Welding / work table project?

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I live in a small house with a single car garage.  Right now I'm using a 2 foot by 4 foot peace of 3/16 inch steel thrown on top of a couple saw horses as my welding table.  Size and portability is important.  I may have to move in the near future.  I want this table to ne super simple but functional.  The saw horses are getting in the way.  What I think i want to do is get a 4'X4' peace of 1/4 inch steel cut it in half for two 2' x 4' tables.  I would build a monster table with 1/2 inch plus table top but its not practical.  I need to be able to move it.  I need ideas on how to fasten the legs so they can easily be removed.  I'm mounting the legs directly to the table top.  The best suggestion I've gotten from my friends was to weld threaded pipe couplings to the table then get pipe with threaded ends cut to size for legs.  That way you can just screw the legs in and out.  I was thinking about doing 5 legs 4 on the outside and one dead center for extra support.  I would be thankfully for any suggestions or ideas.
Reply:I am a weekend welding warrior with little storage space. I purchased a Miller Arcstation FX30 series portable welding table and I couldn't be happier. If you purchase one, buy at least 1 of Miller's clamps. The clamps are fantastic.The table got my projects off the garage floor. I figured that the depreciation  on the Miller table will be less than the depreciation of a home built table. The table is sturdy enough to hold a Beverly shear too.Last edited by 84JSD; 09-14-2012 at 08:01 PM.
Reply:Make the legs fold like a tv trayEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Instead of pipe couplings, weld 2 1/2'' schedule 40 pipe stubs to the table . On each stub weld a nut or two for using bolts to tighten to the legs. Use 2'' schedule 40  pipe for the legs that will fit inside the 2 1/2'' stubs. This maybe easier than threading.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Instead of pipe couplings, weld 2 1/2'' schedule 40 pipe stubs to the table . On each stub weld a nut or two for using bolts to tighten to the legs. Use 2'' schedule 40  pipe for the legs that will fit inside the 2 1/2'' stubs. This maybe easier than threading.
Reply:Originally Posted by shortfuseBD1, I think that idea is quick and simple.  Threading big legs would soon become a PIA and the pipe inserts would be clean and quick.An alternative to using bolts to tighten would be to drill holes through the 2 1/2" and 2" with the 2" inserted and the table standing.  One could use something like a 3/8" or 1/2" clevis pin on each leg assy instead of bolts (similar to a trailer receiver hitch).  Tack a small chain on each pin and the leg so you don't lose it.  After quite a few tightenings and loosenings, the threads on a bolt setup might get worn or stripped.  Just another idea to stir the pot.
Reply:I can't even begin to tell you how handy this welding/project/work table has been since I put casters in it. Before it had casters it wasn't used for over 2 decades because it was hard to move and just collected junk since it was parked against a wall. Do this with a 1/2" thick top and never look back.Last edited by MikeGyver; 09-15-2012 at 12:41 AM.Welding/Fab Pics: www.UtahWeld.com
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1One reason for the nuts and bolts is that it may help for leveling too. That is if it is a factor. It work work on dirt too with some flat stock for base plate.
Reply:Originally Posted by shortfuseGood point!...few folks are lucky enough to have a level floor!!!
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Yes sir, we do a lot of field work and not to much on  level ground. It's good to get in the habit of using squares. They come in different lengths and are worth having. I get attracted to them at flea markets. I got all different sizes. Best part is that most were only a buck. The numbers are almost gone but doesn't matter.
Reply:Originally Posted by shortfuseThe price is right!  Kinda like clamps...you can never have too many.Get some of the number stamp dies and hammer some new numbers on!!