Bora Centipede Workbench Top Review - Do you need this?

[@dh-no2ke]

I bought a couple of those top for my 2 x 8 and basically I hated them. First those “nice cam locks” don’t all work. I have 2 or 3 where they don’t lock, won’t turn. Others have mentioned if not careful they will pinch, I dislike them being hinged I found them awkward to use little heavy to manage and store. Basically they now just sit. Instead I drill two 3/4” holes in 2x4’s four feet long spaced to match the width of the mounting holes in the centipede and glued 3/4” dowel in each. I also drilled to 1 inch holes in each 2 x 4 spaced the same as the dowels so when storing the dowels they fit in the 1 in holes for storage. Now I can quickly drop each 2x4 into each set of mounting holes then lay on top a 4x8 foam sheet for cutting plywood. It’s faster setup and breakdown, no pinching my fingers.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I appreciate you!

[@adamlythgoe8574]

Spot on, concise, no bull, to the point. Brilliant! Thankyou

[@ReluctantDIYers]

THANK YOU!!

[@johnverkler3962]

Thank you for your quick reply. I've seen the 2 X 4 holders are different. The Bora holders can hold 2 by's vertically and flat. The Original Centipede's holders don't hold 2 by's vertical tightly.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

@@johnverkler3962 Hmmm… that’s interesting

[@wooddogg8]

I got the 4x4 with two additional 2x4 holders. I think a half sheet of 1/4 Maybe 1/2" plywood and a few well placed clamps will suit my needs, maybe some day but the price per top, I would need two, would be twice what I paid for the table. I plan on using it in my tiny (12' x 12') shop to put machines on, table top band saw, table saw sander, mini lathe etc.. not necessarily at the same time! I also have a traditional woodworking bench. with a dedicated miter station along one wall it'll be cramped but fine.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

I think that sounds like a good plan! If that plywood doesn’t workout, keep an eye out for sales on these things. If I see one I’ll post about it. Thanks for watching!

[@BossSpringsteen69]

You have to be extra careful with those MDF folding tops because if you're not careful, they will pinch your fingers when you fold it in half. My solution was to take the hinges off and use one half for my indoor workbench and, the other half for my outdoor workbench. I have the top that has the dog holes so it was a practical idea for me. I don't have the T track version and, I'm limited to a 24 x 24 area for using the dog holes but, There's always a fix for that.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

Thx for sharing!

[@TheOoze777]

How durable is the MDF? Is it treated with any kind of finish to protect it from moisture?

[@ReluctantDIYers]

Great question! It is not treated to deal with moisture. It’s like having a bare piece of MDF.

[@ST-0311]

$90 for a 1/4 sheet of MDF, 2 hinges, and 6 pegs. In addition, the hinge screws will rip out of that MDF sooner than later. That's a resounding "No." It may be a resounding "Yes," if you didn't actually buy it at all. They sent it for free, right?

[@ReluctantDIYers]

@@ST-0311 That is correct. But in all honesty, I would have purchased it if they had not.

[@ST-0311]

@@ReluctantDIYers To each their own. $270 for what amounts to 3/4 of a sheet of MDF is more than the cost of the 4x6 Centipede itself. That's nuts.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

@ST-0311 👍🏼

[@ReluctantDIYers]

@@ST-0311 I completely respect your opinion.

[@ST-0311]

@@ReluctantDIYers Just to be clear, I'm not being critical of you. You made a good video. It's Bora's pricing of these things I take issue with.

[@othername1000]

How does it hold up in the rain, sun, etc? Do these things move around when walked on?

[@ReluctantDIYers]

Once they are locked in place, they are really solid. Given the nature of the construction of the centipede, they do have a small amount of movement even when locked. I’ve not left them in the rain, but it’s MDF so I’m assuming they would swell some. Also, in the sun they do fade slightly after a while but are good otherwise. 👍🏼

[@johnverkler3962]

I have a question. I bought the original Centipede system, and it's NOT the Bora version. Will these folding panels be compatible with the pre-Bora system?

[@ReluctantDIYers]

@@johnverkler3962 This is a great question and I’m not certain. I wish I had one to test with.

[@TheMadComputerScientist1787]

I need something quick, so I got one 2x4 top. I don't really think it will last because it's. MDF. At first I thought about using a premium 3/4 plywood and making my own MFT, but that's out of budget for now, and it's not fast. I may give that a shot when the MDF gives up the ghost.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

I’ve been surprised at how well this top is holding up. I’m really beating it up also. 👍🏼

[@bobs7975]

What was your decision to not get a top with dog holes?

[@ReluctantDIYers]

@@bobs7975 I wanted that… but Bora sent me the top without the holes. I’m not complaining. 🤣🤣

[@hastingb]

The price of these table tops seem to fluctuate quite a bit. I held out until Prime Day on Amazon and managed to nab one for under $60.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

That’s awesome! They were running a great deal in the workbench and tabletop on Prime Day.

[@copperchadwick]

Too heavy, and they’re a great source of blood blisters, from pinching when it folds closed. You showed the exact case of finger pinching when taking it down. Otherwise, they’re great! It’s a good setup for a chop saw too.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

The more I’ve used these, the more I’ve pinched my fingers (even though I know I should watch out for it). Good point!

[@mitchchartrand]

I'd love to see a follow up months from now. Does it handle moisture? Like spilling coffee or paint or glue on it. Working outside on the driveway and break for lunch, get distracted by KZbin and it starts to rain, or you're putting it away and lean it against the garage and your dog senses a new object that must be marked as his territory or your neighbor borrows it to use as a station to clean a deer because he thinks those are blood drainage holes. You know typical wear and tear assessment.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

I’m also curious about this same fact. After all, it is MDF, but I’m not sure how Bora has treated it. I might “mistakenly” leave it out in the rain one day or “spill” a pitcher of water on it just to see what happens. :-) I CAN tell you that one of them already has a moisture ring on it from a coffee mug that was wet on the bottom (that was unplanned). Thx for watching Mitch!! Have a great day man.

[@stephane184]

I just bought 2 sets of the 2x4 centipede for $90 each. Just saw the price of the 4x8ft centipede on sale at Amazon Canada for $227! I think I’ll buy the big unit and return the 2 small ones.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

@@stephane184 I wish I had purchased the 4x8, but I’m very happy with my 4x6. So happy that I also bought the 4x2 for projects in smaller spaces. :-)

[@stephane184]

@@ReluctantDIYers good point. The 4x8 is big, but for me majority of the work is at home in my driveway as I have no room in the single car garage.

[@ReluctantDIYers]

@@stephane184 Same here… that’s where I use my 4x6 most.

[@davidcase4600]

Great commercial. Lousy justification. Does not make a case. Did he ever even use it? Thumbs down. And yes I have a 4x6 with one top, with holes even

[@ReluctantDIYers]

Thanks for the encouragement! 👍🏼