Welding table over wood, with a twist

[ptgb]

Picked up this table for a steal....

Want to make it into a welding table. Already know about the fire hazard from putting a piece of metal on top and welding on that, so had a better idea.

What if I were to cover the wood with sheet metal and then eight inches or so above that mount 1/4" steel plates as a slat table. The plates would be mounted via long threaded rod so they are adjustable to have a completely flat welding surface.

Obviously, I know slag and spatter will fall between the slats on to the sheet metal covered table below, but it isn't like I am welding directly on plate on wood. I'm thinking the slag and spatter would cool down quickly enough as to not transfer the heat to the wood below.

What do you think?

 

[kaymccampbell]

I think I would put down a layer of cement board between the metal top and the wood.

 

[jimgood]

I think just the sheet metal over the wood will be fine.

My "welding bench" is a cheap Craftsman work bench that is sheet metal over particle board. I weld directly on it sometimes; tack welds mostly. But it's been fine.

 

[rlitman]

I think just the sheet metal over the wood will be fine.

I agree. I cannot imagine any quantity of spatter that could be a problem against the sheet metal.
And with the actual surface that is in contact with solid piece of red-hot metal more than a couple of inches away, the heat that makes it to the wood will not be a problem.

 

[Fishplate]

Why not take the wood off, use it somewhere else, and put a proper metal top on it? The desktop in my office-built-in is made from a wood counter like that. Looks great...

 

[Dragfluid]

Why not take the wood off, use it somewhere else, and put a proper metal top on it? The desktop in my office-built-in is made from a wood counter like that. Looks great...

+20
Why ask for trouble?

 

[WhoWhatNow]

It would work but I suspect that it will not be very rigid. It would be fine for light projects but it you put too much weight on that frame it will move at which point your nice flat slats won’t be worth anything. If you are going through the trouble of making slats for a welding table I would build a solid base as well.

 

[nikerret]

Here's mine. Metal over wood, sort of.

 

[cj7jeep81]

I think I would put down a layer of cement board between the metal top and the wood.

I vote for this as well. Did it in my old shop as I had an old tool cabinet with a particle board top. Used 1/2" cement board, then plate on top and never a single problem.

 

[Angelfire]

Consider work height. If you add another 8" to the height of that table, what's that do for you height wise? For me, I'm short, it would probably make it uncomfortably tall.

 

[nine4gmc]

Why not take the wood off, use it somewhere else, and put a proper metal top on it? The desktop in my office-built-in is made from a wood counter like that. Looks great...

+20
Why ask for trouble?

This and this^. Or just use it as it is intended and build you a welding table. Why work backwards towards your goal?

 

[ZRX61]

I used 3 2x4's to space a piece of 5/16in plate above a nice wooden top. never had any issues.

 

[Kpaige]

Jesus Nikerret you have a forklift to lift and set that in place?

 

[nikerret]

Jesus Nikerret you have a forklift to lift and set that in place?

It's only a 24"X14"X5/8" steel plate with cutouts from a small, portable crane a friend built and decided he needed a flatter/stronger piece, for honing. The holes actually work really well, for holding stuff down.

It's heavy, but I can carry it with one arm. I did smash a finger, putting it in the bed of my truck; that was sporty.

I just put the plate over two landscape bricks, on top of my plywood work bench that came built into my garage. The burn marks, under the plate, are from welding on the bare wood-bad idea-had some small fires. Behind the plate, I have a piece of hardboard, so none of the sparks can fall behind the table.

Then, if I need the full workbench, I can take the welding table off.

 

[sberry]

Skip the slats. A simple plate with overhang is my ideal.

 

[Dragfluid]

Complicating cornflakes.

 

[77Mini]

I would just put a new steel top on it but I don't think you will have any fire issues with your plan as you asked.

 

[jgorm]

I had a big chunk of 1/4" steel on top of a 6" thick butcher block bench for 5+ years. Never had an issue.

 

[sometoyotaguy]

I think you'd be ok. Having some overhang gives you something solid to clamp to. That style of leg tends to be wobbly, just so you know.

 

[AMCguy]

I like your slat idea. Here's mine.

 

[tinmanwpk]

I own a custom metal fabrication shop. I don't foresee any problems just placing your new metal top over the wood. Unless you are burning all day long you should be good to go.