Plywood Work Bench

[Bigdog72]

Has anyone built this plywood work bench? http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/FWNPDFfree/011181054.pdf
I am not looking for a cheap alternative. It looks better than using 2x4's. Please give me your opinions!:saw:

 

[Ray Martin]

Geoff,

I'd agree that plywood is more stable than solids like 2 X 4s, but I think the stability of this bench comes from the joinery. If you do build this one, use loads of a good glue... screwing into the end grain of plywood or the edge of MDF doesn't give you a lot of strength... glue will.

Ray

 

[Gotcha6]

I'd think you'd be better off using 2 plies of 5/8" or 3/4" plywood on the top & inlay a piece of 1/4" tempered masonite that could be removed. Also, be sure to get the best grade of plywood you can find with no voids on the inner plies.

 

[woodnick]

Are we talking about the legs or the top? I used the leg design and put on a hard maple top then put drawers between the legs.

 

[Bigdog72]

I'd think you'd be better off using 2 plies of 5/8" or 3/4" plywood on the top & inlay a piece of 1/4" tempered masonite that could be removed. Also, be sure to get the best grade of plywood you can find with no voids on the inner plies.

I was actually thinking of doing the same thing with the top. Didn't understand the use of MDF. I also thought the drawer idea would be a good one.

 

[toolferone]

I like the design. In the work bench class I taught at WC we did a glue up like that on the legs, but used 1 x 4's instead. It goes fast and is strong.