THE WORLD'S MOST PERFECT WORK BENCH TOP - FER SMITHIN'

[oneounceload]

Sintra seems to be basically PVC sheeting:

moderately expanded closed-cell polyvinyl chloride (PVC) extruded in a homogenous sheet with a low gloss matte finish.

Nice that it can be made somewhat flexible by heating.

I couldn't have a shop that neat, I'd be too afraid to mess it up.....

My workbenches have always been made with two layer of 3/4" plywood glued and screwed and then stained with an exterior marine-grade oil-based stain. They sit atop the frames from Gorilla racks and can hold over 1200 pounds

 

[chief38]

Sintra seems to be basically PVC sheeting:



Nice that it can be made somewhat flexible by heating.

I couldn't have a shop that neat, I'd be too afraid to mess it up.....

My workbenches have always been made with two layer of 3/4" plywood glued and screwed and then stained with an exterior marine-grade oil-based stain. They sit atop the frames from Gorilla racks and can hold over 1200 pounds

oneounceload:

Sintra is not for everyone or every application. It is a semi-soft plastic that isn't at all brittle and can be dented easily with when banged on. If you use a workbench for heavy duty repair work and regularly have heavy objects on it - it might be too soft for your application. I have a hard time describing it over the forum but it's not like any other surface I can relate it to. Certainly nothing like plexiglass.

When I do heavy duty repair work I'll throw a sheet of Plywood over the Sintra temporarily - at least when it's new. After a few years, a few scars and marks I don't bother anymore - gives it character . Gun Smithing, electrical and electronic work was made for Sintra! Any kind of fine - detail work it's perfect for.

The best part is that Sintra is impervious to solvents, oils, water, greases, etc. The only thing I've found so far that will slightly etch it is Acetone - which I do not use often. After it's got all the gun cleaning and lubes on it, I simply spray a little Glass Cleaner on it and wipe it off - GTG. Any hole, burn mark, or dent ca be repaired with a little heat and a hammer. Sintra will never harm a guns finish which is great for me.

For me - - - I can't do work on my bench without having it clean and having everything in its place - OCD!!

 

[Shooter Mike]

That is a very nice shop that you have Chief38. Thank you for sharing.

 

[gr8smiles]

Awesome, thanks for the ideas