Lurker comes out, Welding Table

[stihl036]

I have cruised this site many nights and picked up plenty of ideas. Here is my half built welding table. Please critique it.

I have a small garage (attached to recently first purchased house), used for wood and metal hobbies. My space is limited. I think it is about 16'X24'.

Anyway, here is my new metal area. Bench is 3/16 X 2.5"X2.5" for the main frame and 3/8" plate (24"X80")for the top. The chopsaw idea comes from my wood working experience.

Notice the "hitch" inserts on the front of the table for vices to slide into, mountain bike stands, benders, etc.

I also put in very simple adjustable legs, they work well.

I need ideas for wheels. I was thinking of some sort of insert for the lower legs.

Please advise.

WW

[stihl036]

Thanks for all of the ideas.

[stihl036]

I am new to welding. I have borrowed a buddies MM210, and I have a SP135T for sale soon as it is too small for what I need now. I did built a couple of small trailers with the small Lincoln, money well spent, but now time to go bigger, kid on the way so I gotsa get my toys now.


I love this site. Sorry I don't have a hobart.

WW

[stihl036]

FYI.

The bench is pretty close to level with the adjustable feet tweaked.

Here is a picture. Go easy on my welding, I am just learning.

Notice that the curve of the table top was aligned so that the stock going to the chopsaw would not be skewed.

:D

:cool:

[pepster]

Really nice. I like the drop down shelf for the chop saw. There are several ways to go with the wheels. I would look at the Grainger or McMaster Carr sites for ideas. It kinda depends on how far and how much you need to move the table.
Pepster

[gnewby]

stihl036, Your table looks good. Personally just being of a lazy nature though I don't think I would want my chop saw that close to my table as of all the debree you get from the chop saw it would constantly be getting all over the welding table. I have mine mounted so on nice days I can put it at the edge of the shop floor so that all the debree ends up going outside instead of inside where I have to clean it up afterwards. I made a roller stand to use that I place the metal on that I am cutting it is also so I can move it anywhere I need it.

[Bob S2]

Hey, your table looks good! What size tube did you use for the uprights, and what size did you use for the chopsaw ledge? Very cool. One thing I thought of: When actually welding move the compressor. All it would take is one hot spark to melt your air hose! The regulator on it is also very sensitive. It's probably safe under the table, but you never know.
I love the concrete walls, much safer for welding than wood or drywall. I wish I had that in my garage.
Good job. As far as wheels, I think Harbor freight has a sale right now on casters.
--Bob

[Bob]

stihl036,

Welcome into posting. This is a great site.

Looks like you have picked up lots of good ideas and built an excellant table / work bench. Good Job!!! The table top is thick enough to drill and tap if needed should for some special bending or clamping.

If you are moving around on a concrete slab you want solid wheels. Maybe on both legs of one end (and lift the other end) or all four. Since you alread have adjusters, you can adjust "on the wheel" vs "on the legs" for when you want to move it vs. when you want it to stay put.

Good Job
Bob

[stihl036]

Originally posted by Bob S2
What size tube did you use for the uprights, and what size did you use for the chopsaw ledge?

Uprights and the rest of the frame are made from mild steel square tubing which is 3/16" thick. Dimensions are 2.5"X2.5"

Chop saw ledge is made of 1" rectangle tube (1/8"thick), the top is 3/16" thick. I will be building a small adjustable frame on the right hand side of the table so that metal being cut by the chop saw doesn't fall on the floor.



Originally posted by Bob S2
One thing I thought of: When actually welding move the compressor. All it would take is one hot spark to melt your air hose!

Good call! I will move it when working


Thanks for all of the advice, keep it coming. Any one have pics of thier wheel set ups?


WW

[TonyC]

Here is a rough drawing of the wheel set up I am about to use on my cart. It is designed so the table does not rest on the wheels. When you wish to move, just lift the end of the table up and slide the axle into the engagement slot. Just an idea. My table is smaller so I plan to have wheels at one end only. Of course, the dimensions will vary from cart to cart.

[Dan Missey]

Stihl,

The shelf is brilliant. Thank you for the idea. I'm going to do it to my table.

[dda52]

Stihl
:cool: Very cool table! Excellent idea about the chopsaw. The only thing I would add would be bracing from the saw ledge to the legs just in case you drop something on it. A goofy ex-employee of mine dropped a 20' 5/8 x 2" hr flat on my saw and wiped out the vise. :mad: Oh well.:rolleyes: Maybe my misfortune will help. I think your table is definitly a winner!:D

[Old Man Stick]

Table looks great! Its a bit small for me. Im use to haveing all that extra room to pile junk on mine! Then I get to weld on the floor in fear of setting a fire on the table! LOL :eek:

But it does look great!

OMS

[trashcan]

I really like the chop saw attachment. It started the wheels turning for a detachable one for my table. I've got heavy duty steel wheels on mine that I got from Northern Tool for 6.00 apeice you might try there. Thump On!