Repurposing, would aluminum top work for light tig table?

[V-10 Killer]

I have an old Black & Decker Workmate 550 table that the top is trashed on that I'm wondering if I could use for a light tig table. I know aluminum oxide isn't a great conductor, but with aluminum, doubt I'd have issues with arc marks on stainless or anything. I doubt I'd ever put more than 25-40 lbs on it. I'd think 1/4" would be thick enough, wouldn't you?

My garage is filling up too fast, and as much as a complete welding table would be nice, I don't have the floorspace for the 340+ days a year it wouldn't be used lol. So something that can fold up and get tucked away would be a huge plus. I know about the Eastwood and Nomad tables, but since I already have a decent folding base...

 

[Tig Master]

Yes it would work for your lite projects,so would steel.

 

[machine_punk]

Or, you could do something like the Nomad table, but with a split down the middle of your table. Get some thick steel tops bent at your local steel supplier.

I've been trying to figure out what to do with my cheapo-workmate-like table top. I think I'm just going to put some 1/4" steel on the top.

Kev

 

[rsanter]

What about some rectangular aluminum extrusion so you could still use the clamping feature

Bob

 

[bullnerd]

My tig area is a piece of 3/16 aluminum layed on my wooden workbench.Never had a problem.

 

[V-10 Killer]

My tig area is a piece of 3/16 aluminum layed on my wooden workbench.Never had a problem.

Intresting, I never thought about trying that

I keep looking for little projects to get some torch time in, but always seem to find an easier/cheaper route lol

I'm less interested in using steel because it'll make the top around 3x heavier. I priced out some 36x36 copper plate for the hell of it and