Steel strength?

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Is steel strength linear based on thickness? I am looking into building a welding table. I found one site that recommended 3/8" steel for the top. With that they claimed you could hold 1,000 pounds. Let's ignore the frame for now and assume it stays the same.So could I drop to 3/16" and hold 500 pounds? Or 1/8" and hold 333 pounds?
Reply:A 3/8" plate steel top on a table will hold a hell of a lot more than 1000 lbs, provided that the frame is up to the task.  A 1/8" plate will hold more than 1000 lbs.  I'm not sure what the article was trying to say.StephenMillermatic 251Miller Syncrowave 200Miller 30A SpoolgunHypertherm Powermax 30Etc., etc., etc.............Cancer Sucks!
Reply:So it could be the frame that is the limiting factor? Other tables I looked at used much thinner tops, so I assumed it was the top that was the limiting factor.Here is a link to the plans: http://www.millerwelds.com/interests...welding-table/
Reply:Originally Posted by smaclennanIs steel strength linear based on thickness? I am looking into building a welding table. I found one site that recommended 3/8" steel for the top. With that they claimed you could hold 1,000 pounds. Let's ignore the frame for now and assume it stays the same.So could I drop to 3/16" and hold 500 pounds? Or 1/8" and hold 333 pounds?
Reply:Originally Posted by 4sfedFor a plate supported at the edges only, the strength is proportional to the thickness cubed . . . doubling the thickness will increase the load it can carry by a factor of eight.
Reply:My table tops are 1/8" Aluminum diamond plate that are flush with frame edges and I have had more then 1000lbs on them. The strength of the frame base and overhang would be the limiting factor.When I replace these tops it will be with min 1/2" x 8" strips about 2"-3" apart so that I can clamp throughout the table.Ken
Reply:Originally Posted by KGIORMy table tops are 1/8" Aluminum diamond plate that are flush with frame edges and I have had more then 1000lbs on them. The strength of the frame base and overhang would be the limiting factor.When I replace these tops it will be with min 1/2" x 8" strips about 2"-3" apart so that I can clamp throughout the table.Ken
Reply:ours is 1/4" plate,  with some guessets under neath.....   makes it so one can move it around...    course, it's only seen daily use for 36 years now...Bill BerryKeith Berry & Son Ltd.machine work, and weldingBear River Vollunteer FD
Reply:Originally Posted by smaclennanThat is an interesting idea
Reply:I guess welding tables are subject to service life and prefrence.  After working with a 3/8 table and some heavier ones I wouldnt even consider going thinner than 1/2" for a top.  For everyday use I would prefer 3/4" or 1".Have we all gone mad?
Reply:Originally Posted by theonlybullours is 1/4" plate,  with some guessets under neath.....   makes it so one can move it around...    course, it's only seen daily use for 36 years now...
Reply:A table top is never too thick when you need to do some heatin and beatin.Tough as nails and damn near as smart
Reply:Originally Posted by smaclennanIs steel strength linear based on thickness? I am looking into building a welding table. I found one site that recommended 3/8" steel for the top. With that they claimed you could hold 1,000 pounds. Let's ignore the frame for now and assume it stays the same.So could I drop to 3/16" and hold 500 pounds? Or 1/8" and hold 333 pounds?