Welding table fabrication

[willy3486]

A quick question on on a top for a welding table. I have found a sheet of metal for the table top. Its the type that is flat on one side and had the diamond plate on the other. My question is would I be better to have the flat surface for the top or diamond plate. I wouldn't mind it beiing flat but I am wondering if the traction from the diamond plate be better. Anyone used one type and wish you had not?

 

[StumpXJ]

I have never used a diamond tread on the top for a table, but I would think it would drive me nuts. Most welding tables are designed to be nice and flat, so the piece you are welding is nice and flat.

Just my unexperienced opinion. My welding/fab table is smooth.

 

[blaze_125]

flat side up

 

[jamesemery728]

Mine is 1/2 inch dp with the flat side up. Works great.

 

[t100]

thick and flat. I've never seen a welding table with diamond plate top.

metal "walks" while being welded. lot times the work pieces are clamped on to the thick(1/2"+) table top plate to keep them from moving and bending out of shape. the top plate needs to be thick enough to withstand the heat and force from the work pieces.

welders have more clamps and vise grips than anything.

 

[willy3486]

Flat side it will be on top and diamond plate down. I have a metal piece thats about 2x4 thats a freebee I will use for a top. Its not 1/2 thick but it beats nothing. Now I have to weld wherever I can and its usually on the ground. I hate that. I want to make a table to hold all my welding stuff. I am mainly just going to make it out of scrap I have around. I have some wheels I picked up at a scrapyard that I was going to use as a cab dolly to hold my truck cab. My truck is done and finished so I don't need that anymore.