1X3 frame welding table

[Nicad]

I want to build a welding table and was wondering if it would be preferable to just make a Grid of 1X3 or 1X2 steel rather than have a plate on top of the frame? I have a large piece of 1/4" plate, but it certainly is not flat., but it is heavy. Seems to me if it was built on a proper flat table the frame would be pretty flat, lighter and a lot easier to clamp things to. IS there a downside? Would it twist? I suppose you could not hammer on it, and small items would fall through the grid (Which I think would be spaced about 8X8 apart). You could just keep one small plate for those jobs.

Opinions appreciated.

[ironmonger]

I have a small table, about 24" X 30", that is constructed from unistrut that is welded together 'U' side up. It allows clamping just about anywhere, and is sort of open on the bottom, as the unistrut is the punched kind, so that smalls can fall out to the floor for final disposition.
It is not as flat as an acorn table, but it was assembled from scrap cut-off's. and is flat enough for my uses. It is expandable too... as you get more pieces they can be added on to make the table larger...

[pgmrdan]

I've been thinking about using a metal tool cart for a welding table with my oxy/acetylene outfit. I've seen them with a flat top and a shelf in the middle with a drawer underneath.

I thought I could put some firebricks on top to weld on.

It should be plenty large enough for the stuff I do.

Just a thought.

Would this work if you put a layer of fire bricks on the top surface?

http://www.harborfreight.com/16-inch...cart-5107.html

Here are some plans: http://www.lincolnelectric.ca/knowle...ldingtable.asp