Workbench material question

Since ash is at least twice as hard as pine, I would use the ash for the top and pine for the base.

I used southern yellow pine for the base on my table and it works great.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

I think the pine would be fine for the base. I’ve seen several very sturdy benches built on pine frames. Personally, I’d use the ash for the whole thing if I had enough ash available … but it would just be out of personal preference.

-- What exactly is "The Move" and who are you calling a "Quirky Jerk"? -- http://www.north40custom.com

Either way you’ll have a fine bench using those two woods. My bench is ALL Southern Yellow Pine and was fabricated from 2x material. Mostly from 2”x12”x16’ so I could avoid knots and wany grain. The thing I like about the SYP for the top is that it’s not as slippery as a “hardwood” top. Again, either wood will suffice and comes down to what you can get from the amount of material you have or can attain.

Not mentioned but important, let that stuff acclimate for a season or two in your space before you build it. Keep us informed and put up some pics. We all love the benches.

always,
J.C.

-- "Imagination is more important than knowledge" -- Albert Einstein

I would echo what Gary said…...Ash for the top and pine for the base. Should work great.

Joihn

-- John -- Racine, WI -- Woodworking..."It's not just a Hobby, it's an Adventure"

Hey, if you have the ash for the top, go for it.

My workbench is an old front entry door… I got it for free and it works pretty well for me! :D

-- Tom's Workbench - http://tomsworkbench.com

Thanks for the advice guys.

I think I will try out the pine on the stand after all. I figured it’d be OK, but it is always nice to have other thoughts on things.

Thank you.

-- Kevin, Wichita, Kansas

Mine’s all pine in the base and pressure treated where the wood meets the floor. I’ve had no problem with it and if it gets dinged…so what. Costs less too.

-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!

My new bench (see my projects) has a pine base. Works very well.

-- Thos. Angle, Owyhee Design, Oregon