Help with picking some 1/2" plate

Tul01 · Apr 10, 2016

I have found a guy that is getting rid of some 1/2 plate from a couple projects he didn't get around to. I was initially looking at 2- 1/2x30x96 mild steel for a welding bench top and left overs for gusseting etc, when he showed me a large chunk of 1/2"x96x96 T100 plate they didn't get to. He is only looking for $400 for the large plate of T100 which provides more material than I can picture projects in my future. My question is that according to the internet T100 is hardened. I have a friend who says they use it on their large equipment for abrasion resistance. It is supposed to be weldable/cuttable with normal tools. My question would this be that much more difficult to drill/cut with my normal tools? Should I just pass on the good deal and buy what I am familiar with?

Looking for the advice/opinions/experience in here.

BukitCase · Apr 10, 2016

Never heard of T100 steel, but if you find you can work it that's a sweet deal - 8'x8' 1/2" plate weighs right at 1280 pounds, which in my area would cost just under $900 USD (about $1180 CAD) -

If you can, take a file with you - if the file doesn't just skip across it, you can machine it with normal tools/bits... Steve

Mysfyt · Apr 10, 2016

I think you're talking T1 steel, which is a 100,000 yield steel. Mild steel is 36,000 yield for comparison (A36).

I used T1 when I built a 75 ton punch press because it only required 1-1/4" thick vs 2-1/2" thick mild steel. It is both weldable and machinable, just do your homework on the welding. AWS recommends preheating, but I never did and it is 20 years old with no issues.

I'll expand on Buckitcase's idea, and test it with a cordless drill and small drill bit. T1 will drill decent (I'd use an 1/8"-3/16" drill bit), but if it is abrasion resistant, the drill will just spin.

If it is T1, I'd have the cash with me on the spot. That's a decent price!

Tul01 · Apr 10, 2016

Thats a great idea to test it with the drill. I'll do that for sure. Bringing cash for sure. In our area, I priced out a 4x8 sheet of 1/2 mild steel and it was $550. Thanks guys.

BukitCase · Apr 11, 2016

Sounds like prices in your area are real close to mine -

To expand on Mysfit's comment about AR plate - 'bout 10 years ago I had my local supplier plasma cut some 3" wide strips of AR400 long enough to make new wear strips on my 2 foot hoe bucket (it also needed new shanks and teeth so I did it all at once) - the strips were a bit "unfriendly to bare skin", so before I got into it with the rosebud and 7018 I thought I'd just break the edges with a side grinder -

Started with a brand new 7" disk on a 9" Hitachi beast I still have - 3" x 32" strip, VERY slight bevel on ONLY ONE SIDE - took about a half HOUR for ONE piece, and they were only cleaned up enough to feel smooth to the touch.

Bottom line - doing either or both tests we mentioned won't leave ANY doubt in your mind if that plate is AR or not

... Steve

Tul01 · Apr 11, 2016

I went back and did the drill test and it definitely drilled harder than the mild steel. My heart really wanted it, but I was too scared of trying to grind it and clean up edges. I ended up going with the 1/2 mild steel he had there as well, so I got 2 plates, 1/2x34x98" and 1/2x34x110" for $200. It will just take a little cleaning up. I think I still scored on the price, plus the 8' chunk has holes around the perimeter already so I will just build my work bench to fit. Much easier than cutting 8' off and cleaning it up. Thanks for confirming my concerns BukitCase.

Mysfyt · Apr 11, 2016

You did the right thing. T1 for a welding bench would be a waste, really.

If you got both of those plates for $200, that would be around 20 cents a pound. Nice score and nice sizes for welding tables!