What thickness tubes for table?

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I am about to go buy the steel tubes for the following table:I already have the top, 43" X 55" X 9/16".  My problem is what thickness that the tubes need to be.  I don't want it too light, but I still want it sturdy.  I don't deal with this tubing all that much, so I have no 'feel' for what it needs to be.Use is a general all around welding and assembly/work table.  There is a 2" receiver tube running full length between the sides at one end to hold my vise, etc.The top horizontals and the legs are 2-1/2" square and the bottom rails are 2" square.  Would I be alright using 1/8 wall, or should I go for 3/16?The black part in the middle is some old sheet metal Sears workbenches with drawers that I will slide in there.  Casters are 5" dia. steel/poly with locks.Table top is about 39" from the floor.ThanksVictor Oxy weld/cut Setup Meco Midget Torch outfitEverlast 2016 250EX & Power Cool W300Lincoln Power mig 210MP  w/amptrol and Spool GunEverlast Powerarc 200 Hypertherm Powermax 45Bandsaw, Lathe, grinders, press, Bridgeport, etc.
Reply:1/8" should be just fine for your table. We made a couple of tables at work that are about 12' long by 6' wide and have a pull out section on casters that is another 8' long and it is 1/8" all the way through. We use them for large door frames and steel doors with no problems.
Reply:What is the reason for the different tubing configuration (red Xs) used on the top lateral members (yellow lines) in my edited copy of your drawing?My personal opinion is that unless you plan to purpose those top lateral tube members for some specific reason, you could just as well replace them with steel "angle iron" instead of box tube.I think 1/8" thickness at 2-1/2" square tube will be sufficient for the legs and also sufficient at 2" square for the bottom laterals.And those bottom laterals could also be replaced with steel angle.  I doubt you will be over stressing anything within the dimensions of the project by subbing angle for tube with the same thickness except for the legs. Attached Images
Reply:The different configuration is die tp the receiver tube at one end.   I don't have any need for one at both ends.  It goes all the way from one side to the other.Interesting you mention channel.   I had not thought about using that.  If it is cheaper, I will.  Thanks.Victor Oxy weld/cut Setup Meco Midget Torch outfitEverlast 2016 250EX & Power Cool W300Lincoln Power mig 210MP  w/amptrol and Spool GunEverlast Powerarc 200 Hypertherm Powermax 45Bandsaw, Lathe, grinders, press, Bridgeport, etc.
Reply:Receiver!  OK, good, I had not thought of that being a reason and I obviously missed that you had explained it in your opening post.  If it had been a drawing I did, it would have been due to my clumsy CAD doodling.Last edited by walkerweld; 01-02-2014 at 01:09 PM.
Reply:16 gauge would work if you had to use it.  1/8 will be plenty strong.  I've got a mobile table with a 16 gauge tube frame on 3" casters, 3/8 top.  To make my work space larger, it butts up against my main table that doesn't like to move.  The frame on that is 1/8 square tube, with a 5/16 top.-AaronJet 17.5" Drill Press1942 South Bend 16x84 Lathe1980s Miller 320A / BP --- 2013 Power Mig 2562012 Jet 7x12 Horizontal BandsawVictor O/A Setup
Reply:go with 1/8"Millermatic 211Dewalt 14" ChopsawDewalt 4 1/2" GrinderCraftsman
Reply:1/8" it is!  Thanks folks!Trip to the steel yard tomorrow.Victor Oxy weld/cut Setup Meco Midget Torch outfitEverlast 2016 250EX & Power Cool W300Lincoln Power mig 210MP  w/amptrol and Spool GunEverlast Powerarc 200 Hypertherm Powermax 45Bandsaw, Lathe, grinders, press, Bridgeport, etc.