would be great except, I haven't had any luck finding one that size, and the cost of one smaller plus shipping is pretty hefty, $400+. It won't be supporting lots of weight, just the usual woodworking worktop. Ideas?



Phil



Which ones? 0.001?? 0.01? How flat?

DJM built an assembly table flat "enough" for woodworking purposes using a torsion box approach with MDF skin.

I'm thinking granite, but 40 x96 x1.25 = 24 sq ft x $50 (est) = (approx) $1200.

You can probably find a better price.

It'll still be flat in 20 years tho.

Lou

How about this:

formatting link

I am using my Dad's workbench. It is a 36" x 72" solid wood door, 1 1/2" thick from Weyerhauser. This door is 60 years old and still dead flat across the entire surface. It is supported by a 3x3 post on each corner - no support in the middle. This thing is so heavy my brother and I can barely carry it.

Bob

Torsion Box:

(2) sheets of 1/4" plywood (1) sheets of 3/4" birch plywood (2) sheets of 1/2" mdf glue Staples and gun.

Make the frame out of strips of 3/4" birch ripped to 3", with interior seperator strips "about" 6"-8" apart.

Skin it over on both sides with 1/4" ply using glue and staples. Top it off with 1/2" mdf.

Very flat and very strong.

How flat depends on you.

Phil wrote:

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required