Metal BGE table

[thegrouse]

I have recently purchased a welder. I have converted my garage into a "fabrication shop". I have a few basic tools and not much know how. I have watched a bunch of YouTube videos also. I am not real creative or much of a builder, those of you that read my DIY shed thread can attest to that. I can read a tape measure and understand how to square a project.



My cypress table has rotted out after 7 years of being outside. I figured a table would be a good first welding project. It turns out I seem to be more of a grinder than a welder but hopefully that improves. I couldn't find any build threads on a steel tubing table so I just sketched something out on a piece of paper and started working.



I am using 11ga 1.5" steel tubing. I cut all the steel and began attempting to square the thing up. This has been my biggest challenge. I find it difficult to cut a true 45 degree angle with a portaband saw. I have a portaband mounted to a table that cuts clean but it still is not perfect. It is always just a bit off.

[thegrouse]

Now I need to decide if I should use steel or aluminum diamond plate for the top? I was going to hit the scrap yard tomorrow and see what they have. I also have the casters from my old wood table, i just need to weld a plate at the base of each leg and attach them.

[westtexducks]

You need a chop saw. I wouldn't use diamond plate for top if going to be using it for future welding projects make it flat sheet

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[thegrouse]

This is going to be for a Big Green Egg grill. The table will be used for prep and taking off the meat. I have looked at the chop saws. I see the abrasives do not cut cleanly like the band saw does, but I hate spending $500 on a carbide bit saw

[Gulfcoastin]

Following this, so far looking real good.

[thegrouse]

I went back to the scrap yard today. I found this table top. The employees were split on whether it was aluminum or stainless. I figured it had to be aluminum because it is 3/16" think and 6.5' tall and only weighs 35#. It ended up costing me $55. I should be able to use it on the top and bottom.
As you can see both sides are bent. It is about 1/4" too narrow to fit nicely on the top. So I can either grind the steel on front and back or cut off the back bend. I think I will try to cut off the back bend. Any ideas what works best to rip aluminum? I have a jig saw, grinder, circular saw and sawzall. Are rivets better than stainless screws to attach this?



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[Brad96]

I wouldn't recommend stainless screws on aluminum. S.S. + Al = galvanic corrosion.

[-J0E]

Jigsaw with a fine tooth would work. Cutoff wheel may be faster.

[thegrouse]

Metal BGE table

Used circular saw to cut In half and jig saw for the circle. Got the feet drilled for casters. I cut them from 4” flat stock.

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[thegrouse]

Metal BGE table




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[Tsnow]

Awesome!

[marc.munoz31]

Nice!

[HIDE-N-SEEK]

That'll work. Good job and good score on the piece of AL at junk yard!

[hunterburch42]

I wouldn't recommend stainless screws on aluminum. S.S. + Al = galvanic corrosion.

Yes and no.. It is typically safe to use stainless fasteners in aluminum plate but not the other way around.

Galvanic corrosion happens from from electrons being transferred from an anode to a cathode. Since you have an efficient amount of anodes in the plate being transferred to the fastener your aluminum will take MUCH longer to break down. You are safe to use SS fasteners on aluminum plate.


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[Mike]

That's a good looking table. Easy clean up as well.