Novice question on aluminum diamond plate

[smalltown]

I see many diy welder carts using diamond plate for the shelving. I'm wondering what thickness/grade would normally be used.
My welder is the older Millermatic 211 and weight approx. 75 lbs.

 

[u2slow]

1/4" and 0.188" are common thicknesses.

If you build the frame with angle iron, for example, the shelf itself doesnt need to support much.

 

[kerrynzl]

I use 5mm [0.200"] diamond plate on my trailer decks to haul cars.

Glue the alloy to a steel frame and you can probably use 3mm [0.125"]

 

[whateg01]

Considering many carts use 18 ga steel and the welder doesn't fall through it, you can probably use about any thickness as long as it has angle or flanges for vertical strength at the edges.

 

[smalltown]

Thanks. There is a local ad that a person is selling pieces of .045. So I'll pass on that!

 

[Monza Harry]

Thanks. There is a local ad that a person is selling pieces of .045. So I'll pass on that!

Why? Add a crossmember under the feet/attachment points, those will carry the weight and you get the looks without the budget penalty of thicker material. Just a thought you could explore. Harry

 

[Firstram]

Thanks. There is a local ad that a person is selling pieces of .045. So I'll pass on that!

0.045 would be fine for so many things, crossmembers and installation methods make all the difference. Make a simple frame, lay the sheet on top and press down where a machine foot would be to see how little it actually deflects. Save some money and use it!!