HD Galvanized Table

[Leaky88]

I picked up a nice 72” x 28” x 36” HD table today.
Plan was to make it a dedicated table for metal work, grinding, welding etc.
It was painted, showed some rust, good and heavy, and looked like a good candidate.
Naturally, after getting the treasure home I noticed some peeled paint and realized it’s Galvanized.
Believe I know the answers, but I’ll ask.
Would it be safe to cover one end of the table with a plate of non-galvanized steel and weld on it?
Do I have any other options?
Thanks

 

[cvairwerks]

Welding with galvanized anywhere close to the HAZ is a no no without proper PPE. The vapors off of heated galvanizing contain highly toxic chemicals. I'd just get some stainless bent up to cover the portion you want covered and simply bolt it on. Or you can order a top from Uline or similar and trim as needed.

 

[Leaky88]

Thanks.

Not interested in a dirt nap. Just trying forgo cost of making a table

I certainly did not do my due diligence.

I know galvanized requires a certain primer or prep prior to painting so paint will adhere, but other than that, I don’t know how to determine whether it’s galvanized or not.

 

[cvairwerks]

It's fine as is for everything but welding. If you were doing small torch projects, it would be easy to lay a pad of firebrick on top of the torch area and work.

 

[Leaky88]

But a SS cover would allow me to weld. Yes? Does the stainless take the heat and prevent heating of the Galvanized?

 

[cvairwerks]

Sure, as long as you are doing arc/mig/tig work. OA work, just use the firebrick. Galvanization starts to offgas a bit over 600F.

 

[Xcursion88]

Question...
Is it a wood top with a sheet of galvanized covering it or is it completely galvanized as the top? And how thick?

My suggestion and you'd be time ahead regardless...
If it's a sheet covering wood rid the galvanized sheet and replace with any ordinary steel sheet.

If the entire top is thick galvanized get metal supply shop to give you a replacement top..they can knock holes out if it's extra thick, put bends in it...whatever...and make your new to you table exactly as you'd like.

 

[Leaky88]

Table top is ALL metal. No wood.

 

[Xcursion88]

Table top is ALL metal. No wood.

Ok...so find a steel shop in your area...give them dimensions and where you'd like mounting holes to be and you get a hunk o' table top real cheap exactly as you'd like it to be.

My .02 cents of good old cash.

P.s.
I echo again...You'll be miles ahead than if you try ahd paint...use an overlay...etc.

 

[PCustoms]

I'd weld on it as is, top should not be getting hot enough to be a concern....

Post a pic of this thing!

 

[Leaky88]

Best pic I have right now. No one has been around to help me download it yet. Seller and I loaded it and it was NOT light. Don’t want to do anything to make the 6:00 news.

 

[Leaky88]

Better table pics.