Glass surface for work bench?

MPWR · 08-14-2015, 07:27 AM

So I'm in the process of building myself a proper workbench for modelling, and I'm considering what to use for a work surface. I've gotten it into mind that maybe a glass top would be nice- but I really don't know if this is a practical option or not. At the very least it would be easy clean up. I would likely be using a rubber self healing cutting mat atop the glass for cutting work.

Anyone build on a glass surface? Love it/hate it? Do you have a preferred surface that works better for you than glass? I've been known to be somewhat slovenly in my workspaces, and tend to spill all manner of interesting substances on work surfaces- so I would prefer something relatively resilient (on my last bench surface, I spilled something that appeared for all the world to have rusted plywood).

Thoughts and ideas enthusiastically welcomed.

freakray · 08-14-2015, 07:31 AM

I have a glass surface, really makes clean up a cinch and paint drips and spills are easy to clean up even after they dry. My whole workbench has a formica kitchen countertop which I have 2 sections of glass about 36" L x 18" W on top of to give me 2 work areas.

When needed, I can throw a cutting mat on top of the glass surface for that kind of work.

jaykay640 · 08-14-2015, 07:47 AM

I've been working on exactly what you describe for the last 15 years.
My desk is a wood plate with glass on top and on top of that i have a big cutting mat that doubles as mousepad :-)
Over the years the glass gets damaged with many little scratches but that's cosmetic and would be the same with other materials. Any glue, putty, paint or resin can easily be wiped or scratched off.
If i were to get a new glass top i would get the edges more rounded/smoothed. They can be annoying to the lower arms and i have worked holes in a number of "modeling sweaters or shirts" over the years on them :-)

lemansnut · 08-14-2015, 07:56 AM

Most of my work is done over a piece of art board but I do have a small piece of glass from an old outdoor flood light (about 9 x 6 x 3/16" thick) that I use as a surface plate when I need a good flat surface for gluing.

Mike

Dexter Models · 08-14-2015, 08:06 AM

Since almost 30 years, I work on a glass surface with all advantages say above.
One of my work bench is full covered with a 1m x 2m glass, and the other with a smaller glass (60cm x 40cm)

On both case, the back of glass is darkened with paint or thick paper.
For me it's easier to see small parts on a dark surface...But you also see dust !

GirchyGirchy · 08-14-2015, 09:06 AM

I used to work on large glass sheets at a sign shop and loved it. Dulls blades quickly but lasts forever, easy to clean, is perfectly flat, etc. Just be careful bumping the glass (if tempered) against the wall...if you hit the edges funny the glass will explode.

MPWR · 08-14-2015, 10:43 AM

Thanks guys, much appreciated. So it does work as a work surface.

Anyone have trouble with lighting reflection? I'm guessing that placing the cutting mat properly should help with that?

afxracing · 08-14-2015, 12:25 PM

I also have a glass top on my work bench and love it. Like Dexter Models stated above I put a piece of paper under the glass (I use white paper) for a consistent background. In addition to all the already stated benefits the glass is very flat. Helps insure all four wheels touch the ground on the finished model.

BVC500 · 08-14-2015, 03:44 PM

Glass is great. i would pour small amounts of glue on it to use, and when dried, just use a razor to clean it. Highly recommended. Just get an ikea glass top desk.

MPWR · 08-14-2015, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BVC500

Just get an ikea glass top desk.

We probably shop at the same ikea (College Park?).

You also, AFX.

But no, didn't see anything there that I liked more than what I could make. I did however get another of those bookcases with the glass doors- to put in-progress works into.

afxracing · 08-14-2015, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPWR

We probably shop at the same ikea (College Park?).

You also, AFX.

But no, didn't see anything there that I liked more than what I could make. I did however get another of those bookcases with the glass doors- to put in-progress works into.

I have shopped there but my glass panel was an old sliding pass-thru window. A glass shelf from Ikea would work great.

MPWR · 08-14-2015, 08:21 PM

My new surface is about 50.5" x 25.75"- an odd size, so I think I'm going to have to special order something. I probably don't need to go edge to edge, but I feel like that would be doing it right.

gionc · 08-15-2015, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPWR

My new surface is about 50.5" x 25.75"- an odd size, so I think I'm going to have to special order something. I probably don't need to go edge to edge, but I feel like that would be doing it right.

You're getting aged and the glass get cold over winter

kisses from inferno

You?ll try my strategic nomadic modeling: I have 5 workbench: when I bloody mess the first I switch to the second leaving all tools and unfinished models on the first, and so and so until the 5th (no more space, but I guess I'll rent a room on the basement from my neighbour for other 5 wbenches): when I have a mess in the 5th I switch to the first and do clean: all unfinished model and stuff and unused tools go to the wastes

and I get a brand new first table to start something new until the bench is busy....

MPWR · 08-15-2015, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gionc

You're getting aged and the glass get cold over winter

This I did not think of! Perhaps I will build some electrical heating cables into the edges of the bench, to keep it nice and warm for my old arms....

Quote:

You?ll try my strategic nomadic modeling: I have 5 workbench: when I bloody mess the first I switch to the second leaving all tools and unfinished models on the first, and so and so until the 5th (no more space, but I guess I'll rent a room on the basement from my neighbour for other 5 wbenches): when I have a mess in the 5th I switch to the first and do clean: all unfinished model and stuff and unused tools go to the wastes

and I get a brand new first table to start something new until the bench is busy....

I have tried your nomadic modelling strategy. The result? I build as slow as you do.

Next I think I will try something else.

Kisses to you also!

afxracing · 08-15-2015, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPWR

My new surface is about 50.5" x 25.75"- an odd size, so I think I'm going to have to special order something. I probably don't need to go edge to edge, but I feel like that would be doing it right.

Mine is 16" x 27" plenty big for me. It would be nice to have the whole bench top covered but not necessary.

If you want custom go to a glass repair shop the can cut it to size and grind the edges smooth.

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