welding table question

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I have been using nothing more than a heavy wood table for my fabrication work.  I am thinking of the following as a functional table:I can get a sheet of fire proof cement board and 1/2" insulation board left over from my hearth install-layer them on the heavy but very flat and true solid core door table then place a layer of 20 gauge metal over the top for my grounding surface.   Is this a viable table at a much lower cost as I already have the core and insulation on stout metal legs?  Input??
Reply:Should work. I wouldn't beat on it, but I don't see any major problems. I've done plenty of work off plywood temporary tables. The only thing you need to watch is that you don't have an area that is slowly smoldering when you are done. When done I usually just drag the sheet outside and soak them with a hose. I've used plenty of scraps of cement board to protect things from flames when soldering, so I know that shouldn't be an issue. The sheet metal surface for a ground may or may not be sufficient. I don't work off anything that thin. I do occasionally have items that get a poor ground to the steel top weld themselves to the table, and I can see possibly burning holes thru 20 ga if that happens. Never had an issue with something thicker like 14 ga ( thinnest I've used as a temporary top.)As always common sense goes a long ways. It's never a bad idea to have at least a 30 minute fire watch as you clean up to make sure there are no issues. If you smell something burning, it's a good idea to stop and check why..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Watch the cement board if you're using a cutting torch...it'll explode the same way as over heated concrete.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.