Welding Table question...

[HellaFab]

Hey guys,

Im on a budget and I already have a table with a nice 3/4" hardwood top.

I do extremely light weight work (car intakes and exhaust systems) and there will be no hammering on the table, that is not what I do.

being that I weld almost all stainless and aluminum I am thinking that I can get by with adding a 1/16" sheet of aluminum to the existing wood top. That way it doesnt need oiling like steel and would already be aluminum so it wouldnt contaminate my stainless welds.

What are your thoughts on this?

Cheers,
Matt

 

[bullnerd]

I do exactly that, but with 3/16".(it was free)

When it gets scratched or nicked I hit it with a DA sander.

I'll see if I have any pics.

Not the best pic, but you can see it on the left. Tig is under that awesome cover that looks like a garbage bag.

 

[APEowner]

If you're doing light tig welding that'll probably work. If you're running any kind of current or heat then I think you'll find the amount that the top expands and shrinks with heat would be really annoying.

 

[kazlx]

In all honesty, you could tig on a wood bench if the parts are spaced off. I would even consider just getting a little bit thicker piece (maybe 1/8") and just use it where you are working. Or move your work over the piece. Maybe an 18" or 24" by 24" or 36" rectangle.

 

[waggie]

if the exhausts you work on are stainless, then just get a sheet of aluminum, 1/8" thick.

 

[kevin47]

Your nuts...Just kidding...If you think your going to tig weld, light mig weld any light weight manifolds ...First there's the fixture set-up and it still gonna be 3/4 inch steel plate...if you want it to stay anywhere it's supposed to be...Write again when you need some serious information...Or just PM me...Kevin47

 

[kevin47]

Hey, I got that Exide battery charger...! Still work good...kinda