I am new to wood working and I have taken on my first major project of building a work bench in my garage. The design is simple and only 24′ x 48′. I will use it primarily for planing, cutting and chiseling relatively small stock.
I intended to make a laminated top and bolt it to the base (mortised and tennoned). My question concerns the top. Would western red cedar be a sturdy enough wood for the type of work I have described? I am partial to cedar because of its durability. I know that it can chip easily and that’s my main concern. Also, I live in Texas and the climate changes here can be severe and humidity is a major factor.
In my research I found that most people use denser hardwoods that, quite frankly, I can’t afford to purchase at this point. I would like to get some experience under my belt before investing in quality hardwood. Cedar seems like an economical solution to me. <!—-><!—-><!—->
Any thoughts on western red cedar as a laminate top?
(Yes, I know it will probably resemble a picnic bench when I’m done :))
<!—->apowell
Replies
I would use MDF or MDO before I used cedar. Cedar is just toooooo darned soft. You probably could design it such that later on, when the funds are available, you could replace the MDF/O with a hardwood top. Cedar splinter too, ouch! Naaaahhhhh, my vote is no, don't do it.
Your profile doesn't say where you're located. If you tell us your location, maybe someone familiar with the area can provide economical suggestions.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Thanks for the MDF recommendation, I had thought about that but wanted "real wood." I may, as suggested, use MDF initially and later replace it with ash, beech or maple.
Thanks guys, I do appreciate the input, as does my wallet.
BTW...I'm located in Ft Worth Tx
I have to second FG's opinion. Cedar will just chip away every time you inadvertently hit it, which happens a lot. Better to use ply or even MDF.
DR
Apowell -
I built my outfeed table for the table saw out of MDF, for economic reasons as well. Would have prefered to put plam on it or at least have had a melamine surfaced MDF. However I'm amazed at how well it's held up for the past couple years. I do some hand work on it as I don't yet have a bench proper myself but I usually try to put a softwood plywood 'landing pad' under the work when I'm doing any chisel work where there's a possibility of the chisel going through into the top of the table.
I'm surprised that you'd consider cedar to be an economic option. For really good clear cedar, even up here in cedar country we're paying pretty dear prices. Most of the good stuff comes out of Canada these days. It's even more expensive!
Laminate a couple thicknesses of 3/4" MDF, put a hardwood edge band around it and you'll have a nice sturdy solid bench top. No, it ain't a nice laminated beech top, but it's the finished project that counts - nobody who sees your inlaid federal table will know it was built on an MDF bench (grin)
"I'm surprised that you'd consider cedar to be an economic option. For really good clear cedar, even up here in cedar country we're paying pretty dear prices. Most of the good stuff comes out of Canada these days. It's even more expensive!"
You're darn right! Last summer I finished a small addition to the patio ( 3'X10' solid red cedar ) and it has set me back $250 in wood only! I have to say the quality of red cedar I got was amazing!
Have good one!
ST
Melamine is a good option; hard, stable and glue don't stick. Some Home Depots in the DFW area carry it. The Plywood Company is located on 35 W and loop 820. It is a specialty wharehouse that carries a tremendous selection of every type of sheet good you ever though of, and some you likely never knew existed. They also carry a limited line of cabinet hardware (the most common mid line stuff). Prices are good, no account is necessary. Phone Number is 817 831-4206.
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