As a build table surface, aluminum should work OK. Not sure why plywood wouldn't be OK either. If something catches flame, keep a bottle of water handy. It isn't like it would be the first time it happened. So I'm not sure why spend the extra cost.
A couple of comments/observations:
1)The welding will not attach to the aluminum (like copper) but the weld splatter will embed into the aluminum making a rough surface that will spot-rust or "stain" with time. This will render the aluminum for little use in the future except for possible a floor skin.
2) IF (and that is a big
IF) the aluminum vs steel CTE's are such an issue, wouldn't that make it unsuitable for floor skinning? Thermal cycles would eventually destroy the rivets leaving only the bonding material to hold things together. or the floor would oilcan at certain temperatures. I really haven't heard of this happening. So I would think it is not a real issue for build a table surface and floor skins.
3) Dyekem is not a permanent material. It will get scratched and become useless after the first year of building. Did I just say "first" year?
Yeah, it happens. I bet the 2nd layout marks will not match the 1st ones perfectly.
4) Laying out the first layer of the chassis pieces on the build surface only helps for a short bit of the build. What will he do for the vertical and diagonal pieces, let alone the top rails? To me, it seems like too much fork for too little gain. IMO.
_________________
Chuck.
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