Welding table thickness

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I am going to build a small welding table that will have either a 1/4" or 3/8" steel top with a bottom shelf below. The table will be about 2'x4' for the top plate and will be welded to a 2"x2" square tubing frame. I am going to use 2"x2" square tubing for the legs and 2" angle for the bottom railing that the sheet metal shelf will sit on. What I would like to know is what gauge metal should I go with for the 2"x2" legs and the angle. I want a strong and solid table but don't really see the point in over engeenering it to much. P.S. It will be on casters so I can move it around my garage and driveway as needed.
Reply:Go as thick and as heavy as you can afford to buy and move.Thick, heavy, and solid are all GOOD things in a work table/bench.And also double-check the size and weight of the things you would be putting on the table/bench.  Hobby-type things on the welding bench would probably be fine on 14 gauge or better 2x2 steel legs.  If the lower shelf is just for placement of light things and to stabilize the legs, then 14 gauge or better would be fine for the angle iron, but 1/8 inch thick angle iron might be easier to find and would be fine too.If you will be banging, beating, pushing, and pulling on top of the bench/table, make it beefy.  It's pretty rare for someone to say "Gee, my welding table is too solid and stable.  Let me make a flimsy one instead."
Reply:Just a thought, but I built a 2' x 4' welding table once that was mounted on casters.  I found the table to be top heavy.  It was pretty easy to flip when rolling around especially if you bump something with the wheels.  I wound up bolting it to the shop floor.  Other's may have better luck, just wanted to throw out the food for thought.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:I'd go 3/16" on the tubing and 1/4" on the angle.  And at least 3" casters.DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:We have one at work that is 1/4" I believe and there is a good 6" over hang all around. The whole front edge has been deflected downward since before I started. This sucker gets thoroughly flogged on a daily basis, with a 2" reciever under one corner for hitch assembly, and a 20 ton shop press on one back corner. It will be much better to use 3/8" thick and keep the overhang to a modest amount. We always need room around the edge for assorted clamps, but if you use 1/4" it will bend quicker than 3/8". I personally would keep the over hang to...maybe a couple of inches.jmhoCity of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:yep, 3/8" is heavy, but its not gonna give on you (unless your working on heavy equipment).Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:Oh yeah, you might wanna try bar grate for the bottom shelf.  It's heavy so the table will be less top heavy and all the dust will fall through.  Just a thought.DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools