cutting 3/8" table top

admin

OK, got a line on a 4x8 sheet of 3/8" plate for my welding table...guy's asking 200 for it, been out in the weather, so surface rust is significant....decent price? or not worth it given it'll be pitted, etc...here's the question:  how long is it gonna take me to cut down to 32x80 with an angle grinder?  or am I nuts?
Reply:You're nuts... I've got a 54"x 90" piece of 3/8 plate that the scrap yard cut off a larger piece using a large scrappers torch and it took him 20-30 min. to chew along that 90" length..... Now granted he was probably less than expert,but even so that's a tough piece to get thru.He cut freehand a lot less than a straight line (off 6" in 90") and I'll use my plasma cutter to cut an actual straight line now that it's at the shop...maybe? I wouldn't cut it down any except it's real ragged along the cut side...I would suggest just using it in it's original size without cutting it at all if at all possible....bigger is always better...If you do decide to attempt that cut with a cutter wheel....I for one will be greatly interested in your progress and the end results....Mine's rusty as well,but I just wanted a large work table and had the base already. Couldn't guess at the cost factor...I swapped something  for mine. Attached Images
Reply:I just bought a new 1/2 x 34 x 63 sheet today it was 248. I think the guy is asking too much for a old rusty piece of 3/8...My sheet of 1/2 was 314 lbs; a sheet of 3/8 the same size wouldbe around 235 lbs at $.80 would be $189.00Old and rusty is it surface rust only??? Offer him $100.00Old rusty and pitted...check your local scrap prices but offer $50.00