Welding/fab table suggestions

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Ok so I'm looking to lay out a list of meterials I need for my welding/fab table.  I plan on it being 4x6  With a 3/4 top.  The heaviest thing that would be on it would be a skid steer bucket or small excavator bucket. 500ish lbs.  I was going to try and do the entire frame with 2.5x2.5 1/4" wall square tubing.   Is this enough or,possibly overkill.  I was going to build a fully boxed frame and bolt the top to it.  Some light fab work will be done on the table as well, but nothing that requires it to be precision ground.   Also, I figure wi that size tubing I can make a few receiver mounts for various things, a small craftsman box will be sitting underneath.   I've seen a lot of ideas on here, my main concern is that the leg size will be sufficient.
Reply:It really can't be said if that's enough without knowing a few things such as design of the table, height, where it sits, what supports the table (floor? Casters?), how well you can weld, etc.Will you support the top with anything or just weld the legs to the top?How do you plan on attaching the legs? Will you use gussets? Really kind of hard to answer with just the above.Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:If the table is engineered and welded properly it will have no trouble holding the weight you mentioned.If you are going to use 2.5" x 1/4" square tubing for a receiver be sure to grind out the seam inside or you probably won't be able to insert a 2" piece of square tubing in it.  This can easily be done with a die grinder and burr bit (probably going to need a 6" one).  It will limit how deep the attachment(s) can insert.Just my 2 cents...GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:The table will be approx 38" high and will be sitting on casters.   I plan on building a full box frame and then welding tabs to the frame which will have short bolts going through them to threaded holes in the table. (1/2" deep"). My welding skills are far from some of the incredible stuff I see on here but I have been welding construction equipment for about 13 years without any failures.   I will throw a few gussets or possibly pieces of the tubing cut on 45 degree angles to stiffen everything up if need be.   I wish I could come up with a drawing on the computer, would make it a lot easier to explain I'm sure.  The sketchup program won't work on my mac.
Reply:Back o the napkin is plenty good. ff course the table can handle the vertical force, its the horizontal sheer that happens to create a catastrophic failure. Cross members can help, but really I think my point was we may assume a lot about a design that just given the bare minimum of information it makes it hard to know what might be missing. If you have been welding 13 years and havent killed yourself yet, Id say you'll do ok. Im surprised I still have all my fingers!! Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:I would say 2.5x1/4 wall should be fine, even more so as you said you would be adding gussets.... My old table was 6x10 foot 3/4 top with 3x1/4 wall sq. Had 2.5 tons on it at once... Don't skimp on your weld joint prep or your casters. Bolt on tops are nice as you can flip them over if you need a "new" surface to it.. Are you thinking of plumbing airlines and a 120v outlets on the four sides? They come in handy. Throw a few pictures up as you go!TOOLS AND TOYSSMAW Mid States Inc. "MISSING LINK" 10-150 AMP Buzzer circa 1945ishSMAW Magic Wand 40-60 AMP Suitcase Buzzer circa 1939ishGMAW Hobart 210 IronmanOxy-Propane TorchMany other old and cold goodies"Rusty but Trusty"
Reply:Most likely will add some air and electrical outlets.  Probably one on each side.   One thing I'm really tossing around is how to add a plasma cutting area.   2'x2' ish.  Mounted on one of the short ends as to not create a tipping hazard if anything heavy is put on it.   Ideally I'd like t have it fold up and down.  I have it all worked out perfectly in my head. But you know what they say about the best laid plans lol.
Reply:Why 6' long? Plate usually comes 8', are you planning on cutting 2' off one end just to have a 6' table?
Reply:Don't have room for an 8' table in the garage.  This will be replacing a 4x6 wooden workbench.   I have two personell doors in my garage and there's only about 7' of room on any wall
Reply:maybe an under the table drawer style plasma table? could connect to a vent fan when you need the doors closed.
Reply:Both very good ideas.  I'm re doing all of the siding on my house so now would probably be a good time to throw in an exhaust fan.  Gonna toss around the idea of a pull out for plasma cutting.   I have a feeling that drawer slides rated for a lot of weight are going to be a lot of money.  On a side note, does anyone have any suggestions for a program to draw this up in ?  I have some limited cad experience but free cad didn't seem to user friendly with the 3d stuff
Reply:why use slides? just use tubing and angle iron for a sliding shelf for the plasma table, ad a stop that prevents you from pushing the table in to far, or out to far and you're good to go. or just use two receiver tubes and two extensions on the plasma table for a removable plasma table.as for the supports, you should be fine so long as it's welded up nice and solid.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:I like the idea of the pullout the more I think about it.  And yeah you're right no need for slides.  Just overthinking it a little too much as usual.  Thx for all the great ideas guys.