Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Feb 06, 2011 09:38am | #1

   At $0.60/BF, I'd say go for it. Assuming, that is, it's good quality stock, as opposed to "rustic" (with voids, knots, etc.)

2. 
   McKinneyMike | Feb 06, 2011 11:19am | #2

   Hickory for workbench top

   Nothing wrong with hickory for a workbench top.  It is supremely dense.  Go for it!

3. 
   BruceS | Feb 06, 2011 12:53pm | #3

   weighty

   Well you will certianly have a hefty top.    It will be worth the effort.

4. 
   roc | Feb 06, 2011 04:37pm | #4

   Good'n Strong Hard Stiff

   All the right characteristics I would want in a bench.  Two thoughts from the arm chair / library column of this woodworking out fit . . . :

   1.  Might be kinda slick ; no big deal.

   2.  From reading Krenov I learned hickory may be best coated with these; in order of preference first = best :

   • Nothing

   • Hard wax

   • Well thinned shellac.  One lb cut or even thinner.

   Oil tends to make the surface look sickly and unattractive.

   Welp that's all I got here.

   Making your own REAL work bench eh . . . you are a brave, brave man.

5. 
   DonStephan | Feb 08, 2011 08:21pm | #5

   I've heard hickory is a bit hard to work.  Should make an excellent bench top, you might get a small quantity and mill it a bit to see if it will cooperate.  Don't know how it will plane, whether you desire power or hand tools.