Welding Table

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Another welding table, all MIG welded. 1/2 inch thick table top, measures 72 x 48 x 31 high(can be adjusted-casters bolt on). 60 drilled and tapped 3/8 holes for clamping. 4 Locking casters, Top plate is bolted to table top(not welded). Welded 1/2 nuts to bottom of plate and bolted plate to sub frame with all thread. All painted except top of table. Made my own mag drill by taking out stock post in drill press and putting in a short post, with a little clamping, it worked pretty good. Hand tapping 60 holes was a pain. None of the 60 holes hit any part of the sub frame - thanks to solidworks! Attached Images
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Reply:Your own magnetic drill press???Very nice build!!
Reply:Imitation mechanical mag drill.....LOL !!! It worked good !!!
Reply:Awesome!!GlenMiller Dynasty 200DX - Millermatic 350P - Hypertherm Powermax 45Want to sell!! - Hobart Handler 150
Reply:Sweet!!!Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Reply:Nice build.
Reply:Originally Posted by ZZWELDImitation mechanical mag drill.....LOL !!! It worked good !!!
Reply:Almost enough to make me toss my old Cole drill  Or for that matter my almost as old Bux mag drill and the Milwaukee triple reduction drill guaranteed to break your arm and three knee caps if it binds. 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:Awesome!
Reply:Ohhhh... beautiful table. May I please ask why you chose to bolt the top to the frame as opposed to welding it?MM 211Smith Tru Lite O/A set, Thanks Bob!Lincoln AC-225--But you must not change one thing, one pebble, one grain of sand, until you know what good and evil will follow on that act. The world is in balance, in Equilibrium- Ursula K. Le Guin
Reply:I have a question about choosing the correct casters for a welding table. My garage is small, so my table is going to need to be easily moved from one spot to another. How do I choose the correct caster wheel that can hold up to the weight without getting flat spots?  I also noticed that you have no means to level the table once it is in place. Should I be concerned about making design provisions for leveling the table exactly once in place? My garage floor is probably close to level, but probably not exactly level.  Qualified & experienced at welding scrap metal
Reply:NICE!!!!!Good simpe design!I like!!!!either you LIKE BACON or you're WRONG!!!! "There are three kinds of men.The ones that learn by readin'.The few who learn by observation.The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves"-Will Rogers
Reply:Nice, you can never have too many tables or FLAT SURFACES ! Little jeep: As for a level table, it's makes life easier but using multiple framing squares is fail safe. You get spoiled by having a level surface. As long as it's flat is good. It depends what your working on or building. You can used steel wedges if necessary to get it set balls on if required. As for casters, I used these on a table for a friend 30'' x 48''. Holding up well, steel wheels. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ct_40249_40249http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ct_40250_40250
Reply:@equil    I bolted the top plate to the sub frame as opposed to welding it so I can easily remove the top in the future, may upgrade to a thicker plate, make a jig-fixture plate or whatever, keeping more ideas open. I'm limited on garage space so most of the stuff I make does double duty, can be used for something else. Welding the plate commits it to a welding table only. The plate may get warped and beat up over time with all the welding and pounding going on it and may need to be changed. Much easier to unbolt than cut welds. Also, the plate had a slight bow in it, the 1/2 bolts flattened it out nice. I was worried the sub frame would bend but it held strong and the 1/2 plate flattened out. @ littlejeep    what BD1 said, I don't use a level much, just good squares and make all your metal cuts exactly spot on. Concrete is fairly flat/level but as soon as you move your table, things change. You can put shims under your casters once the table is in place to level it out. I use shims(metal shim stock), under the actual work I'm doing if leveling is needed. Buy the biggest strongest casters you can afford, they get pricey as you go bigger. Make sure at least 2 casters on one end of sub frame swivel and lock. Maybe individual infinitely adjustable legs would work, do a search to get ideas on table/leg levelers.
Reply:Also, table has a nice 5 inch lip all the way around for clamping, clear of obstructions. Nice handy feature.
Reply:THANKS GUYS!! I appreciate the information. Someday, I'll actually build me a table as I am too old to be welding on the floor like I am currently doing.Qualified & experienced at welding scrap metal
Reply:Originally Posted by ZZWELDAlso, table has a nice 5 inch lip all the way around for clamping, clear of obstructions. Nice handy feature.
Reply:Originally Posted by little JeepTHANKS GUYS!! I appreciate the information. Someday, I'll actually build me a table as I am too old to be welding on the floor like I am currently doing.
