Replies

1. 
   forrestb | Jan 21, 2015 12:42pm | #1

   gluing hardwood to plywood

   I would not recommend this approach because the maple is going to want to move with seasons and the plywood would not want to.  That conflict could eventually split the maple.

   I can't imagine plywood and 4/4 maple giving a very sturdy workbench without something more rigid to support them.

   If you want to glue maple to plywood you might consider a much cheaper grade than Baltic Birch!

   And if you have the maple, try edge gluing it without gluing to the plywood and anchor the resulting slab to the plywood to allow the mapke to move,

   Forrest

2. 
   Jfrostjr | Feb 13, 2015 09:02am | #2

   Glue Hardwood to Plywood for Workbench

   I know that I risk ridicule for this post but here goes: Thirty-five years ago, after several moves where I had no regualar shop space, I was ready to marginally improve my bench. All I had for work surface previously was a bench consisting of several layers of floor-underlayment plywood. I mentioned my problem to a cabinet maker in our new town and he said that he had some Formica - Rosewood, no less - that I could apply to the plywood.

   As I said, that was thirty-five years ago and that Formica still provides a flat, stable work suface. I have chopped dovetails in White oak and all other woodworking tasks. I have considered "upgrading" my bench but then ask myself, "Why?" Just be sure to follow the directions when using contact cement to apply the material.

   Frosty