09-17-2013, 08:40 PM
I guess that depends upon what you want to do. As Greg mentioned, sometimes you want to tack something to the table (handy for bending). Mine is plain old garden variety steel plate, which has a skin on it. The pickled and oiled plate has the skin removed and oiled to prevent rust.
Initially I had planned to buy a small section of plate and then several strips to allow access for clamps. The size was determined by a frame that I had found. A family friend worked for a laser/flame cutting company and when I told him what I wanted he came back with a solid piece with slots cut out. The best part was he got it for free. He said it would have cost about $200 had I had to pay.
Splatter does stick to it but often you can knock it off with a scraper. Anti-splatter works well but a quick lick with a flap disk also works a treat. My magnetic earth also means I can attach it to the underside of the table.
I've just written this and then thought that you have probably already read it in my post on my welding table!
Initially I had planned to buy a small section of plate and then several strips to allow access for clamps. The size was determined by a frame that I had found. A family friend worked for a laser/flame cutting company and when I told him what I wanted he came back with a solid piece with slots cut out. The best part was he got it for free. He said it would have cost about $200 had I had to pay.
Splatter does stick to it but often you can knock it off with a scraper. Anti-splatter works well but a quick lick with a flap disk also works a treat. My magnetic earth also means I can attach it to the underside of the table.
I've just written this and then thought that you have probably already read it in my post on my welding table!
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