Reply:Originally Posted by little JeepI have a question about choosing the correct casters for a welding table. My garage is small, so my table is going to need to be easily moved from one spot to another. How do I choose the correct caster wheel that can hold up to the weight without getting flat spots?  I also noticed that you have no means to level the table once it is in place. Should I be concerned about making design provisions for leveling the table exactly once in place? My garage floor is probably close to level, but probably not exactly level.
Reply:ZZWELD> "I'm limited on garage space so most of the stuff I make does double duty...Welding the plate commits it to a welding table only. The plate may get warped and beat up over time... Much easier to unbolt than cut welds." Thank you for the explanation. The space I have is extremely limited... to about 12' on one wall in our garage and the plate I picked up for a welding table is not as thick as what I would have liked so your reasoning makes perfect sense to me.MM 211Smith Tru Lite O/A set, Thanks Bob!Lincoln AC-225--But you must not change one thing, one pebble, one grain of sand, until you know what good and evil will follow on that act. The world is in balance, in Equilibrium- Ursula K. Le Guin
Reply:Great table, and good idea of using the small drill press. I have a bench top drill press that is extra, might try that myself.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.comOriginally Posted by GarThe casters on my welding table are self leveling. Its nice when your building something and you want or need a level table. My table is right around 800-900 pounds and the Foot Master casters roll right over the groves in the garage floor no problem. They are the GS100 and are rated at 1650 pounds each, i remember paying around $50/ each for them.  GarBest online price and place where i purchased mine: http://castersupply.com/NAV/gd_100.htm
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1You could watch craig's list for a old table saw and use that for now. Buddy found one 10'' craftsman saw with cast iron top. Made a angle iron frame with casters to set it on. Works well for $30.00. Better then welding on floor.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1You could watch craig's list for a old table saw and use that for now. Buddy found one 10'' craftsman saw with cast iron top. Made a angle iron frame with casters to set it on. Works well for $30.00. Better then welding on floor.
Reply:Originally Posted by little JeepI actually have a "welding table", if you can call it that, I use sometimes. It's a piece of 3/4 inch plywood that I set up on saw horses. Not very fireproof, but it is better than working on the floor at times.
Reply:@little Jeep,No flat spots.  The wheels are made of Nylon-6, they are hard an do not go flat.Lincoln Electric, Power MIG 256Hypertherm Powermax 45 Miller Dynasty 280DXSmith O/A torchGenesis of a welding table
Reply:Great table but I would be carefull with not beating too much on the edge of that table. Too much overhang (lip) for the thickness of plate used. Other than that, great build! I love those three axis clamps. I wish I could afford them.Mikel
Reply:I saw those clamps and was wondering what they were called so thanks for putting a name to them for me Mikel_24. I'm afraid to even ask what they cost being as how I'm sure they're well out of my price bracket also.MM 211Smith Tru Lite O/A set, Thanks Bob!Lincoln AC-225--But you must not change one thing, one pebble, one grain of sand, until you know what good and evil will follow on that act. The world is in balance, in Equilibrium- Ursula K. Le Guin
Reply:Beautiful table, very nicely done, and I like the repurposing of the drill press.....but when are you's guys gonna learn the easy way to drill & tap all those holes?  Check these out - they work GREAT and make the job so much easier...http://championcuttingtool.com/champ...ractional.htmlLast edited by Just_George; 07-09-2014 at 05:46 PM.Reason: insert picture
Reply:I'll try one, where are you buying them?MM 211Smith Tru Lite O/A set, Thanks Bob!Lincoln AC-225--But you must not change one thing, one pebble, one grain of sand, until you know what good and evil will follow on that act. The world is in balance, in Equilibrium- Ursula K. Le Guin
Reply:ZZWELD , how do you like those 3 axis clamps ? Are they the Stronghand or Bessy ?  Nice build, I like the 5 inch overhang probably 75 percent of the clamping that you will need is on the edge of the table.Miller xmt304,  Miller S22 p12, Miier Maxstar SD, Miller 252 w 30A, Miller super32p12, Lincoln Ranger 9, Thermal Arc 181I with spoolgun, Hypertherm 10000 ,Smith torches. Esab 161lts miniarc.
Reply:Originally Posted by EquilibriumI'll try one, where are you buying them?
