Welding Tables

[undercut]

Looking to set up a temporary table, has anybody ever used galvanized sheet over plywood? I don't tack to the table, so I don't think heat will be an issue, but I figure I'll learn from other's experiences.

I'm on a tight budget so that's pretty much what I'm doing. I'm going to use a workmate like bench and put some scrap metal sheet on it.

[Rodsmachineshop]

I had a wood bench once worked good for welding it was like 3 by 6 used 2x4 for legs and frame and 1/2 ply wood for top , then put concrete board on top of plywood with 1/8 sheet metal worked good . still use the concrete board for portable welding bench top just lay a big piece on a rolling cart and weld http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?...toreBeanArray=[com.lowes.commerce.storelocator.beans.LocatorStore Bean%4072de72de]&cmRelshp=req&storeNumber=2562&langId=-1&cId=PDIO1&partNumber=11640-12755-220001&storeId=10151&rel=nofollow use the white its also called hardyback board galvanized metal don't work good for tops for a bench

[Trip59]

One of the reasons I bought the 30FX. I used to work on a piece of concrete board over a sheet of plywood on sawhorses (it's surprisingly flat and burn resistant). I've worked on tin-top tables like from Sears (sheet steel on MDF) and never been satisfied.

If I had to go budget, I'd go back to the concrete backer board over dealing with galvanized. See if you can find some non-galvanized and save yourself some zinc poisoning.

What I bought will have to do until I can afford a Stronghand

[Rodsmachineshop]

nice is concrete board dosn't warp it tough stuff

[undercut]

Thanks for the tip about the hardy board. I'll need to take a look at that. Is is strong enough to clamp to?

[Rodsmachineshop]

i wouldn't clamp to it without like a piece of plywood or something on the bottom side of the concrete board

[undercut]

i wouldn't clamp to it without like a piece of plywood or something on the bottom side of the concrete board

OK, thanks. Good to know as I scope things out.

I've worked on tin-top tables like from Sears (sheet steel on MDF) and never been satisfied.

What didn't you like about it?

If I had to go budget, I'd go back to the concrete backer board over dealing with galvanized. See if you can find some non-galvanized and save yourself some zinc poisoning.

I wouldn't go with anything galvanized. Don't need the hassle of worrying over the zinc. I'll definitely look into the concrete board.

[Gwaltnak]

I like the idea of a hardiebacker base, with sheet metal over that. I understand the zinc poisoning, what about a sheet of aluminum. This table/bench is going to be outside, and I live close enough to the beach to get the salt air, and I don't want it to rust. If possible I'd like to use a table ground which is the reason for wanting a metal surface.

[Rodsmachineshop]

aluminum would melt if welded on and oxidize really bad next to the ocean. a 4 by 8 sheet of steel 1/8 isn't that much , dont you live in cali if so metal is cheap if near big city's

[Trip59]

OK, thanks. Good to know as I scope things out.



What didn't you like about it?



I wouldn't go with anything galvanized. Don't need the hassle of worrying over the zinc. I'll definitely look into the concrete board.

Thin enough to need something under it, may find it warping, distorting, conforming to surfaces, it's just not stable enough. thick enough and you don't need the wood.

Navy, believe it or not, used to encourage regular smoke breaks for us. First guy to have a cig go sweet and we all got sent to the galley for a milk chugging contest.

[Gwaltnak]

Thanks everybody, great info, I'll probably go with a base of plywood, covered by Hardiebacker 500 then a sheet of 10 GA. Steel... Should be sturdy enough for my projects for now.

[everlastsupport]

Looking to set up a temporary table, has anybody ever used galvanized sheet over plywood? I don't tack to the table, so I don't think heat will be an issue, but I figure I'll learn from other's experiences.

Don't breath the white smoke that comes from the galvanized sheet. For low cost, expanded metal is another option. 3/4"x9.