Attaching Aluminum to Steel

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I have been given a large sheet of 1/4" aluminum and plan to weld up a frame for a welding table. Would aluminmum make a good top? Would using bolts to attach the two be suitable? Would the aluminum be a suitable conductor? Thanks.
Reply:That is a pretty expensive table top unless you are welding stainless or aluminum.  When welding these metals it is wise to avoid any contact with carbon steel.  If you are welding just carbon steel then save or sell that nice piece of aluminum.  It is worth a big chunk of money.  Aluminum is a very good conductor.  If you attach it with steel bolts the steel bolts will corrode if there is any moisture.
Reply:1/4" Aluminum isn't going to hold up to any sort of punishment I would expect a workbench to undergo..... even 1/4" steel is a bit light.... 3/8" is the thinest I'd use for a top... just my opinion_________________Chris
Reply:is the frame for the table going to be aluminum or steel? aluminum would make a good top, it is a good conductor, but the downside is that you cant tac steel in place on top of it for fabbing, but that just means you would need some clamping points in the table top which is no big deal. another thing is that if the whole table was aluminum then no bolts would be required just weld it, it would make for a nice lightweight table.
Reply:oh another thing is aluminum can be attached to steel, but i wouldnt really call it welding, it is kind of a complicated process but can be dont, not recomended though.
Reply:i agree with the idea of saving the aluminum for some thing else or selling it and going with a steel top, unless you intend to be doing a lot of aluminum welding. if most off your welding will be steel, get a good steel top. a steel top will also alow for magnetic clamps and holders where the aluminum will not.i could come up with a lot of much better uses for a sheet of 1/4" aluminum. summer is here, plant a tree for mother earth. if you dont have time or space, sponcer some one else to plant one for you.feel free to shoot me a PM or e-mail me at [email][email protected] i got lots of time.
Reply:the aluminum wold dent up pretty quick also, any bangin and draggin steel across it would also mess it up. Cut a piece to lay on the steel top if you want clamp it down and you have the best of both worlds, except the weight, I guess.
Reply:caos makes a good point, if you were to drag a heavy pice of metal acrost it it could easily gouge out a strip of aluminum pretty easily.i have a 1.24" steel top thats great, i can bang on it weld to it just baout any thing i want, except move it around. you could probly sell the aluminum for enough $$ to get a good1/2 to 3/4" steel pice in its place that would work much nicer. summer is here, plant a tree for mother earth. if you dont have time or space, sponcer some one else to plant one for you.feel free to shoot me a PM or e-mail me at [email][email protected] i got lots of time.
Reply:You think steel is a good heat sink..Aluminum welding tables are 3 times that..I used a 3/4"x32"x32" Alum jig plate for awhile at one shop..Dont do 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.