Subject: Construction of Solid Core door?

From: Doug Hood <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 11 Feb 1997 15:02:48 -0500

What is at the center of a solid core door? Someone mentioned using one
for a workbench top... and it seems like a good idea.  I've also
considered 
using one to construct an outfeed table or even a router table.  

They are flat, heavy, and could be finished and made smooth as glass. 

I don't want to cut into one, though, without having a good idea of what
is in there....

Thanks,

Doug

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From: "Casey " <[email-masked]>
Date: 11 Feb 1997 21:23:41 GMT

Doug,
Some are particle board stuff (interior) others are glued-up lumber liken
to butcher block construction. The latter would probably be better for a
table or workbench top. I think the doors are coded as to content. If it
says "interior only" then its likely to be P-board junk. If its lumber
core, the glue-up is probably visible top and bottom. The glue joints
sometimes telegraph through the veneer, but can only be detected with a
shiny finish applied. 
Casey

Doug Hood <[email-masked]> wrote in article <[email-masked]>...

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From: [email-masked] (Stev)
Date: 12 Feb 1997 12:50:20 GMT

In article <[email-masked]>, [email-masked] says...
>I don't want to cut into one, though, without having a good idea of what

I have a bench made out of a solid core door. I assumed it was lumber
core, and it wasnt. The way I found that out was by watching in dismay
as the bit I was using to drill mounting holes for a vice just started
walking all over. Anyways, it was only $20. Look for a lumber core door,
and I dont know how you can tell before hand. I am happy with my bench,
but where you will run into problems are with dog holes. The particle
board wont hold up under pressure, it will crumble and compress. I put
aluminum bushings in mine for the wooden dogs I use. 
On my door, the solid wood ran 'cross grain' along top and bottom.Im 
assuming a lumbercore door wouldnt be built like that, so maybe you can 
tell that way.

stev

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From: Robert Crable <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 1997 11:29:02 -0800

Doug,
  I've just finished making some workbench tops and a router table from
some solid core doors I got from salvage here at Penn State.  Turns out
the cores are pine, tongue and grooved from pieces about 3 inches wide,
with oak dowels to hold them all together.  The ones I have work great,
are very heavy, and were cheap at $5 each.  Couldn't begin to think of
buying particle board and laminating it for that price.
  Good luck with your woodworking.
  Bob Crable

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From: [email-masked] (JSurpre53)
Date: 13 Feb 1997 22:49:19 GMT

I used a solid core door and cut out enough to slide in an 8" Sears saw
just left of center and used angle iron to reinforce the edges. It doubles
as a woorbench. It is 31" high x 80" x 36" 

John