Stainless for a welding table?

[OldracerJones]

I've run across a stainless steel table on casters that I have no need for but was looking and wondering if it would make a good welding table. Anyone used stainless for a welding table?

 

[csp]

For conductivity and fireproof features it's fine. If you need it for clamping parts down or beating on parts it's probably not the best choice.

Welding tables can be so many different things to different people.

 

[tinmanwpk]

If it is comparably priced I'd jump on it.

 

[Techie1961]

Spatter will stick to it pretty bad I would think. Can easily be ground off though.

 

[bad_idea]

Stainless puts off chrome 6 when welded. I know most will say "It's for welding on, not welding to." I personally find it convenient to tack things down to the table for fit-up. I can deal with the hassle of grinding the weld off the table, but I prefer if generating that weld doesn't cause health issues.

 

[AndyA]

You probably can't afford one thick enough to be a good welding table.

 

[matt_i]

The hexavalent chromium is something to think of. Even on a steel bench there are little micro-welds if a part isn't clamped down strongly enough to make good contact.

The ultimate welding bench I saw once in a plant's fab shop was 1/4" thick copper.

The main functional concern would be torch work especially if its 1/4" thick or less. Stainless does not conduct well, heat stays concentrated in a local area, one reason it seems to weld like butter.

 

[OldracerJones]

Thanks for the responses. I had overlooked the hexavalent chromium issue, not to be messed with. It is rather thin also. I think maybe I will keep it for a clean table and make my own welding table.