Tough Drill Press Table

[Tony Wells]

It might be a bit of a cheat, but here, Lowe's sells galvanized sheet metal flashing in the roofing area as wide as 24". You could take a couple of strips of that and tack or screw it to the top, if you really wanted metal.

I think your shop is fine. Nothing wrong with a shop that small. Kind of forces you to be careful with space, and put stuff back where it belongs.

 

[george wilson]

Yes,don't glue the masonite down. It may get too beat up,and you can pull the nails and replace it.

 

[Nelson]

Yes,don't glue the masonite down. It may get too beat up,and you can pull the nails and replace it.

My first stupid inclination was to glue it down. Then I realized it would be heck to replace if I did.
Best way would be to use small brads. Pry it up to remove it, and replace.

The problem with the flashing pieces that Tony is suggesting is that you can get a nice cut working with that stuff, especially while cutting it with tin snips. You have to tape the sharp edges with duct tape.

The masonite is score and snap. I can even do it while the presses are still on the table, slide the masonite under them, score the edges and snap.

Nelson