Stainless steel by the sheet

[roy826]

Where might I find some of this. Long story short we were moving a work table to my new shop. Table was on a trailer and some how along the way the 35 1/2" x 53 7/8" stainless sheet on top blew off. It was never found on the return scouting mission. Happened on rural 2 lane country backroads so I am certain someone picked it up before we could return to look for it. So now I need a replacement for the workbench top. The sheet was resting on a 3/4" plywood base that is still there. The plywood is attached to a angle iron frame. Real nice workbench, just amkes me sick the top was lost. This table had been moved twice in the past and the top never budged not sure why it decided to take flight yesterday. It was pretty heavy.

 

[Joe Mamma]

I'm sorry to hear this. You may want to try McMaster-Carr. Actually, a metal fabrication shop would probably be a better place. I assume you want to have the edges folded down and the corners welded.

I'm not sure how old that piece was. But unfortunately, I think it's going to cost a LOT more than you paid before.

Joe Mamma

 

[roy826]

This table was my dads work table for 20 years. He made it when he was working in a maintenance field of work. It is very well made and super stout so it is worth replacing. I have looked at a few places online and yikes stainless is extremely expensive. Even if I have to put $100 or so in it is worth it. I am going to make a few phone calls locally to see what my options are. Edges would not be a problem as it was recessed and flush with the top of angle iron framing. Still not sure what guage it was.

 

[roy826]

Here is the table in question minus the stainless top.

 

[metal1313]

i would look up local metal suppliers, im lucky and have one less than a mile from my house called metal supermarkets. they are a chain so you might have one in your area. they have decent prices too. for bigger stuff there is a steel shop near by. i have to stop there and see if they have any more road plates for cheap. a buddy bought a few for his construction co, but said they offed to cut them to size for another 50 bucks which isnt bad for 1'' plate if you ask me, esp since they use a plasma table to do it

 

[bobadame]

It's gonna be pricey because of one dimension being longer than 48". You might have to buy a full sheet. Steel would work just as well at about a third the cost. I'd go with 14 or 16 gauge.

 

[roy826]

Found a place in town. Currently waiting on a call back with a price on stainless verses steel with 16 guage.

 

[jam0o0]

i would look up local metal suppliers, im lucky and have one less than a mile from my house called metal supermarkets. they are a chain so you might have one in your area. they have decent prices too. for bigger stuff there is a steel shop near by. i have to stop there and see if they have any more road plates for cheap. a buddy bought a few for his construction co, but said they offed to cut them to size for another 50 bucks which isnt bad for 1'' plate if you ask me, esp since they use a plasma table to do it

metal super markets have the BIGGEST markups in town. but they cater to people buying in small quantities. i used to buy things there before i learned better.

plate cuts at my local steel place are 5$. they have a plasma too.

 

[KENLUDE97]

I personally would not go with Mild steel it rusts. We did that at our lab at work and less than a year later they were all replaced with SS. Now granted SS is a LOT more expensive.

Here is a place you can look for prices. I have ordered from them.

http://www.metalsdepot.com/

4x4' = $50 for Mild steel 14guage
4x4' = $227 for T304 Stainless Steel Sheet - Dull Mill Finish

Good luck!

 

[ZeroSignal]

There are many different varieties of S/S. 430 is of lesser quality. 304 is the good stuff a 304 14ga will cost ya a pretty penny. I'm sure you could find a local sheet metal guy or a restaurant equipment, ventilation hood fabricator to get you a decent price on something.

 

[roy826]

I personally would not go with Mild steel it rusts. We did that at our lab at work and less than a year later they were all replaced with SS. Now granted SS is a LOT more expensive.

Here is a place you can look for prices. I have ordered from them.

http://www.metalsdepot.com/

4x4' = $50 for Mild steel 14guage
4x4' = $227 for T304 Stainless Steel Sheet - Dull Mill Finish

Good luck!

I prefer SS but I may be priced out on that. Still have not heard back from the place yet. I might go $100 on it simply for the fact it is a nice solid table but no more than a 100.

 

[rickycobra]

A lumber depot might have some of that.

 

[bobadame]

You might think about Formica.

 

[Drdaves49]

How about a stainless refrigerator door...cut it to fit

 

[scott37300]

Metal supply shop or a fab shop. Are you going to need the edges bent at all? I've never got stainless but I would guess your budget is going to be on the low end based on the sheet steel I have bought.

 

[Older'n dirt]

Is there a large Hospital in your area? What with all the OSHA regs they deal with it's possible you could get a 'retired or damaged' table or cart they discard. It helps to have an inside person. Do you know any nurses?
A friend of mine got a SS table top from a restaurant that was being demolished. Got it free just to get it out of the building before it came down.

 

[roy826]

Is there a large Hospital in your area? What with all the OSHA regs they deal with it's possible you could get a 'retired or damaged' table or cart they discard. It helps to have an inside person. Do you know any nurses?
A friend of mine got a SS table top from a restaurant that was being demolished. Got it free just to get it out of the building before it came down.

Yes I know a few nurses and my wife works at a hospital. I will ask around.

No edges turned down. The piece simply laid on top of plywood with the angle iron frame as a cradle for both. It was a nice setup.

 

[csmitty]

I think you'll be out a good bit more than $100 unless you can find a place that will cut or a "drop" piece that will work. Metal supermarket is great for short drops you need without buying a whole 20', well most of the time. I paid the same for a 6' of something when I could have gotten a 20' piece for the same cost, and it was something it'd probably use eventually.

I have mild steel on my work/weld. Nothing a 7" flap disc can't fix.

 

[jam0o0]

i've never used a stainless table top. we just spray the mild steel tables with wd40 or old oil every week or so. keeps the rust away.

 

[Rusty32]

I used some 1/8 inch galvanized for work benches at the shop and they work real well and dont rust

 

[Jack Olsen]

Aluminum is pretty cheap these days. Soft, but it won't rust.

 

[rwhite692]

Usually the cheapest way to get SS sheet is to find a local shop that builds custom fixtures for restaurant kitchen prep areas. They will have what you need.

 

[roy826]

Well the place never called me back guess I was not a worthy customer. I will call a few more places tomorrow and I am exploring other type materials. I love this workbench. Used it tonight to install a new gadget on my motorcycle tire changer. Made the job so easy. I also like the storage bins it has on one side.

 

[dladcock]

The best way to find what you really want at the price you want to pay is to buy something you don't want.

Works for me every time.

Check any scrap yards you might have local. Crack Heads are stealing this stuff every day to sell for scrap.

 

[roy826]

Bingo local shop came through for me. They are cutting me an exact size piece of stainless steel 16 guage 2B finish and de-burring it for $50 cash. Picking it today at noon. I am happy!

 

[scott37300]

Bingo local shop came through for me. They are cutting me an exact size piece of stainless steel 16 guage 2B finish and de-burring it for $50 cash. Picking it today at noon. I am happy!

That's a good price. Glad it worked out for you!

 

[gilbo]

well it should have beeen hours since u picked it up, where are the pics

 

[red baron]

well it should have beeen hours since u picked it up, where are the pics

Agreed!!!