Double table top

[CTB]

Was down at the local scrappy's this aft and he has about 6 sheets of 5mm x 120 cm x 150cm (approx. 4x5ft) laying around. Wants 36 euros per sheet. The sheets are unused with just some light rust.

Now I need to make a welding table but I'm worried that 5mm is just to thin. Is it plausible to double up on the sheets - ie 10mm thickness - by boring say 3/4 inch holes through the top sheet and welding it to the bottom one? Will the finished 10mm thickness be flat or will it be distorted all over the place by the heat? Has anyone ever done this?

 

[cumbriasteve]

You could use one sheet if it had supports under it and was tacked to them, suggest some 25mm box section or 50mm x 50mm x 5 mm angle every foot, I think that would be a very strong top....well it would for what I do...perhaps you are into heavy stuff.

 

[CTB]

Not into anything really heavy, just have heard that a thin top will distort with heat. I suppose the max weight on it would never go over say 5-600 lbs, but id like the top to stay reasonably flat - say within a 1/16 or so?

 

[scarecrow]

5mm should be fine just put lots of support under it if you really want 10mm you could tack around the edge and some counter sink bolts around the center but seems like a lot of work

 

[CTB]

5mm should be fine just put lots of support under it if you really want 10mm you could tack around the edge and some counter sink bolts around the center but seems like a lot of work

Agreed

 

[CTB]

Well I went down and bought a sheet. Even if I dont use it for a top its sure to be useful for something.