aluminum welding table HEAVY DUTY

[westpoint]

Hi, I started making a table out of 2"x6"x1/8" box aluminum. Im not sure what I should use as a top. What would a table like this be worth? And how can I make it as functional as possible? Thanks. Pics below.

[fabricator]

Well, that would depend on its purpose.

[westpoint]

Well, that would depend on its purpose.

well thats what i need advice with. I am a welder, but never saw a all aluminum welding table. If I should throw 1/2" aluminum plate on top let me know........what would you do with this table?

[Frank865]

Use a steel top... Spatter will kill you if you use aluminum.

[westpoint]

Use a steel top... Spatter will kill you if you use aluminum.

really? i see what your saying, but it seems such a shame to throw steel on top of this alum table.

[Precision]

aluminum welding table HEAVY DUTY

Cover it with steel and comeback with a flapper disc and polish the crap outta it. Frank is right,splatter will ruin it and really break your heart.

[monte55]

personally, I would have never wasted that aluminum on legs for a welding table.

[MMW]

An aluminum table top would be good for small tig work or assembly work that needs to be handled carefully. Aluminum is soft so it would not mar/scratch the pcs. as easily. As far as a normal welding table I don't think it would have much use. To soft, will gouge easily, unable to tack pcs./fixtures to easily, expands/contracts at a different rate than steel.

#1) top material -- If used for general welding use a steel top.

#2) worth? -- As a welding table not much imo. Used welding tables don't command much money.

#3) functional -- Maybe polish it & put a nice wood top on it to use as a desk?

[westpoint]

Yeah we had the material laying around. Still not sure what to do with it.....hmmmmm.

Anymore ideas? Like I said if you had this table what would you do with it?

[Precision]

aluminum welding table HEAVY DUTY

If it were mine I would finish it out in alum and put my ole Tombstone on it with lead hangers and maybe a bench grinder or vise on it. Lots of crap hangers and a shelf or two for more crap.

[westpoint]

What about stainless on top?

[aametalmaster]

What about stainless on top?

Stainless if fine for a potting bench but will suck for a welding table. The spatter from steel will rust...Bob

[Hardrock40]

I used a big SS top once, that thing would hold heat forever. It was on another table top so I put some short legs under it, still held the heat too long IMO.