(Probably another) Workbench!

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Hi Guys. Just joined so by way of an introduction here's a few pics of a bench I built a few months back when I was redoing my workshop.First step was to find somewhere level to build it on. The floor was the only really suitable place so I used some of the box I had not yet chopped up laid out on the floor. I levelled all these up in both directions using TIG filler rod stubs as wedges!I then tacked up using an offcut of box to square up the corners, re-checked and started welding.I did all the fillet joins to start with reasoning that if these warped the top they would do so in the horizontal direction which wouldn't matter anyway. After that I welded up everything else in sight, taking care to move around a lot so as not to concentrate the heat in any one area.Once the top was done it was a fairly simple matter of welding on the legs and casters. Some of the welds are vertical down some are vertical right to left (if that makes sense!) but I got a bit snap happy with the camera and couldn't remember for the life of me which were which. I've uploaded a selection anyway.Continued in the next post!
Reply:A few more pics of some welds and a pretty poor one of the finished result!
Reply:That thing looks like a BEAST!!!!!What's the size on that tubing?How did you attach the top to it?
Reply:80x80x3mm. I only used it because my supplier had some ~3m lengths returned to him so he passed them on for £10 cash. The top is just tacked on underneath in a few places. The plate (10mm) had a very slight bow in it so I clamped one side, tacked that then clamped the other down so it was flat and welded that side. Unfortunately the clamps I used weren't quite man enough to bend 2m of 10mm plate so it still has a slight bow in it. One day I'll get round to grinding the welds out and putting it 100% right!Last edited by Archie; 02-28-2009 at 11:08 AM.
Reply:A belated welcome to the forum Archie.Nice job on the bench and nice welds.  That slight bow to the top will keep things from rolling off.  Probably should fix it like you said if you plan on using it for fabrication work though.Where are you located?  Had to get the convert program out for those dimensions and find out that £10 is a little over US$14.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Welcome.  Nice heavy duty table Archie.  Looks like you have a nice big shop there also, is it your home shop or part of your business?George
Reply:I like the idea of being able to stash it under the other bench.
Reply:Hey Archie, not to rain on your parade 'cause that's a really nice bench but what's up with all those unsecured pressure cylinders around your shop?Is that a flat screen TV in the upper left corner of the 3rd photo of post #2?  Standard shop equipment in your region?MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Thanks guys. The bow is only very slight (probably 1-2mm) so I can live with it for the moment. I've already made gates and other things on it but I will fix it when I find a moment!I live in the UK, hence the funny measurements! Sorry about those.The workshop is in one of the barns at home (I live on a farm).No flatscreen I'm afraid!  I think you must be looking at the blind to stop people eyeing up my tools!As for the unsecured bottles, I guess it must be some sort of standard practice to have them chained upright over there? Here I don't think many people bother. I guess if I were running a full time business Health and Safety regulations might  have something to say about it.
Reply:Originally Posted by ArchieI live in the UK, hence the funny measurements! Sorry about those.
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55Not funny at all.  I just have to stop to think about them a little is all.  I work with metrics once in awhile at work but only enough to quickly convert a few regular figures in my head.  When I run across a lot of measurements or some 'unusual' ones that's when I break out the convert program I have on my 'Desktop'.OK - I see the blinds slats now.  A flat screen might not be a bad idea though to catch a football (Soccer for us 'Yanks') game or two while hidin' out in the shop.Not only standard but required in a business shop.  Just not sure those brick walls would contain a full one should it fall over and break the valve off on something laying on the floor.
Reply:Hey........NESTING WORKBENCHES  More damn perfect MIG welds  $%$#*&!@!Ooooooooo!!!!!!!!!  I see a knee mill lurking in the backgroundCool bench.  You're barn looks nicer than my house"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by ArchieTV's probably a no-go but I do take the old laptop round and jack the neighbours wireless! You're probably right. Once I finally get the workshop in a fit state and decide where everything's final resting place is I might fix 'em there. At the moment I keep having to move them around.
Reply:I designed it so it would fit under the bench but forgot to realise that the brick pillars that support the building would prevent it from pushing all the way back.  Fortunately it fit perfectly down at the end of the other bench.Aye there is a mill in the background. Well spotted! It's an old Bridgeport (what else?!). I'm also sporting a welder of the 'red' variety.  Though this is one of the European ones so made in France I'm afraid. And my new TIG one which I have as my profile pic.Location added.
Reply:Originally Posted by Sparky#1That bench is excellent but please add your location to your profile.
Reply:Originally Posted by Craig in DenverUpper left of page is User CP, you can add your location there if you'd like.Nice workbench, I'd add a shelf on the bottom.
Reply:Originally Posted by Craig in DenverUpper left of page is User CP, you can add your location there if you'd like.Nice workbench, I'd add a shelf on the bottom.
Reply:That makes sense, thanks for the answer. 9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Originally Posted by Craig in DenverThat makes sense, thanks for the answer.
Reply:ARCHIE very nice! and very nice small FORTUNE you got there using that structural square and rec tube. anyways very nice.
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55Hey Archie, not to rain on your parade 'cause that's a really nice bench but what's up with all those unsecured pressure cylinders around your shop?Is that a flat screen TV in the upper left corner of the 3rd photo of post #2?  Standard shop equipment in your region?
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55Hey Archie, not to rain on your parade 'cause that's a really nice bench but what's up with all those unsecured pressure cylinders around your shop?Is that a flat screen TV in the upper left corner of the 3rd photo of post #2?  Standard shop equipment in your region?
Reply:I think it cost about £200 all in which back then was about $400 but is now only about $300.I guess OSHA is your version of our HSE. Probably both as much of a PITA!
Reply:seems with the one central crosspiece for the bottom you could build a full length halfshelf and still have all the footroom you  want for footpedal...
Reply:Now thats one heavy duty workbench!I need to start making my stuff heavier like that one, mine I just built will probably last the summer, that one of yours would probably last you a lifetime!Nice job!#1. If you don't like what I wrote, or if it offends you, then don't read it!#2. I am living life the way I see fit, if you don't like the way I'M living, tough sh**!