Using steel for the water table?

[turboedgs]

Well after a bit of research it looks like I am going with a water table design (at least for now). I have been looking at water table designs from others past projects and see that some individuals have constructed it out of aluminum and others have built the tray using steel.

I have zero experience welding aluminum and don’t know if I want to learn on this project as mistakes can be costly and time consuming. However I have plenty of knowledge and time with the MIG welding steel. Based on my budget, experience and timeline I am leaning toward constructing the water table tray and related components using steel and then coating them with something? I am looking for suggestions regarding water table construction using steel as the water tray. Any tips or recommendations are very much needed.

Thanks

[plain ol Bill]

Use steel and there is no need to coat it with anything really if you use a rust preventative in the water. I have homemade Plasma Quench in mine, uncoated steel and there is NO rust anywhere.

[Karl_T]

I went with a mcmaster carr coating, expoxy paint for severe environment. I did inside and out. IIRC, something about coal tar. The machine looks great and no rust at all. Cost was like $70 for a gallon. I brush painted it. I do remember thinning it quite a bit as its thick like tar in the can.

Karl

P.S. part number 7953T12