Weld table set up

[Brno8x57]

I just bought two 36x48 metal table that I will repurpose for mobile workbenches. One has a 3/4 inch plywood top flush with the edges. I want to use
The other for a weld table; hobby level use. Ideally table tops will be flush to each other to have 8 feet work area.

Should I drop a 3/8 in plate on top? Any thoughts appreciated.
I am restoring a car but enjoy welding, have mig and will likely add plasma cutter soon.
I like to roll the station outside so will be adding casters.
The table has frame for a drawer.
Looks to be 1/8 inch steel.

 

[quadrcr87]

I really like that table frame design! The boxed in top looks like it will support a plate really well. 3/8 should be plenty. Just be careful not to put a lot of heat into it when you weld it on. I warped my 3/16 top when I welded it to the frame with multiple 1” beads. Bolting the plate on with some countersink bolts could be a good option too.


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[Brno8x57]

I really like that table frame design! The boxed in top looks like it will support a plate really well. 3/8 should be plenty. Just be careful not to put a lot of heat into it when you weld it on. I warped my 3/16 top when I welded it to the frame with multiple 1” beads. Bolting the plate on with some countersink bolts could be a good option too.


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Can I just drop it in? It was built with a lip to hold 3/4 inch plywood making a flush surface

 

[rvieceli]

If you want to just drop the top in, I think I'd shim it up so that it sits slightly proud of the base. You really don't want to have a lip on the edge. So maybe use 3 pieces of 1/2 inch flat bar to shim it up. That would make it proud by an 1/8 or use 3/8 for even. I'd put a piece down each long edge and one in the middle. Top is going to weigh about 180 pounds so it should keep them in place.

Ron

 

[Will S.]

I would put a piece of 1/2" or 5/8" gypsum board down first, then the 3/8 steel plate on that. As others have said, some steel support vertical flatbar or angle iron for additional support across the center.

 

[Brno8x57]

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[Brno8x57]

I would put a piece of 1/2" or 5/8" gypsum board down first, then the 3/8 steel plate on that. As others have said, some steel support vertical flatbar or angle iron for additional support across the center.

What is the gypsum board for? Drywall?

 

[swavescatter]

I'm guessing for guaranteed flatness. I just built a welding table with 3/8" thick 4'x8' and it had some shape to it. Probably need to go at least 1/2" or more to avoid that, or find a way to make it lay flat...