"AArDvarK" wrote in
news:U9dMc.16569$Zr.1430@okepread01:


If that's what you're going to use for leg support, then consider
using CDX plywood to build up the thickness, with the maple top. The
differences won't be apparent in use.
You can build a perfectly servicable bench from construction grade
lumber, using the right joinery. While maple is great, don't let the
lack of a great bench stop you from working on the projects you
really want to build. If you want to build an heirloom bench later,
when time, space and money allow, you'll be more experienced, and do
a better job. Patriarch


Good advice, thank you. But what does CDX mean? The other concern
about plywood, while I did consider it, is those holes to be drilled
for hold-downs and bench dogs. I can imagine that pressure will be
applied toward the sides of the holes at the lower ends, eventually
that ply will begin to break down and chip? I can also imagine DF
2x4's will also develope cracks because of the wide grain structure. I
heard that poplar is only a little harder than DF (much local) but has
a much better grain, tighter, and lower cost.

Alex

CDX describes the grade of plywood. CDX has one face side, with many
repaired knots & splits, and a back side, X, with essentially whatever
happens to come out. In other words, rough construction grade.

What I'm recommending is a method that will get you a perfectly usable
bench top, spending less than $40 and a weekend morning's work, plus
whatever you were planning on spending with the recycled maple.

I built a bench as my second large woodworking project, with DF
undercarriage, and baltic birch cabinet grade ply as the top. It's not an
heirloom, but some of the stuff I've built with it since is pretty special
to the family and the folks who have received it. When the bench wears
out, I'll stop beating on it, and it becomes an assembly bench, or a place
to pile tools and junk bench. Or firewood. It is, in other words, a means
to an end, and not an end in itself.

Others have their opinions, to which they are certainly welcome. To me, a
bench is a large clamping device, and not much more.

Patriarch