Why use a torsion box in a workbench?

Why use a torsion box in a workbench?

The principle is to use less material more efficiently. The torsion box uses the properties of its thin surfaces to carry the imposed loads primarily through tension while the close proximity of the enclosed core material compensates for the tendency of the opposite side to buckle under compression.

Is a torsion box necessary?

Having a flat outfeed surface is nice because the piece doesn't lift away from the front OR back of the blade and I also have a reference surface to build stuff on. Torsion boxes are not necessary for many applications but they are a small sacrifice of time and effort to gain a better shop-made tool, ultimately.

How thick should a torsion box be?

The thinnest torsion member you can make from 1/2" MDF without resawing the MDF is 1/2" since a single sheet is simply a solid torsion box. Next thinnest is 1" which would two sheets laminated. From there the thickness is simply whatever height you want to cut the webs – anywhere from paper thickness to inches or feet.