What metal for welding table?

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Looking at onlinemetals.com and want to build a foldable welding table. What is a good material to use as a top? I'm looking at mild steel because SS is more than I want to spend. Trying to keep a little budget in mind.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I built mine out of mild steel. Top is 3'x4'x1/4" I think it cost me $115 for the peice of plate. Probably $60 in the rest of the material. All new material.
Reply:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=94991Here is the post of the table I built.
Reply:You buy that locally?Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Gamble,   Mild steel for sure$$$$  I would do nothing less than 1/4 for the top. My shop table is 4x6x1/2 with fixture holes here and there. Keep adding more as needed. Online metal is a bit steep on price, nothing local by you?
Reply:Mild steel for sure.  Check CL.  I bought a complete table just for the top because it was 1/4 of what the steel sheet would have cost me new.  A little work with the plasma cutter and no problems.  I basically got the top, had it blanchard ground and the holes water jet cut for what the sheet would have cost me new from a metal supplier.
Reply:GAMBLEWhy don't you just buy the folding welding station from Miller its 30 x 30 in 3/16 steel top x pattern for clamps and only $249.00.  Miller was right in their ad that says you cannot afford to build your own,  I did build my own 3 x 5 ft 3/8 top now its mostly in the way.  I have my pro-tools notcher now setup on the miller station 2 bolts and it gone.duane
Reply:Scrap plate material. Even if you get a few sections like say 3x3, just make the frame so it will support the seams, and go. For a serious table you can really beat on, 1/4" is about the minimum unless you build a much more intricate base for the top.My last table was 3/8" aluminum. It cut a good deal of weight, and I had the piece from a shop that closed down and left it behind.I liked it enough that I am looking for another like it!!And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.