Reply:Just_George> Yes please. I changed my mind. I'll try two. I've never seen a bit like that before. I've got a 1/2" chuck on both of my drills. I'm thinking an 1/8" bit would be good to drill a hole in some fire extinguishers I want to use to make windchimes and what ever size bit you think would be good for a few holes in the top of my welding table.MM 211Smith Tru Lite O/A set, Thanks Bob!Lincoln AC-225--But you must not change one thing, one pebble, one grain of sand, until you know what good and evil will follow on that act. The world is in balance, in Equilibrium- Ursula K. Le Guin
Reply:@MJD That's a Stronghand clamp, works great every time, dead nuts 90 degrees both directions. Remember, as you weld, metal bends/moves. The clamp gets you started at 90 degrees, but the legs will wander after fully welding unless you tack weld bracing like a complete square-box first. When building a welding table, flatness is key, worry about level later. Make sure the plate is as flat as possible before you buy it, bring a straight edge with you to the metal yard. If they have to flame cut it to size, it will bend from the heat. Your projects will only be as square as your table is flat. I'm thinking about getting a 24 x 24 x 2 inch thick aluminum plate that's milled or ground perfectly flat for smaller projects. It will have drilled and tapped holes for clamping also. Make it fold-hinge under welding table out of the way when not in use. Ideally, a granite machinist flat with threaded holes would be perfect, but cost is way too high. I use the 3/8 Step Block and Clamp Set from Harbor Freight to hold down metal for set up/tack welding........(http://www.harborfreight.com/58-piec...amps-5952.html)I know Harbor Freight quality in general is sub-par, but this clamp set is strong enough to clamp metal down before welding. I would not recommend them for machine-mill work. That price of $49.99 is a little high-misprint??? I think I paid $30.00 deliver to my door. Best thing I ever bought from Harbor freight, I use them a lot, on almost every welding project I do on my table, and they last!
Reply:I should add these comments - wasn't thinking clearly before!    Using these drill/tap combo bits requires a machine that can be reversed to back the tap out, so the drill press as shown wouldn't work.  I've had great luck using them in a mag drill and also in my benchtop mill on smaller pieces.  I'm sure they could be used with a handheld drill, given a little practice and a steady hand.  Sorry if this caused any confusion... Originally Posted by Just_GeorgeBeautiful table, very nicely done, and I like the repurposing of the drill press.....but when are you's guys gonna learn the easy way to drill & tap all those holes?  Check these out - they work GREAT and make the job so much easier...http://championcuttingtool.com/champ...ractional.html
Reply:Originally Posted by GarThe casters on my welding table are self leveling.Attachment 761661
Reply:Originally Posted by MikeGyverWhat do you mean by self leveling? how do they work?
Reply:Looks good
Reply:Originally Posted by GarYou're a pest, go away!Gar
Reply:Watcha gonna use to keep the spatter outa all them threaded holes?---Meltedmetal
Reply:Originally Posted by MikeGyverWow thanks for being so helpful...
Reply:Originally Posted by atgI think he meant that they are adjustable, not automatic. I guess one could go to the link he provided and check them out.
Reply:Originally Posted by GarHe knew what I meant, he was just doing what he does best, TROLLING, and I was not biting.  Gar
Reply:I've seen washing machines with a self leveling configuration on the back but the front need to be manually adjusted....  probably not practical on a welding/fab table.GlenMiller Dynasty 200DX - Millermatic 350P - Hypertherm Powermax 45Want to sell!! - Hobart Handler 150
Reply:ZZWELD> I don't know if your camera can do close ups or not but if it can.... would you be able to take a closer photo of your 1/2" bolts for me? Did you weld the nuts to the bottom of your plate? --Just_George> thank you so much for picking up the drill bits for me. --MikeGyver> Newer GE washing machines are self-leveling in the rear.... maybe more brands have this feature now.... not the front though like GlenC said. I haven't looked at them since our washer was delivered and never thought about them much until he mentioned them being on some washing machines. I could probably get a photo for you if you want but in order to level them someone has to lift up the back of the washing machine by about 10" and drop it. It self-levels on impact. I know this because we had to move it and couldn't remember how it self-leveled. I can tell you that if a heavy load of jeans or a sleeping bag gets off balance.... it will still creep out from the wall.... just not as much as our old washing machine used to.MM 211Smith Tru Lite O/A set, Thanks Bob!Lincoln AC-225--But you must not change one thing, one pebble, one grain of sand, until you know what good and evil will follow on that act. The world is in balance, in Equilibrium- Ursula K. Le Guin
Reply:I guess to clarify I don't necessarily mean self leveling, because I don't care if the table surface is level, what i mean is each foot is adjustable so that you get a somewhat equal weight on each one over uneven floors (no lifted wheels). So something that only takes a few seconds to go from rolling around to firmly planted on all 4 legs even on uneven ground.Welding/Fab Pics: www.UtahWeld.com