What are you paying for thick steel? (welding table top)

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So I've been looking around just pricing right now.  I could really use a fab/welding table for a lot of my projects...I'm tired of working on the floor or on the top of my toolbox.  Really, all I need is a 1/2" top.  Anything else would be overkill...BUT...What's a 4x8 sheet of 1" and/or 1.75"  A36 going for these days?   Shoot...I don't even think my torch could cut through them to get them to the size I need though   Miller Syncrowave 200MillerMatic 180 AutoSetHobart Airforce 500iVictor O/A (80cf)
Reply:Personally, forget the 4' X 8' X 1" and 1 & 3/4" A36 plate prices and do a bit of legwork by calling around to your local steel yards and scrap dealers for a piece of usable 1/2" plate. Roanoke should have enough demand from heavy industry that a section of 1/2" plate should show up soon enough. Unless you have a sizeable shop/garage, keep the idea of a table to around 4' X 4' maximum. Even that can be narrowed to 3' X 4'. If you really believe you are going to need the extra length, go with 3' X 6'. Anything larger than the 3' X 4' is going to be a pain to walk around/reach across when you are welding or setting up. There are plenty of plans and photos both here and by doing a picture search on Google of outriggers, vise mounts and such that will make your table much more versatile. In the meantime, go easy on yourself and find that 1/2" plate.One last thought...take your time designing what you want and also spend the time searching for a top that will be the best fit for your needs now and in the future. Steel prices are more than high enough without having to purchase more steel and re-fabricate a table down the line because you took the cheap way out. Best of luck. Attached ImagesLincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:I googled savage/scrap yards in my area and called around.  In my case I picked up a nicely edge-rounded 4'x4' 1/2" plate (and they had multiples).  They charge 30 cents/pound.  I don't know if that's good or bad, but it seems to be my best option so far.  Expect to spend some quality time with your wire brush when you go the random scrapyard route.
Reply:I just purchased 24"x36"x1/2" plate for $110.00 plus $7.70 tax here in Sussex County NJ.  The price included the cut fee.  Couldn't use the piece they had that was larger and was used to make my piece which was 48'x48'.  Like others here have suggested, check your steel yards and scrap dealers locally first before purchasing.  Best  Bob
Reply:I want my table around the 3x5 or 3x6 size (hence my mention of cutting it in my OP).  I figured if I could get one of these 1" plates, I could made 2 tables out of one and sell the other to recoup my costs.  They are asking $650 for the 4x10 1" plate.   I can make two 3x5 tables and have a 1x10 section left over.  I will definately be calling around to some local places nowMiller Syncrowave 200MillerMatic 180 AutoSetHobart Airforce 500iVictor O/A (80cf)
Reply:Might work out for you. Myself, I drove out of the local scrap yard with that welding table above when it was just four legs and a top for $35. Gal at the scale had me step out of the pickup before she ran the weight...pays to buy the staff donuts now and again.You might ask around/advertise the 'for sale' table before you invest the money.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:700R, if you ever get to Richmond, there's a fab place that sells various leftovers for .30 a pound.  Oilfield Pipe & Supply, Inc."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Thanks...I don't mind driving a bit for the right piece if I have toMiller Syncrowave 200MillerMatic 180 AutoSetHobart Airforce 500iVictor O/A (80cf)