Project question: Metal top for workbench

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I have a very nice long thick wooden workbench. I can abuse it all day long without any worries.Except for cleanup.What would you guys recommend for a metal cover for my bench? 16 gauge galv sheet? I really have no clue.  I'd like to be able to wipe up oily fluids that accumulate from working on my several vehicle projects. Maybe even build a drip edge so that fluids won't spill on to the ground, similar to a transmission take down table.Thanks guys.ChrisLincoln Pro Mig 180TMiller Spectrum 375
Reply:Do you have room for more than one bench?Jack OlsenMy garage website
Reply:without knowing what you're actually doing with the bench, there's no way to tell.  if you're gonna be welding on it, i wouldn't get a galvanized top.  I've seen welding tables on here with wood tops that has a piece of sheet metal over the wood, the person who posted it seems to think it works out well for him.  when the galv. burns off, it will create a toxic fume... but if you insist on using a wood table with 16 gauge sheet metal on top of it, i'd just get the regular hot rolled sheet.if you're not welding (no heat) and using the bench as a tranny rebuild table, then i see no reason not to go with galvanized sheets.if you're gonna be welding on it, again, depends on what type of welding and how much heat you're gonna be using... the sheet metal could heat up and heat could transfer to the wood (if you use 16 gauge, it might) and the wood could start to burn under the sheet.if you're not doing any heavy duty welding (110v mig, for example), just get a sheet of 1/8 or thicker and put it over your wood top.
Reply:lol no welding. I've got 2 dedicated tables for that: 5'x5'x1" and a 4'x4'x1/4". I'm just looking for something that I can tear into engine/drivetrain parts and have an easy time cleaning up other than the currently painted wooden surface that I have now.A great example would be the old parts counters at the *good* auto parts stores. The ones that don't use computers to grab your parts.Last edited by KnacK; 07-13-2010 at 09:50 PM.Reason: additionsChrisLincoln Pro Mig 180TMiller Spectrum 375
Reply:Originally Posted by KnacKWhat would you guys recommend for a metal cover for my bench? 16 gauge galv sheet?
Reply:Sometimes autopsy tables come up for sale second-hand.  Anything with a drip rail and a drain will make a lot of sense the first time you get an outpouring of oil or fluid that you didn't expect.Jack OlsenMy garage website