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I am in the process of putting a new hardboard top on my workbench. I am seeking advice on what I should use as an edge molding?

This bench gets tortured by hard use,

I'm not sure about this but I think I've heard of a group against torturing workbenches so beware of what you admit too.

OK enough of that.

If you find this edge gets ruffed up a lot you really have only three ways to go. One is to find something really tough to take the punishment or two, something that is easy to replace and not worry about it getting damaged. Or combine the first two and still plan to replace the edge from time to time.

However you haven't given us enough details to go on. Like if you in-lay some angle iron it would take a lot of abuse but if you happen to try cutting that with a chisel well by by sharp chisel. They have the plastic fake wood which might be nice to absorb denting... oak is always a good choice for real wood as are materials like hard maple. On the other extreme from those woods would be pine or the like could be a cheap solution even if it has to be replaced from time to time.

I just love to not answer the question and still manage to muddy the water even more... Maybe some of these things were already in your mind but if not then you have even more to think about. Good luck.

Ed

dusty wrote:I am in the process of putting a new hardboard top on my workbench. I am seeking advice on what I should use as an edge molding?

This bench gets tortured by hard use,

I'd use some kind of hardwood. Assuming your bench is thick enough, I'd screw the molding to the edge. This way you can replace it if it really gets chewed up. I used poplar, but you may want hard maple since you say it will take a beating.
I've not had to replace my poplar.

Hi Chuck,

I like the maple that Ed mentioned, but please tell us how thick is this bench and what is under the hardboard. Also, what operations are done on this bench?

I nail 1X2's on my workbench edges. Cheap and easy to replace.

The bench top was made originally using three solid core doors (very heavy) that are about 1 1/2" thick. This is the work bench in my shop, Tim. It gets used for everything that happens in my shop.

I'd go with maple or oak. If your going to be super hard on the bench, go with angle iron. An old discarded bed frame should supply enough angle iron to dress a bench top.

recurvearcher wrote:I'd go with maple or oak. If your going to be super hard on the bench, go with angle iron. An old discarded bed frame should supply enough angle iron to dress a bench top.

I'm tough on the bench top because I use it a lot and for everything even some occasional automotive or RV repair but I don't think I need an angle iron edge. I haven't made up my mind yet but it'll probably be a hardwood molding.

It has to be soon because the top has already been replaced and the edges are vulnerable.

dusty,
I am also redoing my bench top. The top is two thicknesses of 3/4" plywood and 1/4" hardboard, edged with 1x2. This way the hardboard and edging can be replaced as needed.