Protecting top on a new welding table

[YanmarFever]

Mr.G Its brand new, never been used..... I live near the ocean, in 1 week it can have a light coat of rust.

 

[ovrszd]

Used to be a frequent member here, ShieldArc. He helped me design mine. I wanted a fold down cutting table on one end. He taught me how to design the braces that hold it up. Can be folded down with no tools. He was a valuable asset here on TBN. I learned a lot from him.

 

[GeneV]

Buy some cheap vinyl (disposable) table cloths...covering the table will greatly cut down on the rust...they are only a couple bucks...maybe even cheaper at the dollar stores...
Running a dehumidifier when there is high humidity will make a big difference...

I use a dehumidifier in my shop around 6 mo out of the year It's amazing how much water it pulls out of my shop and away from my tools and equipment.

 

[Ritothebull]

Thompson's water seal soaks in and lasts for a long time.

 

[jonsstihl]

didn't know you could use thompsons on metal, interesting

 

[CADplans]

I just refurbished my DIY CNC plasma cutter that is actually a retired XLO knee mill.
it had rust, and a lot of cleaning later,, it is rust free.

The Turtle Wax CERAMIC coating is the "GO TO" coating ,, now, for car protection,
I thought I would try it on the bare metal.

Well, I have mixed emotions,, right now.
1) the coating is WATER BASED!! if you apply too much,, you create rust!!
2) when properly applied, and dried,, the coating seems to be working.
3) it is the easiest coating to apply EVER! Spray on a LITTLE,, wipe dry.

I think to protect a steel bench, you are gonna need multiple coats.
the surface of the steel table after any rusting has lots of nooks and crannies for a surface.

I also cleaned my welding table (6'x6'), but, nothing has been applied,, yet,,,

 

[Citydude]

 

[5030]

It's a welding table for me, not a dinner table. If it gets spattered or a bit of corrosion, I belt sand it. Easy peasy.

 

[BukitCase]

"If it gets spattered or a bit of corrosion, I belt sand it. Easy peasy."

Just another reason for starting with a 1" (or more) thick top

This one's 3'x7'x1", a CL find for $200 about 10 years ago - weighs just over 1000 lbs including the legs - seller actually DELIVERED it, couldn't complain... Steve

 

[AnotherBueller]

"If it gets spattered or a bit of corrosion, I belt sand it. Easy peasy."

Just another reason for starting with a 1" (or more) thick top

This one's 3'x7'x1", a CL find for $200 about 10 years ago - weighs just over 1000 lbs including the legs - seller actually DELIVERED it, couldn't complain... Steve

I just refurbished my DIY CNC plasma cutter that is actually a retired XLO knee mill.
it had rust, and a lot of cleaning later,, it is rust free.

The Turtle Wax CERAMIC coating is the "GO TO" coating ,, now, for car protection,
I thought I would try it on the bare metal.

Well, I have mixed emotions,, right now.
1) the coating is WATER BASED!! if you apply too much,, you create rust!!
2) when properly applied, and dried,, the coating seems to be working.
3) it is the easiest coating to apply EVER! Spray on a LITTLE,, wipe dry.

I think to protect a steel bench, you are gonna need multiple coats.
the surface of the steel table after any rusting has lots of nooks and crannies for a surface.

I also cleaned my welding table (6'x6'), but, nothing has been applied,, yet,,,

I bought my table from Weld Table 3 or 4 years ago and all they recommended was to soray it with some WD-40 when I was done welding. Very minimal rust even though I only weld every month or so.