Members Sledzep01 Posted December 17, 2017 Members Report Posted December 17, 2017 I have a heavy duty 4x8 table in the basement and I am thinking of setting up my shop there. The plywood is scratched, and painted in areas (Gouged?) what should I finish it with to protect my projects when working? I have a cutting mat, and a cutting board for punching. but I want the tabled sealed somehow so when I am swinging a piece of leather around it does not get scratched, and naturally the surface should not rub off, or crack and flake over time. Oh yeah, and inexpensive too. Quote Remember, Whether you think you can, or think you can't. You're Right! Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand. It is in the religion of ignorance that tyranny begins
Mjolnir Posted December 17, 2017 Report Posted December 17, 2017 I would go with a sheet of melamine board from lowes. Basically what is on your standard art/ drafting table. Quote He attacked everything in life with a mix of extraordinary genius and naive incompetence, and it was often difficult to tell which was which. Douglas Adams
Members Fire88 Posted December 17, 2017 Members Report Posted December 17, 2017 Melamine would work well, just glue it down. Quote
garypl Posted December 17, 2017 Report Posted December 17, 2017 1/8” Tempered hardboard will also work well - seal it and put a coat of wax on it. Quote Cowboy 4500, Consew 206RB-4
Members Hasbeencowboy Posted December 17, 2017 Members Report Posted December 17, 2017 As a retired builder and if it were my work bench I would but a sheet of formica and be done with it Quote
alpha2 Posted December 17, 2017 Report Posted December 17, 2017 I went with MDF, but I've also been cutting long lines in it for straps from double-backs. It can be sanded out, or reversed, but now I wish I hadn't done it, because of the raised edges of the cuts, and what it can do to veg-tanned leather. Quote So much leather...so little time.
alpha2 Posted December 17, 2017 Report Posted December 17, 2017 Sledzep, the melamine, Formica and MDF are all great ideas, but you have to fight the urge to cut something on the new surface, whatever it ends up being. Once you do that, it's a new surface, or major sanding to protect your veg tanned leather. Yes, you have a cutting surface, but will it suffice for a side, double shoulder or whatever? Long cuts are what damage your pristine surface down the road. Been there..done that! Jeff Quote So much leather...so little time.
Members Sledzep01 Posted December 17, 2017 Author Members Report Posted December 17, 2017 22 minutes ago, alpha2 said: Sledzep, the melamine, Formica and MDF are all great ideas, but you have to fight the urge to cut something on the new surface, whatever it ends up being. Once you do that, it's a new surface, or major sanding to protect your veg tanned leather. Yes, you have a cutting surface, but will it suffice for a side, double shoulder or whatever? Long cuts are what damage your pristine surface down the road. Been there..done that! Jeff Alpha2 can I buy a giant sheet of cutting mat material? I was really thinking you guys would be telling me to use some kind of polyurethane or something. That was my idea (No seams) I like the idea of a floor covering roll or sheet (melamine, Formica etc) is there anything that can put up with an accidental cut now and then? I could probably buy enough cutting mats to cover it all for about $150. Thats a lot for me. Plus even if I glue them down I fear my cuts could wiggle when going from edge to edge. Sled Quote Remember, Whether you think you can, or think you can't. You're Right! Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand. It is in the religion of ignorance that tyranny begins
alpha2 Posted December 18, 2017 Report Posted December 18, 2017 check this out. 40% off coupon on one item. Make that item the largest cutting board you can afford. Hobby Lobby rocks! Quote So much leather...so little time.
Mjolnir Posted December 18, 2017 Report Posted December 18, 2017 (edited) Quote 12 minutes ago, alpha2 said: check this out. 40% off coupon on one item. Make that item the largest cutting board you can afford. Hobby Lobby rocks! The largest one is in the fabric department. other than that I've got nothing. unless you have a marble countertop somewhere, or a giant sheet of glass, it will all mar. You just have to prioritize your needs and the cost and adapt. Good luck +1 formica Edited December 18, 2017 by Mjolnir ps Quote He attacked everything in life with a mix of extraordinary genius and naive incompetence, and it was often difficult to tell which was which. Douglas Adams
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