Workbench surface questions

[bug_eyedmonster]

Hey All,


For years, I've had a double stack of thinner carpet mats that I use as a topper for my wooden workbench. The bench is a 6'x2' and has served me well. I have always wanted to top the bench with padded leather, mainly because I'm always afraid of small metal shavings or grime sitting on the carpets will scratch the guns. I shake them out and vacuum them from time to time, but they still tend to be around. Has anyone else ever done this before? Is there something better I could use other than leather? My concern is solvents/oils staining the leather, or other problems I haven't though about yet...


Jerry

[titan2]

Hey All,


For years, I've had a double stack of thinner carpet mats that I use as a topper for my wooden workbench. The bench is a 6'x2' and has served me well. I have always wanted to top the bench with padded leather, mainly because I'm always afraid of small metal shavings or grime sitting on the carpets will scratch the guns. I shake them out and vacuum them from time to time, but they still tend to be around. Has anyone else ever done this before? Is there something better I could use other than leather? My concern is solvents/oils staining the leather, or other problems I haven't though about yet...


Jerry

Yep, solvents/oils will stain your leather!

Have you thought about just replacing your carpet mats every so often? Should remedy any metal shavings being stuck to scratch your guns!

[bug_eyedmonster]

I replace them every year if not sooner, the problem is, I use the workbench to do other stuff as well...

Is there a way to treat the leather so that it won't stain as easily?


Jerry

[Mitch]

Leather will also get chopped up in no time at all.

My benches are all covered with a layer of 1/8 in Masonite. It is easy to brush or wipe clean. Every few years the Masonite gets changed out as it gets stained and chopped up.

[uechikid]

My work bench is topped with galvanized sheet metal made to fit. It's durable and easy to clean. When I clean my guns I roll out a gun cleaning mat to protect them.

[Untamed1972]

Get a piece of the rubber gym mat flooring stuff.

[bug_eyedmonster]

Get a piece of the rubber gym mat flooring stuff.

That's not a bad idea!

My work bench is topped with galvanized sheet metal made to fit. It's durable and easy to clean. When I clean my guns I roll out a gun cleaning mat to protect them.

I wanted a softer surface that wouldn't have any issues with working on/cleaning guns.

Leather will also get chopped up in no time at all.

My benches are all covered with a layer of 1/8 in Masonite. It is easy to brush or wipe clean. Every few years the Masonite gets changed out as it gets stained and chopped up.

Not a bad idea also, is there much give to this stuff? If I remember right, old game boards used to be made of it, and it was like a thin particle board, right?


Jerry

[Souske]

Field vinyl

[Untamed1972]

Not a bad idea also, is there much give to this stuff? If I remember right, old game boards used to be made of it, and it was like a thin particle board, right?


Jerry

I would think that Masonite which is basically a more dense version of cardboard would be susceptible to soaking up liquids and oils and would swell and crumble in those places.

If there are going to be fluids, oils, solvents involved I'd want something with a more impervious surface.

That gym mat stuff is pretty tuff, soft enough to scratch stuff, grippy so stuff wont slide around, and the mat itself has some weight to it so the mat wont wanna move around while you're working on it either.

[Off the Roster]

yoga mat

[INCINR8]

X2 On the Masonite! I build all my bench tops out of 1/2 or 3/4 plywood then cover with 1/8 Masonite. I hold the Masonite down with a couple drywall screws and when it get jacked up, Simply replace it.

[Mitch]

Not a bad idea also, is there much give to this stuff? If I remember right, old game boards used to be made of it, and it was like a thin particle board, right?

That's exactly what it is. It's like a polished particle board. There's no "give" (that is, it's not soft like leather or rubber).

I stains easily, but after a few years I change it out, mostly for aesthetics. The surface itself has never gone bad, in my experience.

[G-Man WC]

3x on the masonite.
I have it on my loading bench also.
Bench is wood 2x4 with 4x4 legs.
3/4" ply top cut to size and a little liquid
nails and trim nails hold the Masonite down. I use a smith mat if weapon is on the bench. I've got some liquid and solvents on it, but not soaked. It's held up well. I have a second free standing metal bench 2x5 table that I'm getting ready to put in service. 3/4" ply with an Armor coat on it. Going to use it for cleaning and small tool usage. Mini chop saw, grinder, drill press, etc. If the surface is to slick, I'll need to regroup. -g

[P5Ret]

I've got a 2'x2' magnetic rubber padded mat over the rubber mat that was on the bench from the small engine repair shop I bought the bench from. The magnet keep me from losing screws and small parts, and I can put it up when I use the bench for less delicate work. The magnetic mat is similar to the temporary signs people stick on cars. I think most Fast Signs store's have them in stock cut to order. Wish I could take credit for the idea, but I got mine at H&K armorer's school about 15 years ago.

[sonofeugene]

Whatever you choose, don't permanently attach it. That way you can change it out easily for cleanliness or because you want a different material to work on.