TWS said:

On 22 Oct 2004 07:34:40 -0700, (Mike LaViolette)
wrote:

When testing is complete, I'm considering using one of the panels to
construct the mother of all workbench tops. I'm thinking about a
3'x6' top which will weigh in about 375 lbs.

snip

I would think that the large density difference between the grain and
softwood would prevent you from ever having a permanently 'flat'
surface with Southern Pine. Great stuff for lots of applications but
I can't see it as a workbench top. Anybody else used SP for a top
surface?

I built a bench comprised of laminated SYP strips 2 1/4 tall x 2"
wide. It was glued up into a 72" x 32" top. It is finished with
multiple applications of BLO and Tung oil. It is about 2 years old,
and is quite stable.

See it he
Construction details:
http://www.thevideodoc.com/images/Bench1.jpg

Completed unit:
http://www.thevideodoc.com/images/Bench2.jpg

Finish applied:
http://www.thevideodoc.com/images/Bench3.jpg

It is slightly soft, but not nearly as bad as SPF and a lot stronger.
That's fine with me, however. It doesn't ding up chisels, planes and
the pieces I'm working on.

FWIW,


Greg G.