What type of material? (kinda long)

admin

I have a scissor lift as a work table. The top I have now is made of I think 5/16 hot rolled steel. It is currently warped and twisted from being over 10 years old. So the powers that be, deemed it worthy of being replaced. The lift is rated at 2,500lbs. They are willing to buy a larger top because often times I have to weld things together that will hang off of the edge which can be a royal pain sometimes. So I asked them to get something that is 3' wide x 8' long. It will be attached in the center with a rod and a pin so the table can be spun. There will be about 2 1/2 feet of table top hanging off of each side.They were thinking of buying 1/2" thick aluminum to keep the weight down but I am wondering if it will be thick enough to prevent warping or twisting if I have something real heavy. I'm also not familiar with which types of aluminum would be better. I was thinking that they should just buy something more along the lines of 1" thick just to be safe. But I'm also thinking that it should definately be heat treated. They are steering away from buying thicker hot rolled material because they are concerned that the lift will not be ablr to handle the weight.So I guess my question is what would you guys suggest?  Thanks alot.
Reply:In my opinion If you made it with a 2 1/2 foot over hang you really wouldn't want to put much weight on the sides anyway because it would be very likely to tip over. most of these lifts tend to have about 10 ga or 1/4 inch top. If it's 5/16 does it have enough welds around the perimeter and enough crossmembers?  To keep the weight down I'd add more crossmembers if possible rather than going really thick.
Reply:The thing is, is we can't use any cross-bracing because it will not allow the table to spin.
Reply:If they can spend the $$$$$$...Go with a 3/4" Aluminum "Jig Plate"..Much tougher than 6061 T6-51.. You'll love it!...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:I would be surprised if you could aluminium plate the dimensions your hoping for in any thing but 5083 maybe some other 5000 series
Reply:They were talking about "aircraft" aluminum. Isn't that just what they call 6061?
Reply:Originally Posted by rajun asianThey were talking about "aircraft" aluminum. Isn't that just what they call 6061?
Reply:6061 is a stronger type of 6063 or 6060 ...sorta ,..has a   higher Ultimate Tensile yield strength , does not Anodize well due to the Cu in it 6000 series alloys are aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloys.Aircraft primarily use 7000 series  zinc and copper  alloys.  7075 being common
Reply:Well there you go, looked up an older book of mine and yes 6061 has been used in air craft in the wings.*guess mode on* possibly because it extrudes better than 7000 series ?2000 series (copper alloys) used to be used in air craft but these days usually 7000's are replacing them.Sorry doesn't really answer the original question though....