Hey everyone! I'm planning to build a laminated bench top and I'm curious about material choices. Is it okay to use nice wood like curly maple for the two exterior laminated pieces while opting for something cheaper like poplar or even construction lumber for the interior pieces? Would this mix of materials have any negative effects on the bench's performance?
1 Answer
You can absolutely mix materials, but if you're using curly maple for the top, it’s usually best to have a hardwood base too. Personally, for a workbench, I wouldn't splurge on curly maple since it’s tough to keep flat and will take a beating over time. Just something to think about!
That’s a solid point! I was considering curly maple for the outer pieces and then using soft maple for the legs, plus cherry for some accents. I really want to showcase my joinery skills with a hounds tooth dovetail for the tail vise.