Casting bench working surface ideas

[Kenk]

I built a somewhat portable casting bench / table today that can be used in the backyard in the warm months, and in the garage for winter use. My question is, what would be a good material for the top working surface? The bench is very sturdy, and am hoping for a working surface material that can get rained on without it getting significantly damaged (not that it really matters : ), as well as it not burning easily if lead were to get on it. My original thought was to just use 3/4? plywood, as it could be replaced easily if necessary, and wouldn?t be terribly expensive. Thoughts?

[Darne]

I put a baking sheet under my furnace to catch lead spills. My casting cabinet is made out of tile backer board. It's the cement board underlay for setting ceramic tile. It will deteriorate if it gets wet though.

Dan

[The_Shadow]

Ken, there is treated plywoods, and there are good oil base paints that can protect the tabletop and there are some good water proofing coatings.
Good luck!

[Kenk]

Thanks guys, and will look into some of the oil base paints /  have a baking sheet I just commandeered from the kitchen, guess my wife gets a new one : ), I decided to go with a piece of 3/4? sanded plywood running 36? / 48?, and should with well. With the bench top being 40? high, standing while casting is just about perfect
Thanks again!

[Kenk]

It?s kinda funny, I?m many things, but a wood craftsman I?m not. Regardless, it?s everything I?d hoped for in a casting bench. The best part was I had all the materials except for the top, so it was a pretty economical project all in all.

[The_Shadow]

Look very functional Ken!

[Kenk]

Thanks Wade, as with my reloading bench, it stinken weighs a ton

[oldman10mm]

I built a somewhat portable casting bench / table today that can be used in the backyard in the warm months, and in the garage for winter use.

"it stinkin weighs a ton"

Put casters on it. Two fixed on one end, two swivelable on the other end. Harbor freight has 2" casters.

[Kenk]

Thanks, that?s a great idea. Heavy a good thing, especially with a reloading bench, which I haven?t moved yet, but the casting bench, that?s going to be a different story.