Earthing.

[Cracker]

Hi everyone. I have a workbench made out of a steel frame connected to the concrete garage floor and walls with an aluminum sheet as a protector for the wooden top.
Could I use that as an earth for my mig welder.

 

[Mark 2]

The return (earth) needs to connect to the alu sheet - if that's what you are asking.
Welcome to the forum.

 

[brightspark]

whats the point .the return earth clamp needs connecting to the work piece not the table to get a solid connection

 

[nickk]

Good principle,clamp your earth as close as possible to the area your laying the weld bead.

 

[BrokenBiker]

yes you can (to the ali), just be weary of parts that dont sit perfectly flat or are only touching the ali with a small contact area as this can cause arcing...

i generally earth to the table, lets me move the part around freely but if im having issues i will earth to the part

 

[Maxakarudy]

What about an earth rod?

 

[mr haynes]

I misread, thought there was an "L" in the title and in a first contact situation.....

 

[zzr1200]

I maybe wrong, but:-

I think the OP is asking if he can use the aluminum sheet covering the wooden surface on his bench as an earth conductor for the welder.....

Personally I'd want a steel surface plate with a minimum 6mm thick on a small welding bench.