I’m building a simple starter workbench and, from a sustainability standpoint, I’d like to use regionally harvested red maple rather than imported stock; shop holds about 45% RH and I’ll target 8% MC while laminating a 3 in top. If you’ve built benches in red maple or tulip poplar, how did they fare for movement and denting over time, and would you trust a low-VOC PVA for the lamination or step up to a UF resin for creep resistance?
And red maple can be pretty reliable, but keep an eye on the humidity levels; it has a tendency to move a bit more than some hardwoods. I laminated a bench top once with it, and while it held up nicely, I went overboard on the finish, which might’ve helped with denting. What kind of joinery are you planning for the top?
But i hear you on the movement issue with red maple; I’ve had my top shift a bit more than I liked. What worked for me was applying a good low-VOC finish right after laminating; it helped with the moisture management. Just keep an eye on those humidity levels.