First project, welding table.

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This is basically the first thing I ever welded.  I did take a materials class about 8 years ago back in Engineering school, where I did a little welding... But.. that was very basic so I could understand the processes.So..  The table is built out of 2" x 1/8" sq tubing for the legs, 1-3/4" tubing the upper frame and 1-3/4" angle for the bottom supports.  The top plate is 1/4" plate x 24" x 60".  Yes the top is pretty thin, but I was more worried about having a safe metal table top to weld on over having something for precision welds.  I still need the expanded metal for the bottom shelf.  I have a friend who will get me that for free.  The wheels are HF 275lb wheels.  I will clean  up the welds later today then apply primer and some black paint for the frame.Once everything is cleaned up, I'll post up some closer shots of the welds, so I can get my lashing.. lol.. Actually.. I would say half the welds are pretty decent, with the other half being part of a very harsh learning curve
Reply:One of the most useful first projects!
Reply:You appear to be already aware of the shortcomings of thin 1/4" plate surfaces (sag/warping) but for light use it will serve you well to start learning.  Waiting to see the weld close-ups....Lincoln AC225 & MigPak 140, Lincoln Magnum SpoolGun, Miller Spectrum 375-X Plasma, Syncrowave 200 TIG, Millermatic 252 MIG, Miller Digital Elite, General 7x12" horiz/vert bandsaw, 3' box/pan brake, 20 ton press, milling machine, 12x28 lathe, etc.
Reply:Very Cool!Tom Hintz, publisherwww.newmetalworker.comLincoln Pro Mig 180Lincoln AC 255Determination
Reply:So..  took a few pictures of the terrible welds..  Luckily for me and society as whole, none of my welds will be used in anything critical in nature, which includes automotive bracing or planned NASA voyages.. But, for my welding bench, they will hold long enough to learn on.Once I get the expanded metal on, I'll add a few hooks, bars to hang clamps and other items off of it.  So far I'm happy with my 15ft bench  (distant it looks good from).
Reply:looking good for a first project
Reply:Not Bad! How much $ you have in it?American by birth Southern by the Grace of God
Reply:good project i have to dissagree with every one who wants a thick table my father had a 1/8" x 4' x 20' table and we never have had it warp he put adjustment bolts on the bottom of the legs and got it all true and level and its never saged or warped i know iknow to each there own. i guess i see why they all want a super thick top cause they weld and tack on the to the top do things dont move  but if you tack and weld  your project the right way you wont have any prob with the project moving no need to clamp or weld to the table ill get a pic of it posted asapLincoln Pro Core 125Lincolin sp 100Miller Big 40Lincoln Idealarc SP250miller matic 212http://www.facebook.com/hdwelding?sk=wallwww.hdweldingbeds.com
Reply:Originally Posted by Killer95StangSo..  took a few pictures of the terrible welds..  Luckily for me and society as whole, none of my welds will be used in anything critical in nature, which includes automotive bracing or planned NASA voyages.. But, for my welding bench, they will hold long enough to learn on.Once I get the expanded metal on, I'll add a few hooks, bars to hang clamps and other items off of it.  So far I'm happy with my 15ft bench  (distant it looks good from).
Reply:Originally Posted by 74fencerNot Bad! How much $ you have in it?
Reply:Good job!  You need good flat surface for your work and you've done that. Keep weld'n man!-MikeThurston WeldingHuntington, IN
Reply:Originally Posted by Killer95StangAll the steel was new, so I'm in it about $100 for the top plate and another $100 for the structural steel.  Also $20.00 for the wheels at HF.  When you add up the cost of the Hobart 187, AD welding helmet, jacket, gloves, tools, tank of gas...  I would say this table cost me $1300.00.. lol..  I probably could have bought a nice table for that..
Reply:Really nice job; the welds look pretty good too.Lincoln Pro Mig 180Everlast PowerARC 200
Reply:Originally Posted by bitmap317There's lots of things that are cheaper to buy than to build, but at the end of the day you can say "I MADE that"Besides, I wouldn't count the cost of the welder, jacket, etc in the cost of the table...those are tools to be used in all your future projects.
Reply:Nice table.We are on our way to being farmers! Our site is always under construction so check back often for updates.  http://www.philosophyfarmstyle.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by heimbuckweldinggood project i have to dissagree with every one who wants a thick table my father had a 1/8" x 4' x 20' table and we never have had it warp he put adjustment bolts on the bottom of the legs and got it all true and level and its never saged or warped i know iknow to each there own. i guess i see why they all want a super thick top cause they weld and tack on the to the top do things dont move  but if you tack and weld  your project the right way you wont have any prob with the project moving no need to clamp or weld to the table ill get a pic of it posted asap
Reply:Originally Posted by AquafireDid your father not use punctuation either?     You won't find many welding shops with a 1/8" welding surface and there's lots of reasons.  And tacking to them isn't the only reason- in fact, many shops won't allow their employees to tack to the surface.
Reply:Originally Posted by AquafireDid your father not use punctuation either?     You won't find many welding shops with a 1/8" welding surface and there's lots of reasons.  And tacking to them isn't the only reason- in fact, many shops won't allow their employees to tack to the surface.