ror105
Silver Member
Hey folks,
Just bought an enclosed trailer we're using for motorcross and other adventures. It's an all aluminum frame and siding with wooden panels screwed to the ribs for interior walls with e-Track running down it to help secure toys, fuel, etc. I plan to build a folding work table from a piece of 1/4" thick aluminum that is 16" X 24". I'll countersink beveled fasteners through and attach to the collapsible brackets that will screw through the wall and into two of the aluminum studs. Plan to put a radius on the outer corners to keep anyone from putting an eye out and break the top and bottom edges with a small sander / Dremel.
I'm hoping to get some ideas on how to finish the work surface. I have no plans to keep it looking 'special' but would like a uniform finish to start with. Don't want to paint it or give it a surface treatment like anodize. I also know that it is aluminum i.e. soft so if one of my sons thinks he needs to rebuild a shock on it and is beating away with a hammer, I don't want to be cringing with every blow of the mallet!
What are your thoughts on polishing the surface? The rest of my trailer is aluminum and I plan to polish the fenders, the diamond plate on the nose and the rear hoop so thought I may do this as well. Then I am also thinking if I am parked at a track and the trailer isn't level, items will easily slide or fall off. I have a small circular air rotary tool and a few different grade 3M pads that attach to it, including the one with the little plastic fingers that shine up dull metal. Also thought about using one of these to just put random swirls in it.
Anyone who has used aluminum for a work surface wouldn't mind chiming back to me on what you have done I'd appreciate it.
Thanks,
Rob
Just bought an enclosed trailer we're using for motorcross and other adventures. It's an all aluminum frame and siding with wooden panels screwed to the ribs for interior walls with e-Track running down it to help secure toys, fuel, etc. I plan to build a folding work table from a piece of 1/4" thick aluminum that is 16" X 24". I'll countersink beveled fasteners through and attach to the collapsible brackets that will screw through the wall and into two of the aluminum studs. Plan to put a radius on the outer corners to keep anyone from putting an eye out and break the top and bottom edges with a small sander / Dremel.
I'm hoping to get some ideas on how to finish the work surface. I have no plans to keep it looking 'special' but would like a uniform finish to start with. Don't want to paint it or give it a surface treatment like anodize. I also know that it is aluminum i.e. soft so if one of my sons thinks he needs to rebuild a shock on it and is beating away with a hammer, I don't want to be cringing with every blow of the mallet!
What are your thoughts on polishing the surface? The rest of my trailer is aluminum and I plan to polish the fenders, the diamond plate on the nose and the rear hoop so thought I may do this as well. Then I am also thinking if I am parked at a track and the trailer isn't level, items will easily slide or fall off. I have a small circular air rotary tool and a few different grade 3M pads that attach to it, including the one with the little plastic fingers that shine up dull metal. Also thought about using one of these to just put random swirls in it.
Anyone who has used aluminum for a work surface wouldn't mind chiming back to me on what you have done I'd appreciate it.
Thanks,
Rob
