Ideas for a Tool Box Top

[dclassens]

I have just purchased a new toolbox and I wish to build or buy some sort of top to use as a work station. Can be any type of material. The picture is an example of what I am going for. The price for wood or steel from Snap On is $300-$600. The price from the link is $200-$400 plus shipping. So here is what I am after. I need some ideas on what I might come across to do this on the cheap. I tried to price out and make my own wood top, and to do it correctly by the time I was done, the prices were very close to what I could buy it for. Maybe a piece of Corian cut to shape. I even thought about a concrete pour of some type like they use on kitchen counters. Does not need to be super strong like steel, I am going to work on it, but no hammering. Will need to be 54x24. Ideas please.



http://www.toolboxtop.com/

 

[mwilson]

I have just purchased a new toolbox and I wish to build or buy some sort of top to use as a work station. Can be any type of material. The picture is an example of what I am going for. The price for wood or steel from Snap On is $300-$600. The price from the link is $200-$400 plus shipping. So here is what I am after. I need some ideas on what I might come across to do this on the cheap. I tried to price out and make my own wood top, and to do it correctly by the time I was done, the prices were very close to what I could buy it for. Maybe a piece of Corian cut to shape. I even thought about a concrete pour of some type like they use on kitchen counters. Does not need to be super strong like steel, I am going to work on it, but no hammering. Will need to be 54x24. Ideas please.



http://www.toolboxtop.com/

Semi-trailer flooring has been used by our techs. 12" wide. Glue it up, poly it and put it on the top. Tough stuff, forklifts run on it.



I'll try to get you a price per foot if that interests you.



See page 273 in this PDF, most places will sell it by the foot rather than full length. http://www.newlifeparts.com/newlife/catalog/nl/nl_section_12.pdf



Mike.

 

[mweiman]

I saw a guy in the shop up the road from ours had a local machine shop make him an aluminum top. He just had a sheet of maybe 1/8" and then on the back and sides had an inch or so lip bent up and the corners welded. It looks good and was cheap and is functional.
Matt

 

[dclassens]

Thanks a mike, I would be very interested!! The box top is 54 inches by 24 inches roughly so shipping is a factor. I could buy one piece and cut it down.

 

[mwilson]

I'll get you a rough price and find out if someone in the Traverse City area might stock the flooring.



Will let you know.



Mike.

 

[mwilson]

The only thickness that we stock at our location is the 1 3/8". That is running about 8. 50 to 9. 00 per foot. So 9' if you make no mistakes. Also when you put them side by side, glue them and trim the lap joint from each exposed edge you will have 23" in width.



Or if you have to have 24" rip a third or so off one plank and do two glued seams using the ripped piece on the other side. .



I'll search up a trailer dealer in your area.



Mike.

 

[Road Dog]

Ikea used to have butcher block table tops that you would add legs to make a table or desk. I know you can order butcher block counter tops from Ikea in any length you need.

 

[PToombs]

I had a piece of composite plywood 2" thick, regular 4 x 8 sheet. I had it listed for sale on Cl for a year and finally got rid of it last month. I got $50 for it. It would have been perfect for what you are doing.
Good luck on finding something!

 

[mwilson]

Pictures of the trailer flooring we used to make a tool cart top.

Mike.

 

[p-Bar]

I second Road dog . I am a custom cabinetmaker and have found that the tops from Ikea are dirt cheap I can't even get close . they are usually a bit warpped but not bad.

 

[JR]

Pictures of the trailer flooring we used to make a tool cart top.

View attachment 85266


View attachment 85267


View attachment 85268

Mike.

Hey Mike what's the big hole used for on the bench top?

 

[jhenderson]

Ever hear of a Virginia twin seater? Looks like a Bangor single.

 

[mwilson]

That's for testing Espar Heaters. The mounting plate sets in the recess.



Thread here.....



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...5316-Name-this-custom-crafted-shop-tool/page2



Mike.

 

[mwilson]

Ever hear of a Virginia twin seater? Looks like a Bangor single.

I don't think that crossed Brian's mind when he built it, BUT I will make sure to inform him when I return to work that his tester has a viable second use.....



Mike.

 

[Wygate]

Thanks a mike, I would be very interested!! The box top is 54 inches by 24 inches roughly so shipping is a factor. I could buy one piece and cut it down.

I have made a few work benches, covered them w/ counter top laminate. Would go to store and buy from the scratch and dent pile. Believe it or not, having a solid base of wood of any type, holds up way better than one might think. Only wrecked it when I tried to, i. e. just smashed my thumb, stuck screw driver into the bench... ! I have had most of the heavy 4x4 parts on my benches, to fix what I broke of course.
I am just about to finish off another plywood top again, for what it is worth.

On another note I am moving back to MI, just north of you in a few weeks. Any local TDR club's?

Jay

 

[Wygate]

Ever hear of a Virginia twin seater? Looks like a Bangor single.

Thought that was Da 2 hole-er eh; from dah UP. Of MI

 

[dclassens]

Thanks guys! The van floor is a bit pricey. I have a source for old bowling alley at $11 a foot. I am thinking of the Ikea top with a coat of Envirotex is the way to go. P-Bar, any advice on this item?

 

[p-Bar]

I've seen it done a bit costly I would use polyurathane or Spar varnish about 4 coats will give you a good bulletproof finish and then can be recoated down the line. The problem with the Envirotex is that it will look too good to put anything on the top and you will be worried about it. Be sure you coat both sides of the top as it will want to warp if you don't. Good luck post some pics when done