Work bench tops

[Sawlog]

Any of you have a sheet of steel for a work bench top? If so, how do you like it?
I sold my brothers tractor for him this weekend and I came home to a 5’x10’ x1/2” sheet of steel waiting on me. 1100 pounds of it. I’m almost done with my new garage and had been talking about putting steel down for a roll around table or bench top.
butvi was in no way going to spend the money for that with current prices.
I guess I get build one now!!

 

[FredWanaker]

can't answer it directly but the only place I have seen steel like that is with welding setups*. I used to rebuild engines in a machine shop in my youth and a simple stainless top was all we used. I can't imagine how much of a PITA it would be to roll a 1500 lb workbench around, let alone try to control it each time I needed to stop it from rolling. *and as a ceiling for a vault / safe room that a friend built in his basement with a tunnel out to the ravine nearby.

 

[wssix99]

I have a welding table like this. (The top is smaller, of course.) The table weighs as much as an elephant, but I put it on some industrial casters and it's pretty easy to roll around.

I bought the table used and had to trim the top a bit. I don't envy you. I purchased a metal cutting circular saw but found my table is hardened, so I didn't get far. I ended up cutting it with a grinder and cut-off wheel, using a custom made straight edge/guide. It took forever and made a hell of a mess!

 

[Walkers]

Mine is 4 x 6. I like it fine, wish it was bigger. Build a stout frame, 4” legs, minimum. If you build the frame out of heavy channel iron it will have a little flex to keep all 4 legs on the ground.

 

[Sawlog]

I’m sure I can take that to town and have it sheared to the size I want.

 

[bad_idea]

I work in a fab shop that does ship repair work. We have many tables with steel tops. 1/2" is on the thin side for our tables. With good bracing that will make a great bench top. Nothing like working on a solid steel table - it doesn't move. Just need muffs if you are going to pound on something.

 

[kaymccampbell]

I have a 3'x8' x 1/4" bench to and it's the nuts. I wish I could have had 1/2", but it was too heavy to lift onto the base. Make sure when you get it sheared to size, that they give you some 6" strips to make a backsplash. I did that on mine and it was one of the best moves I've made.

 

[jrsavoie]

I work in a fab shop that does ship repair work. We have many tables with steel tops. 1/2" is on the thin side for our tables. With good bracing that will make a great bench top. Nothing like working on a solid steel table - it doesn't move. Just need muffs if you are going to pound on something.

Yep had a 1/2" thick 4x8 table 45 years ago and it sagged. Needed more supports.

Anymore, I like aluminum for a welding table. I get better grounding action

 

[Nortonscustom]

We have 4 tables at work that are 5'x10'x1/2". They make good work benches. 2 have vises and arbor presses mounted on them. Like the others said you need to brace the top well or it will sag. Ours get slid around all the time just abusing things in the vise, put wheels on it and you'll have no problems at all rolling it around.

 

[iagsxr]

I’m sure I can take that to town and have it sheared to the size I want.

Have it plazzed if you do cut it down, shear may deform it.

I'd run it original size it is unless you absolutely know you don't have the room for it. If you do cut it down do it in sizes you can make multiple benches or be able to give the drop-off to a buddy so he can make a bench.