Crazy idea for a welding table?

[Shield Arc]

Hey SA, gonna hijack this thread just a bit, but it all pertains to Welding Tables.... I know these are vague questions but just give me your personal thoughts. I trust you. Got a chance at a 34"x60"x5/8" plate. Properly built is that adequate for a top used similar to the one you pictured?? What is your preferred table top height??

Oh I think that size plate would make a great welding table top!

My welding table is 31 1/2-inches tall. But it didn't start out as a welding table! I built the frame in the early 1980s for an engine drive welder I had. And no way to pick it off my flatbed truck. The frame was built the same height has the bed of the truck. I could use a come-a-long to pull the welder off the truck onto the frame. And use a come-a-long to load the welder onto the truck.
I thought it was going to be to low when I turned it into a welding table, but funny thing it has worked out great at that height!

 

[Jim Timber]

That's one heavy duty table. How do the casters work?

They have an axle at an equidistant radius to the circumference of the outside face which allows lateral motion over smooth surfaces with minimal friction.

What's funny about them was that they were an improvisation to make the table into a rolling jib crane to put my bridge crane up. I never planned to use them much other than repositioning it.

They haven't come off in about 5 years. :laughing: The table is easily moved by one person (with some effort, it is 1,000lbs after all), but stays put well enough too.

 

[Big Barn]

I'm currently in the middle of building a welding/blacksmith table.

2'x8' X 3" thick top. I beam legs 21"web x7" flange X 1/2" thick.

Still have to lay out holes (top and side) for 1"(or?) pins and bending jigs.

Second photo shows closeup of notched out receiver tube (á la BuckitCase) for easier installation of vices and tooling.

Yes, it will get paint when done.






Oh.....and thanks to Steve for helpful (albeit anally technical) input.

Terry

 

[Shield Arc]

WOW, 3-inch thick! How do / did you handle that? Do you have a fork lift? Or will your tractor handle that kind of weight?

 

[Big Barn]

WOW, 3-inch thick! How do / did you handle that? Do you have a fork lift? Or will your tractor handle that kind of weight?

Carl, it's just a tad under 2000# so easy to handle with the forklift.

Terry

 

[Jim Timber]

Nice use for the bridge sections. Sheesh! Those beams are huge.

 

[ovrszd]

Oh I think that size plate would make a great welding table top!

My welding table is 31 1/2-inches tall. But it didn't start out as a welding table! I built the frame in the early 1980s for an engine drive welder I had. And no way to pick it off my flatbed truck. The frame was built the same height has the bed of the truck. I could use a come-a-long to pull the welder off the truck onto the frame. And use a come-a-long to load the welder onto the truck.
I thought it was going to be to low when I turned it into a welding table, but funny thing it has worked out great at that height!

Thanks for the reply. I think the "standard" 30" will be a bit short for me. I'm 5'10" and shrinking.

 

[roadhunter]

I have a couple of job boxes with casters that I use for portable tables but I think you are probably better off to build it free standing.

 

[Rustyiron]

My "outside" table is made out of a bridge I beam scrap. It's about 34" deep and I cut off 1/2 of the top flange flush with the web. The beam lays flat and the full flange on the back side makes for a good backstop, and the 1/2 flange that's left on the front side comes in handy to clamp @ 90* to the table top (web). It makes a great "beat on" table and you can't hurt it. Tell the local scrap yard to keep an eye out for a big bridge beam for a good sturdy cheap table.

 

[Rustyiron]

I'm currently in the middle of building a welding/blacksmith table.

Terry

Hey Terry, aren't you worried that with having both vice's on the same side the whole thing might flip over with only a 3" thick top:laughing:
You win the welding table contest! That hyd. vice is cool too, I've never seen one.

 

[Big Barn]

Hey Terry, aren't you worried that with having both vice's on the same side the whole thing might flip over with only a 3" thick top:laughing: You win the welding table contest! That hyd. vice is cool too, I've never seen one.

Not to worry, Rustyiron.

***Disclaimer***
" Vices were placed on the same side for photo op only. All safety precautions were taken"



Terry

 

[Big Barn]

Good stuff, I appreciate all of your comments/suggestions. Still mulling it over.

Consider drilling 5/8" holes in your table top to accommodate clamps.



Disregard the threads on the bottom of clamp. These are all a 'friction' fit. The clamps all drop into the holes and tightened down onto the workpiece. Securing from the underside is not necessary.

Terry

 

[ovrszd]

I'm really considering slots like these.

https://www.google.com/search?q=wel...KAhUN_WMKHaekD9IQsAQIQw#imgrc=EiF75F9fOSwOtM:

 

[Rustyiron]

I have a nice (freebe) 4x10x5/8 welding table that has, usually at least 6" of ch!t piled on it.
I build a lot of stuff on saw horses!

 

[Jim Timber]

I have a nice (freebe) 4x10x5/8 welding table that has, usually at least 6" of ch!t piled on it.
I build a lot of stuff on saw horses!

+1

Have 4x8 fab bench; currently working on 6' long project on floor next to it.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Been in service almost a decade, and still as good as it was the day I built it. Looking around google, it appears the idea caught on. <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=456578"/>

I like that a lot. Simple strong and versatile.

 

[Rustyiron]

I like that a lot. Simple strong and versatile.

I agree 100%!
If I built one with equal space between as the channel width, I'd only be able to half the crap on it that I usually do, therefore half the clean up time.:laughing:
Seriously, downsizing nailed the description!

 

[zzvyb6]

Limited for space and want a strong, square, solid surface, buy an old Craftsman table saw from Craigslist. I put a metal cutting wheel in mine for extra duty. Easy to maintain, wirebrush and grind off the flash and good height. Rolls around to the place its needed. All I needed to do is put better casters on it.

 

[dragoneggs]

Apologies as I haven't read any replies yet... I love the idea... but I think the length of your plate is a little long and will not be flat. For that size you need better support reaching nearer to the ends in my opinion.

But I did just what you are proposing... I salvaged an old Craftsman roll away tool chest out of a recycle dumpster, fixed it, and tacked a 4ft long 1/2in plate on top of it. I have limited space and until I can afford the space and the cost, it does fine for small work. I use an auxiliary roller support table for bigger jobs and the real big ones still on the floor unfortunately. Make a custom stand with heavy duty casters and you can maybe build in a tool chest or shelfs or...

 

[Underdog57]

Apologies as I haven't read any replies yet... I love the idea... but I think the length of your plate is a little long and will not be flat. For that size you need better support reaching nearer to the ends in my opinion.

But I did just what you are proposing... I salvaged an old Craftsman roll away tool chest out of a recycle dumpster, fixed it, and tacked a 4ft long 1/2in plate on top of it. I have limited space and until I can afford the space and the cost, it does fine for small work. I use an auxiliary roller support table for bigger jobs and the real big ones still on the floor unfortunately. Make a custom stand with heavy duty casters and you can maybe build in a tool chest or shelfs or...

View attachment 456905

Very nice.........I like it a lot!!! :thumbsup: