Woodworking Bench Turns Into Welding Bench

[cchazer]

So, I was looking for a cheap welding bench for hobbyist welding, I had a decent woodworking bench in my garage, here's what I did to it. Went to menards, got a roll of galvanized roof flashing ($12), cut to size of the top of my table, sprayed with 3M contact cement, and glued the flashing to the top, then used some cheap shelf hanging galvanized material from menards ($16), turned out pretty good.

[cchazer]

More pictures

[cchazer]

Final Table.....

All thats left to do is paint the bottom of the table flat black!

[Blacksmith]

You need to watch that the heat from welding doesn't char the wood underneath. I have a house where the back of the fireplace and chimney are in the attached garage. Over the years it developed a hairline crack that didn't really show up until the firemen showed me after they put out the fire in the garage at 1:30 am!

[urch55]

Haz.
I see you have a bigger bottle on your Mig cart..
http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtalk/attachment.php?attachmentid=31772&d=1284010309
http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtalk/attachment.php?attachmentid=31751&d=1283820769[/IMG]

[cchazer]

Yes, got a bigger bottle.

Basically I am just going to use that bench for my chop saw to sit on. I won't be welding on the table top, since the metal is thin and wood underneath.

[Rbeckett]

CC, Despite the harrasment from the other site. I think your workmanship and execution are great. A word of caution, is to be carefull about charring and the heat will produce galvi fumes but for a chop saw or place to work on greasy parts it is a great idea and a usefull repurpose of an otherwise useless wood working tool. Be carefull about too much heat and stay within those limitations and you have a usefull tool, for low investment in time and money. Good project!!!
Bob

[Hotfoot]

Nice and neat! However, that edge looks like a PITA with a Chop Saw, because of the wheel grit and metal filings. If you didn't swab the galvanized down well with vinegar to clean off the factory protective oily film, I doubt you'll find that any of it stuck to the metal.

Any metal chop saw used indoors needs a backstop for the sparks and grit. One of the best designs I seen on this forum was a 55 gallon drum, used as the table and "grit chamber", cut away so enough of it provided the backstop.:)

http://i54.tinypic.com/6yk6lx.jpg

[Blacksmith]

If you're just using it for the chop saw, it's a great idea. I guess with the title "welding bench" I jumped to conclusions:)

[Rocky D]

CC that is a great project for the chop saw, and you did a excellent pictorial essay on it! Chop saws do need a backstop, tho.