Aluminum plate table top ?

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I have been offered a work table, frame and legs of steel, top is 0.25 aluminum measuring 30 x 48, for $100. The seller does not know the alloy, I am presuming 5052-H32 as that is common stock at the local metal supplier.I could use another table, but to what advantage is the aluminum top other than being electrically conductive and about 1/3 the weight of steel of the same thickness?- MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:I built a table 36 x 48 with aluminum plate on one side and steel on the other. I mounted the table top with flathead screws so they are flush. It is very easy to change over.It works great for what ever I need.Mostly I use the steel side for fabrication and general TIG welding so I can use magnets for holding parts.  Some times I weld a clamp right to the steel side and grind it off flush when done.The aluminum side works great for things that having a heat sink available is advantageous.  I use a series of clamps and blocks for holding parts.  It is also my very clean and flat side.I lightly scuff each surface with Scotchbrite and acetone cleanup before welding.I also put my name on both sides with a "Hands off" sign on each side with magic marker..
Reply:That's pretty thin Aluminum.I guess the advantages would be the heat conductivity and the fact that steel won't stick to it.  You could do thin SS work without backing or a heat sink.I'd be worried about it warping and also that the work area would get hot as hell in short order.I guess another 1/4" piece of steel could be placed right over it.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:The table doesn't warp at all.  I used 1/4" cold rolled steel for the steel side and MIC 6 ground flat for the aluminum side so the whole thing is nearly mill table flat.There is so much aluminum compared to the weld projects that the table hardly gets warm.  I have welded a lot of 1/4" thick alum. brackets at one time and have no trouble letting them cool off on the flat surface.It's one of the nicest tables I have ever had and I guard it fiercly.  It's not a "pounding" or grinding table or drill table..  I get possive about anything near the TIG welder.  Comes from training guard dogs I guess.  I know just how they feel.  haha