Started fabricating a durable work surface for my rolling tool cabinet that normally resides under my work bench. The idea is that I can pull it out when I need some extra surface area. My shop is small so I need to do everything I can to maximize efficiency.
I started by cutting a 3/4" plywood base for the work surface
Then I cut out some 16ga sheet metal to cover it up.
It would have gone so much easier if I had a CNC laser and a large pan brake. Using simple tools (straight edge, jigsaw, file, angle grinder) I was able to cut out various pieces and fit them together. Initially I had planned to bend everything with my 30" HF sheet metal brake but it wasn't up to the task. It says 17ga capacity on the box. 16ga was asking too much of it so out comes the 5lb sledge hammer to bend things approximately into shape.
Next step is to weld all the pieces together without warping things and then grind smooth. I may end up glueing the sheet metal to the plywood base. Not sure yet.