1/2" PVC sheet for bench tops?

[OCD Solutions]

Anyone use the 1/2" PVC sheets sold at Home Depot for a bench top surface?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/1-2-in-x-48-in-x-96-in-White-PVC-Sheet-Panel-190360/205079515

I have been using 5/8" UHMWU sheets on my main bench for years now but it is warping and scared up from almost 2 decades of abuse. I don't have the "free" sources for it that I used to and can't justify spending the $800 it would cost to replace it with more UHMWU.

The PVC sheets are only $68 each and would be enough to replace both my existing counter tops.

Anyone have any experience with it? How does it stand up?

 

[AirJunky]

I use 1/8" masonite. Like 1/4 of the cost. Looks descent, lasted about 5 yrs last time around, easy to replace. It's not white though, which is good for me.

 

[DAG]

Check out plastic-products.com we buy uhmw for our work benches and from what I remember they kicked everyone's ass on price. They are located right outside of Charlotte and I plan on driving down to Charleston for the eclipse might save you a trip.

 

[Glory_Freestyle]

On my regular bench with the particle board top, I just resin it with the cheap home depot poly resin. Put 2 - 3 coats on it and it lasts a long time. When it starts getting scratched up and ugly looking, a quick sanding and another coat of resin makes it look good again.

 

[OCD Solutions]

Yeah, after using UHMWU, I can tell you right now, particle board and Masonite aren't going to cut it.

You'd have to use it to understand I guess.

 

[thesk8nmidget]

i would call a place locally that works with it and they can usually destroy the box store prices.

 

[Glory_Freestyle]

I would definitely use UHMWU if I was really working on the bench like you do. Since my small bench is just a regular old cheap bench with a particle board top, the resin works well. Gives it some minor strength, doesn't soak in any fluids and is easy to keep clean.

 

[OCD Solutions]

That's my inclination but I thought I'd do some research and see about the PVC sheet first.

Still looking for somebody who has actually tried it out and can attest to it's physical properties.

 

[DAG]

Side note: can you flip the top over for a fresh start or maybe it's warped to much?

 

[OCD Solutions]

Sure, I can do that again and probably will end up doing just that.

I'm still curious about the PVC sheet though....

Edit: Online research shows it may not be desirable for my application. It doesn't like heat, or to be "captured", So pretty much the same issues I have now plus a whole bunch or more weaknesses.

So, back to UHMWU it is. At least for the counter top anyways. I still have some fancy new plans for workbenches that would be much cleaner sheated in with with the PVC than plywood or OSB.

 

[OCD Solutions]

Damn, now I remember why I never shop at Grainger anymore...

 

[OCD Solutions]

McMaster-Carr is a bit better.

 

[BruceSki]

What about steel or aluminum sheets? I did steel diamond plate and flipped it upside down for the benchtop so it was smooth. The backsplash to the bench got the diamonds going out though.


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[krash45p]

Pvc sheet wont work for bench top to soft of a material

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[OCD Solutions]

I have a bunch of 1/8" aluminum left over from my ski deck build but I really don't like working on metal. I had a really nice metal bench made at one time and ended up covering it in UHMWU.

The saddest part of all this is that I carried around full sheet of UHMWU for years before finally cutting it in half and putting it on my bench. When I moved to the US, I actually gave away the other half. The guy also got my steel workbench with the vise and all.

We use UHMWU extensively in our facilities so maybe I need to step up my game and see about scoring some more. The company discount should be significant!