Replies

1. 
   QCInspector | Jun 15, 2006 09:32pm | #1

   We get long pieces of aluminum that come on skids made from LVL's where I work. I took some and gave them to a buddy. They were 26 footers 4x4 approx. He cut them as needed to make a long bench along one wall. Top is 1 inch plywood on top of the LVL rails, with hardboard as the work surface. The legs of the same, attached with plywood gussets. Strong, flat, and quick to make (so he could get back to making money).

2. 
   ring | Jun 16, 2006 10:43am | #2

   TF,

   I"m not sure I know exactly what you're referring to.  My shop uses a laminated solid wood product from time to time, made in Italy.  It is made of 3 plies, each 1/4" thick.  We've used maple and white oak products.  It's one solution to getting a "solid wood" piece of 3/4" thickness that needs to be as stable as ply.  It's usually referred to as "Trio", but might go under other names as well.  If this is what you mean I could give you more details and pics.

   DR

1. 
   JasonWhite | Jun 19, 2006 04:11am | #3

   An LVL is a structural beam made up of several thin plies of construction grade lumber (much like a very thick piece of plywood except that instead of alternating grain directions the grain all runs the same direction).  They're not pretty, but they're relatively inexpensive, stiff and stable (much more than dimensional spruce or pine).  I used some recently as a substitute for hardwood when assembling a mobile base for my table saw.  Would be great for building a workbench.

   TFToolfanatic (a.k.a. The man formerly known as "Toolfreak")