Welders, aluminum welding table?

[Aaron_W]

I'm wanting to set up a welding area. Don't have a welder yet, but plan on getting a wire feed Mig welder in the future.

I have an opportunity to get a 3x5 foot aluminum shop table cheap and was thinking it could make a nice welding table? All metal table top and legs.

Thoughts? Is there any reason aluminum would be a bad choice?

 

[Craftfab]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=413566

Current thread on same topic. Hope it helps.

 

[djcslice]

how cheap is cheap? If its super cheap, get it!

Downside is its lower temp so if you are welding close to the table, you might start pitting or blowing through the table (depending on thickness). The positive is you are less likely to accidentally fuse a bead on the table. You could always use the table and find a piece of sheet steel to put on top.

 

[Aaron_W]

Thanks for the link to the other thread.

There is a local auction of a fabrication company that went out of business. There are a 1/2 dozen or so 3x5 foot aluminum work tables being offered. With less than 24 hours to go only one has gone over $40, and most are still at $15-20. I figured if I could get one for $50 or less it might make a nice welding table. I probably couldn't buy scrap metal to build one for less than that.

If they were steel I wouldn't hesitate, but I didn't know if most are steel for cost / durability or because aluminum was unsuitable.

 

[doublearon98]

Honestly for less than $50 it would make a very nice flat worktop.

Now as to welding on it, ehh I dont know about that. You could put a sheet metal skin on top and it would probably be fine as someone mentioned.

To me it's worth getting for a workbench, especially at less than $50.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[pi_guy]

Depending on what you do and how you do your welding will help decide what table top works best.
But in all my years not seen somebody put a table in a shop and fail to use it.

Think the general thought would be if you do not do it you will regret it.

 

[Aaron_W]

Thanks, and yeah, I guess I could put a steel top on it.

 

[dr_clyde]

Aluminum makes a fine welding table. I have one with a 3/4" top. Durable, spatter doesn't stick, doesn't contaminate stainless parts, easy to move around.

I wouldn't think twice.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Here's a picture of my welding table. Originally a fixture table at a factory, I got it at a Habitat thrift store. It has a 1/2" thick aluminum top with a 1/4" steel plate on top. The table is about 25" x 45". I love that I can roll it out into the driveway with the welder and make sparks.

 

[DerekV]

Aluminum makes a fine welding table. I have one with a 3/4" top. Durable, spatter doesn't stick, doesn't contaminate stainless parts, easy to move around.



I wouldn't think twice.

This

 

[Aaron_W]

Thanks for the input, prices jumped and were starting to hit $100 near the end so I passed. It was probably still a pretty good deal at that point, but much less appealing than when they were $20-30.