Using a saw table as a welding table

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I am thinking about using an old cast iron Unisaw table saw top for a small welding table.The top was on my old 1953 Unisaw but had two casting failures where the back fence rail attaches.    The top is nice and flat (27" x 20") and is well supported - I can also get extension wings to make the table a bit wider - 40" total.  My idea is to add a supporting frame made of angle and tubing to hold the table.Any issues with using such a top for a table?  Not the greatest solution but less expesive than a 1/2" plate top.  I would like to drill for hold downs as well.Your opinions please - Thanks! Attached Images
Reply:It'll work for a table top, but the top may not be up for the hold down duty due to it's thin unsupported nature. Too many tapped holes and you are going to start a pathway for cracks to follow. If you have to have the hold down holes, you might consider drilling and countersinking the holes and weld up a sub-table or bracing underneath that will accept the threaded holes...I'd make the holes in the cast iron top oversized so they don't receive any of the load. Also, avoid any welding on the top other than spatter.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:And I sure wouldn't start pounding on things on the table. You might wind up w/ a bunch of small table tops w/ ragged edges.                                                  MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Thanks for the responses - makes sense.  Didn't take into consideration the brittleness of cast iron and the need to avoid welding.  I'll save my money and get some real steel.
Reply:For just a place to put small items to weld, it will work. I just took one to the scrap yard that I was using. I noticed that spatter didnt stick to it so that was a plus
Reply:If it is what you have at the moment and has no true value to you, go ahead and use it for a table until you save up enough for what you really want. Might as well get some further use out of it before scrapping the table. I wouldn't worry about the top cracking if you don't weld on fixtures, clamps, hold downs and such that would cause the table top to heat excessively and crack while cooling. Bottom line, you have a nice flat surface that will stand up to most any light welding job you can throw it's way.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:I use an old HF table saw.The fence fell apart, my brother gave it to me missing parts.I mounted it on a piece of 3/4" plywood with casters.I used to just use it as a engine/trans teardown table with a drainpan on the shelf.I've since drilled and bolted a HF vise and bolted on a tab for a work clamp (flattened & drilled 1" copper pipe).Spatter is easy to remove, flat enough for my use and best of all it was free.I clamp to it and have hammered on it some. I try to remember its cast.This is temporary. After I move I'll build a real table and have more than a one car garage to work in.Last edited by hypothecary; 10-16-2012 at 12:01 AM.Miller Syncrowave 250 w/ PC-300 pulserLincoln AC/DC 225/125Clarke TurboWeld 150ENJackson Halo w/ gold lensHuntsman w/ blue lensDoing sanitary stainless tig