Replies

1. 
   jackiechan | Apr 09, 2003 04:23am | #1

   Len,

   Grizzly's tops are rock solid.  If possible, you might want to try and locate a local supplier of bench tops to avoid having to pay for a heavy weight item shipping charge.

   Here's a link to a web site that handles workbench supplies, and discusses the tops from companies like Lee Valley (etc...)

   http://home.attbi.com/~woodworking/html/workbench_supplies.html

   You might try local restaurant kitchen suppliers.  They will sometimes have large butcher block tops that can work just as well for your needs.

   Dan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.

2. 
   jeffn7 | Apr 09, 2003 06:57pm | #2

   I just bought some butcher block counter top for $30 a linear foot (24" deep, 1.5" thick) from Macbeath in San Francisco. I'm pretty sure that's going rate at most places.

3. 
   HomerSimpson | Apr 09, 2003 11:57pm | #3

   Len,

   I don't have any experience with the Grizzley tops, but I have purchased bench tops from W.W. Grainger. They are good quality and none of the 10-12 I have purchased over the last 20 years have ever split, or warped.

   The thing to consider is that Grainger has lots of stocking locations, so you may avoid shipping costs by picking one up locally. They are a wholesaler, so I don't think they like personal checks. Check it out at http://www.grainger.com.

4. 
   JeffKurtz | Apr 10, 2003 12:18am | #4

   Len,

   I bought one about a year ago and no complaints.  Arrived in 4 or 5 days, well packaged, no damage and perfectly flat.  As noted above, the shipping was a bit steep - $55 - but since I've no local source for that sort of thing I gladly paid the extra money.  Guess you can make a bench top if you've got the time and a bench to work on while you make it....

   Jeff

5. 
   Len | Apr 10, 2003 03:20am | #5

   Thanks for all the information.

   Macbeath is down the road a a little.

   Graingers is around the corner.

   And someone at work mentioned Bonoff Lumber locally. (Los Angeles)

   I need to call around. Again thanks

   Len

1. 
   WorkshopJon | Apr 10, 2003 05:14am | #6

   Len,

   I purchased two 8' by 30" by 2.25" thick laminated rock maple bench tops about 1.5 years ago. I got them for 5% over cost (from an industrial supply company), which worked out to $215. each. Yes, I know I got a deal, which is why I bought two. At the time, I think that they listed for ~$450 (possibly $485.) each. Just thought that I would throw those figures out so that you would know how cheap they can be, and you know when you're getting a deal.

   Jon

1. 
   MIKEBUETTNER | Apr 10, 2003 09:38pm | #7

   I've purchased several through the years. All ordered through local lumber yards by the foot. No shipping charges.

   bit

6. 
   LeeEschen | Apr 10, 2003 10:07pm | #8

   Len, here is a possible fast-build alternative benchtop idea for you.

   Rip 2 sheets of 3/4" MDF at 16"/32". Sandwich up 3 layers, the top 2 being the 32" widths and the bottom layer the 2 16" widths side-by-side, trim to even up the edges, and edge with 1-1/2"x3" maple, oak, or even good quality Doug fir. A wipe on oil/poly finish will protect the MDF from staining.

   This top will weigh approximately 180 lbs, very comparable to a laminated maple top.

   --

   Lee in Cave Junction, Oregon

   Gateway to the Oregon Caves