Possible Dumb Question

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Here we go.......I have a large (32"x 8') workbench on the back of my garage, its a tank, made from 2x4s with a 1/2" top.....all wood. It has my grinder, belt sander, and a vise mounted on it. Here is the question part.......can I just cover it with a 3/16" or 1/4" top and use it to weld on? No heavy welding, I'm a hobby welder, probably nothing larger than 1/4" will be welded on it. I was thinking a 1"x 1" square tube under frame, for an air space between the wood top and the steel top, with 4" sides on the back and sides to stop the sparks. I am looking at covering half the bench, maybe less.opinions...........HF 180 amp/240 volt Mig (cap mod)1987 Harley FLHTP (project)1990 F350 XLT Lariat S/C dually1990 S&S 11SC Cabover Camper2011 Ford Ranger S/C XLT
Reply:As long as you don't run a bead on the cover, I don't see a problem.  I've used plywood on sawhorses for a makeshift bench before...My name's not Jim....
Reply:The main problem related to welding arround wooden stuff is that a spark may find its way into a bunch of sawdust and start smoldering... and later on burst in flames. You don't notice right away, but it is there burning silently... then all hell breaks loose.Mikel
Reply:Here is the question part.......can I just cover it with a 3/16" or 1/4" top and use it to weld on?
Reply:Thanks for the replies. I'm not to concerned with stray sparks, this is not a woodworking bench, so there isn't any sawdust to deal with. I'm thinking that it will be a temporary fix for a welding table. Being retired and on a fixed income alot more planning is needed for projects and the table top is kinda spendy!HF 180 amp/240 volt Mig (cap mod)1987 Harley FLHTP (project)1990 F350 XLT Lariat S/C dually1990 S&S 11SC Cabover Camper2011 Ford Ranger S/C XLT
Reply:they sell a fire proof paint for wood, that would eliminate any issues with sparks flying and possible catching the frame on fire, just dont weld on the cover plate directly on the wood ...cherry red metal will ignite the wooden top...Of all the things I lost I miss my mind the most...I know just enough about everything to be dangerous......You cant cure stupid..only kill it...
Reply:I agree that a metal cover is desirable as the work top. But, if you are going to do some heavy welding you really ought to have another, removable piece of metal to lay down on top of your cover sheet.  That will somewhat "save" your cover sheet and keep the welding from heating the wood under the cover sheet to kindling temperature.
Reply:Found a 36"x 4' 1/4 plate at Patton steel, cut to my specs for $80.00......will be picking it up this afternoon. Will use the leftovers from the cuts for the backsplash and side.HF 180 amp/240 volt Mig (cap mod)1987 Harley FLHTP (project)1990 F350 XLT Lariat S/C dually1990 S&S 11SC Cabover Camper2011 Ford Ranger S/C XLT
Reply:Sounds like you are pretty well set!  I have been using a 1/4" table top for the past 30 years at home and it works fine for what it is.  Keep your eyes open on trash days for bed frames along the curb and grab a couple  for the angle iron for a table frame.  Kind of light by most standards here but for most home jobs it will be more than sufficient.I might suggest getting a cheap fiber glass welding blanket at Harbor Freight and adding a few hooks to the ceiling just to contain any errant sparks.  Safety first, second and third you know.  Hate to find out your insurance doesn't cover welding after the fire department leaves.I understand the limited income thing, all too well.RogerOld, Tired, and GRUMPYSalesman will call, Batteries not included, Assembly is required, and FREE ADVICE IS WORTH EXACTLY WHAT YOU PAY FOR IT!Dial Arc 250HFThunderbolt 225 AC/DCAssorted A/O torches
Reply:Thanks Roger, there isn't much metal that I've ever seen that's put out with the trash. Remember I'm in Kalifornia........we recycle.Never made it to pickup that plate today, will go in the morning.HF 180 amp/240 volt Mig (cap mod)1987 Harley FLHTP (project)1990 F350 XLT Lariat S/C dually1990 S&S 11SC Cabover Camper2011 Ford Ranger S/C XLT
Reply:Went and picked up 1/4" plate today 3'x 4' sheered to my dimensions for $81.00, not bad. spent the afternoon setting up the "welding" portion of my bench.HF 180 amp/240 volt Mig (cap mod)1987 Harley FLHTP (project)1990 F350 XLT Lariat S/C dually1990 S&S 11SC Cabover Camper2011 Ford Ranger S/C XLT
Reply:Looks great man!I just have a little $20 HF 18X18 table I use, only shelf space in my small little townhome, and it has a 4'' vise mounted to it. I have welded on the wood directly, and I have never had any issues, I have got it smokin' hot though and created a crater though I think that the plywood is of some sort of fireproof resin in it.JW
Reply:I'm looking for a bigger vise for it, I want one that rotates also. Saw one at Lowes yesterday for $80.00. Next month I think I'll buy some square stock and start on my table foundation. I want a portable one on locking casters, but this will work for now.So many projects, so little money.......LOLHF 180 amp/240 volt Mig (cap mod)1987 Harley FLHTP (project)1990 F350 XLT Lariat S/C dually1990 S&S 11SC Cabover Camper2011 Ford Ranger S/C XLT
Reply:I would be putting some pieces of channel or cement board under the steel so the wood under it can't check fire from the heat from welding you may think everything is ok then hours later bench is on firewww.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:I don't weld anything to the top, I just weld on the top.Used it today and it worked great. I have about 1/2" hanging over on one end.......clamp the ground to it and go to town.HF 180 amp/240 volt Mig (cap mod)1987 Harley FLHTP (project)1990 F350 XLT Lariat S/C dually1990 S&S 11SC Cabover Camper2011 Ford Ranger S/C XLT
Reply:Looks good! I don't think there is a need for anything under the 1/4" sheet metal. Even if you wanted the wood to burn under the plate on purpose you'd have a really hard time making it happen. Heat it with an O/A torch and even that would take a long time for it turn into flames.
Reply:Now I don't have to look at all the little burn marks from welding with the vise....HF 180 amp/240 volt Mig (cap mod)1987 Harley FLHTP (project)1990 F350 XLT Lariat S/C dually1990 S&S 11SC Cabover Camper2011 Ford Ranger S/C XLT
Reply:Mount your vice on a small truck rim and it will be portable. Make the support stand so it can hold your work level with your welding tableComes in handy when working on something bigger/longer than the table.Doing the best I can with what I got
Reply:man,Do you know how long I have been welding on the ground? If I am going to be doing it for a while, I have used saw horses. I just now got a decent welding table and I don't even have it at home yet. My garage is jam packed with projects and tools. So, don't feel bad.Looks like you will be working outside, maybe on the side of the house, maybe under a patio cover? ? If you are MIG welding, I think I might grab some welding blankets or welding curtains and hang them around your work bench area. I am trying to do something on the side of my house as well. My problem is the giant 32ft toyhauler parked in my way!Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Originally Posted by Joker11man,Do you know how long I have been welding on the ground? If I am going to be doing it for a while, I have used saw horses. I just now got a decent welding table and I don't even have it at home yet. My garage is jam packed with projects and tools. So, don't feel bad.Looks like you will be working outside, maybe on the side of the house, maybe under a patio cover? ? If you are MIG welding, I think I might grab some welding blankets or welding curtains and hang them around your work bench area. I am trying to do something on the side of my house as well. My problem is the giant 32ft toyhauler parked in my way!