My own welding table. **Design Stage**

admin

I found some "slats" lying around the shop. They are 1" thick pieces of steel. I have four of them. They measure 9 1/2" x 36". They are square and flat which is a huge plus. They look like this: I need some thoughts/opinions on how I should build the welding table based on the steel slats that I have. *I will have ~4" of overhang around the edges for clamping and what not.*Legs will be 4x4 square tubing 1/8" wall*Will have a shelf on the bottom for misc stuff*Both sides of the table will have a boat jack w/ casters so I can move the table around when I need to and lower it to be stationary when I have it where I want it. *I will incorporate a removable vise that will slide in/out when I need to use itQuestions:1. How much gap should I have in between each slat?
Reply:I would just butt them up and weld them from the bottom, maybe make a small groove on both sides and weld them from both sides
Reply:Originally Posted by bullfrogg0I would just butt them up and weld them from the bottom, maybe make a small groove on both sides and weld them from both sides
Reply:I would leave 1/2" or 5/8"(depending which size you get) plus a little clearance if you are planning on using milling machine style hold downs like these.  http://www.ebay.com/itm/58-PC-PRO-SE...item1e7d903dc5
Reply:I can just envision every one warping a different way and you cursing that you were to cheap to buy the right material!   I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeI can just envision every one warping a different way and you cursing that you were to cheap to buy the right material!
Reply:Originally Posted by OxfordI would leave 1/2" or 5/8"(depending which size you get) plus a little clearance if you are planning on using milling machine style hold downs like these.  http://www.ebay.com/itm/58-PC-PRO-SE...item1e7d903dc5
Reply:Originally Posted by tackitthe slots are 1 3/4 on strong hand table http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...FSJqMgod7kEAGA
Reply:.Every time I see a pic of one of those tables I start lookingaround for stuff to sell. Originally Posted by tackitthe slots are 1 3/4 on strong hand table http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...FSJqMgod7kEAGA
Reply:I imagine the slots will be used to clamp the work piece to the table in different places, while the holes are for anything you need bolted down.
Reply:@ jaywood - affix the 4ea slats (9-1/2" x 36") to a top support frame (2" x 2" x 3/16" HSS) using a magnetic drill & countersunk bolts. The rest of the table design is up to you.  Lots of options. Ensure your widths can accommodate the intended tooling interface. Borrow/rent a MagDrill and get 'er done."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:I like the slat idea! Just put a cross support under them that ties them all together and it should be fine.