Steel for welding bench.

[Gizmo.Y]

Currently using an old steel shelf from some old shelfing units. Its time i got some proper material for a welding bench.

What do people recommend. i had 3mm thick sheet on my mind? but something that doesn't rust?

 

[Endeleus]

3mm is pretty thin, and not really strong enough for an overhang to clamp to.... however it's what I've been using on my small welding table for over a year without issues.

I attached the sheet to the frame with a few plug welds, fully intending to grind them out and replace with some half inch plate at some point, but still not got round to it. I do have a pretty hefty sub-frame, and it's only a small table, so does the job for me.

I don't have much of a problem with rust, but I do tend to give a quick run over with the wire brush at the end of each day to knock of any spatter, so I guess that keeps the rust at bay. No rust on the underside due to the healthy layer of mill scale.

 

[Mr shiney]

Mine is made of 3mm sheet and 30x30mm box. Its braced at 12" intervals and has not moved an inch in the years since I made it. Its had landrover engines and got knows what on it. Its bolted to wall and the floor with raw bolts.

 

[Kent]

Here is my big one 10 mm with lazercut holes for giving points
I also made a smaller one without holes for smaller jobs
The small one has 3 mm solid on it braced and stich welded down to 40 x 40 box braces ( I have had some big old bubbles rise up when it's gotten hot but they have all gone down again when left to contract naturally)
You can always add a thicker plate on top. Though a good start might be to buy an off cut of thicker and design around it

 

[Gizmo.Y]

Thankyou for the input guys. I have an old thick kitchen worktop in my workshop. approx 5m across. My plan was to simply place the 3mm sheet on top, counter sink some holes and secure it to the worktop.

 

[Kent]

Thankyou for the input guys. I have an old thick kitchen worktop in my workshop. approx 5m across. My plan was to simply place the 3mm sheet on top, counter sink some holes and secure it to the worktop.

I know guys do it but I always going this a bad plan as it could smolder away Un noticed for some time

 

[skotl]

Thankyou for the input guys. I have an old thick kitchen worktop in my workshop. approx 5m across. My plan was to simply place the 3mm sheet on top, counter sink some holes and secure it to the worktop.

That's exactly what I did.

With respect to Kent's point, I see where he's coming from but I think that with the sheet folded over, and a general avoidance of welding directly onto the work surface, it should be ok.

Here's a couple of vids of me putting my worktop together;

 

[addjunkie]

I use a 8mm thick plate with loads of old nuts tacked on the back just to sit it above the bench, used it for years in the old house ontop of a kitchen work top bench. The nuts raise it enough to allowany heat out, not burning the bench.

Not used it in this place as i aquired a piece of kennedy type grating, that now has legs.

 

[Kent]

Wood underface to 3 mm is just too big a risk which need not be taken skotl

I have expanded out big bubbles on my 3 mm small bench top, just by leaving hot just welded parts on

Think on after only a short time that 3 mm sheet is as hot as the component welded. Now who might put just welded or being welded components on a block of worktop?

Familiarity unfortunately breeds Contempt

 

[Gizmo.Y]

Im currently using 1mm Sheet! Will never be welding directly to the table.

 

[Kent]

Im currently using 1mm Sheet! Will never be welding directly to the table.

Weld some 12 mm bar and leave it on the bench one day is all it might take. It's not about the welding it's about just putting hot stuff down

It's no more than a heads up though based on a little experience of " stuff" happening

 

[Gizmo.Y]

Before...

After

£10 inc Vat foer a 3x2 sheet of 3mm mild. Countersunk the machine screws (Six all together, 4 as pictured, since added 2 more to the middle) Rear left bolt is used as the earthing point from under the table.