Round Table???, Advantages/disadvantages

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I found a nice piece of 1/2" round steel (36" diameter) in one of my Boilers, looks like they cut that piece with a laser because the edges are very smooth. I was told that thing it's been seating there for about 10 years when they re-built the boilers. I know it depends of the size of the shop, etc. but will like to hear from you.Maybe something like this:ThanksLast edited by GilNewWelder; 04-25-2012 at 09:53 PM.
Reply:Gil, personally I wouldn't care for a round table.  I often square my work to the edge of my table and have to use multiple clamps along the table edge, for example.  I also pull off the edge of my table to find square and to mock up designs for jigs.  Finally, my table stays against one wall of my shop most of the time, and a rectangular top keeps things from rolling off the back.I am sure there are good uses for a round table - I just don't have any.
Reply:My former employer had a round table. It was made from a large sprocket about 4' in diameter. There was a vise mounted on a bracket off the base that was about level or a little above the table top. It also had a small well about 12-15" dia in the center for small things to be thrown into.  It worked fine for small projects and it did allow more than one person to work at the table fairly well. No real advantages. We also had a large 8' x 8' table with at top about 1 1/2" thick that we used for the larger projects so the smaller table not being square didn't really hurt us.   Here's a lousy pic that has it in it.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:If it's free, it can't be a bad table. I agree with tbone, having a square edge is nice, but can be worked around easily. I like rectangles myself. Stand at the long side. Tools can sit either side of you and don't get pushed out of reach. You can use it and if it gets on your nerves, sell it to help buy a square chunk.200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:I'd rock it, that's for sure. I don't square with the table cause the table might not be square :PMiller Performance AD Helmet - Camo Edition Soon to have: Jackson HSL 100 - Forest Digi CamoMiller Thunderbolt AC/DC((Currently at welding school))
Reply:For some jobs a round table on a 'Lazy Susan' would be great.Have the best of both worlds, just mount 'ball transfers' to the underside of the round one and use it on the square when required. http://www.reidsupply.com/products/m...all-transfers/Mike
Reply:The advantage is its just way cool and someday your gonna need it for something. The dis advantage is do you have any round corners in your shop? I belive square/rectangular is more practical for surface area and floor space if your concerned about floor space cost but not in Texas.Last edited by Insaneride; 04-26-2012 at 01:11 AM.Reason: spelling texas
Reply:Originally Posted by LightsI'd rock it, that's for sure. I don't square with the table cause the table might not be square :P
Reply:How about just making a square angle iron frame for it ?  You could always partially fill in the voids . you would even have a space receiver tube.
Reply:Well you can't hit your head, leg, or other body part on the corner of the table.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:I have a round table made from a sprocket that used to Carrie a big chain to haul boats through a paint booth. It is 4ft. by one inch. I have two large vices mounted on it and one side that I cut off square.  Its heavy enough to beat on with a sledge hammer if I want to I love it. Iv'e been working on it for 38 years and it still nice and straight and solid. The teeth on it are 8 inches apart and 2 inches long. Mac.
Reply:Originally Posted by tbone550Heaven forbid that you take your square and check it!
Reply:Originally Posted by ManjimikeFor some jobs a round table on a 'Lazy Susan' would be great.Have the best of both worlds, just mount 'ball transfers' to the underside of the round one and use it on the square when required. http://www.reidsupply.com/products/m...all-transfers/Mike
Reply:If you do the round route..Go with the tripod set up...That other one looks dangerous if something heavy was to be put near the edge of it......zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Originally Posted by GilNewWelderNot a bad idea at all.....................................  But I found another table (square) in one of the basements next to a boiler room.
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterIf you do the round route..Go with the tripod set up...That other one looks dangerous if something heavy was to be put near the edge of it......zap!
Reply:long as it's flat how can you go wrong with another table in the shop, I would just fill it up with stuff anyway. LOL. Free table, like the man said, can't be bad."Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum"Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC/DCMillermatic 251   Syncrowave 300   30A spoolgunLincoln MP210Hypertherm 45(2) LN 25(2) Lincoln Weldanpower 225 CV(4) SA200   1 short hood    SA250    SAM 400
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterIf you do the round route..Go with the tripod set up...That other one looks dangerous if something heavy was to be put near the edge of it......zap!
Reply:Originally Posted by tnjindEven the tripod will tip, mine did when I had the vice on it but not over a leg. I use mostly just for small fixtures now.
Reply:If you've got a free 1/2" plate, USE IT!! Or, better yet, stop by your local salvage steel shop, maybe they'll trade you it for something square.But that being said, the second picture there looks DANGEROUS!! Unless it was anchored down extremely well.[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Just depends on the shape of your projects. How many round things do you build?
Reply:How many things do you build that are close to that size? Say +/- 12". With a round table you could work all the way around the project. I like the idea no place on the table would be out of reach. At just 36" it wouldn't fit bad in a corner when not in use.'"Liberalism is a mental disorder" Dr. Savage
Reply:Thanks for your comments guys but I think I'm gonna abandon the idea of a round table.  The place I'm setting up is just about 20ft x 30ft and a round table would be in the middle.  I have another 1/2" 24" x 48" and the one just found in one basement 29 1/2" x 50" (will be the work table), also found another little "work station" that was built with wood over the steel frame but I'll take all the wood and build it with metal.My table 24"x48"The one just made (found in basement 29 1/2"x50")Work Station (found in another basement 29 1/2'x25")Maybe will build something like this:Thanks................................