Welding table edge clamping depth

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I was at the scrap yard looking at used steel plate for the top to my table and they have some like  new 1/2 in plate (.30/lb) that is 26"X96". Since my table frame  is 24" wide would I be satisfied with the 1" clamping area on the sides? Or should I go with a piece of 3/8" that is 34"X70" that would give me 2-3" clamping area. I would have to trim both pieces and would probably us an abrasive blade in my skill saw since I do not have a torch.Thanks
Reply:Trimming that much 1" steel with an "abrasive blade" sounds like an awful experience.  Are you sure you can't justify an OA outfit for this job?  Even if you borrow one from a friend.  You are going to burn through enough consumables to notice the $$.I cut a bunch of 1/4" building the box grader, virtually all of it with OA - used abrasive discs on one or two cuts and it was mighty yucky compared to the torch.Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:if you want the  1/2",  and if you want 2" clamping ability, set the edge of the plate flush with the frame on one side and add some angle to that side for the clamping..
Reply:The scrap yard should have a torch....Bring chalk or soapstone and a straight edge or a chalk line and mark it, then have them make the cuts. Should be cheap, and the problem gets solved before you leave.
Reply:Hmmmm... Decisions.. Decisions 26" is kinda narrow for a "table" but perfect for a "bench" that backs up to a wall. If you built this as a "bench" then weldbeads suggestion of flushing one end is perfect and gives you good clamping edge along the front side. If the "bench" is against a wall then you don't need clamping on the other side. If you're building a "roll about" table on casters then you'd want the extra width and I'd go with the 3/8" plate.As for cutting, I presume you mean cutting across the short lengths (26 or 34) to reduce the longer length of the plate to fit your current frame? An abrasive blade will cut either plate, but you'll go through a few wheels. If the scrap yard has a shear, spend a couple extra bucks to have them trim it.good luck and let us know what you decide.
Reply:I'd never be happy with only one or even two inches around the entire edge. It's okay to be restricted in a place or two cuzz you can always shift things around but you need some areas with some decent depth. The more the better."The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt
Reply:Well I guess it is more of a bench than a table and it will be be on casters. I think I like Weldbead's idea the best and that is what I am going to do. The yard will not cut any used metal so I will need to cut it myself. But the price at the scrap yard is a lot less than buying it new.Thanks for the suggestions.
Reply:Originally Posted by tallgrassWell I guess it is more of a bench than a table and it will be be on casters. I think I like Weldbead's idea the best and that is what I am going to do. The yard will not cut any used metal so I will need to cut it myself. But the price at the scrap yard is a lot less than buying it new.Thanks for the suggestions.