Steel va aluminum base for floating table top

[Coastalberry]

Hey guys,

Check out the images!

https://ibb.co/vxcPHBG

https://ibb.co/mRGZKYh

https://ibb.co/VMkqmJC

https://ibb.co/Y2Cbm6x

For this project I need to support 2 glass tabletops with weights of 28kg (left) and 38kg (right) against a window. The frame length will be a long 4.5 meters and I am only able to anchor the frame on the left and right side of the frame to the columns in an office since I cannot alter or touch the window or the window frames. I will be having a 3rd support point using steel cables anchored in to the ceiling to support the frame in the middle.

This is initially designed using mirror polished stainless steel tubing (3x3cm) (2mm thick) mainly for aesthetic purposes as well as durability. They will be 4.5m long tubes anchored from column to column.

Before I pull the plug I thought to see some opinions about aluminum tubing instead of ss in terms of its structure capability as well as ease of cutting and drilling etc and sacrificing the aesthetic.

 

[kingnero]

Aluminium is neither as aesthetically pleasing nor as stiff as stainless steel.
Probably can work with the middle support though. Alu will become dull after some time, stainless has a far more durable finish.
Aly is much easier to cut/drill.
I suppose the cross bars will be welded? It's nearly impossible to make alu welds invisible. Much bigger throat and coarser surface, will require a lot more grinding.
I'd go for stainless, fairly small GTAW welds, and pickling. Surface finish as desired.

 

[Coastalberry]

Thanks kingNero for the advice. No welding. All cold connect screwed in using t connectors, 4 way connectors, not sure yet on the decided screw positions or hinged but yes it will not be welded. Another advantage of aluminum is that these cuts need to happen in the office, so I can bring my mitre saw to the site and it’ll be a bit tough to cut through the stainless steel. It’s around 4800 rpm. And I don’t see myself buying a cut off saw just for this project