I don't have a welding table...

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It's on my list as the first project to build once I start welding, but I'll have to do a lot of practice to get back in the swing of things before I tackle that.  So what do I get to weld on?  Just a cheap workmate type bench and stick some metal on top?
Reply:I started out on the concrete floor, worked my way up to homemade steel sawhorses, then a 1/8 thick workbench with 1" pipe for legs that I picked up at a liquidation sale.  Then I bought my first real steel welding table, found it in the local classifieds for $40, it was 1/2" thick and 4'x4' with 4" angle for legs, I'm still using it (20 yrs)  I have another table in my yard, waiting to get setup in the shop 1"x3'x7'.with 4" pipe for legs.Depends on where you are, around here I have been lucky enough to find used tables that suit my needs and if they don't work out can be cut up for plate to use for projects.  I don't think I could bring myself to buy new plate just to make a table to weld on unless that was the only way.Go to the local scrapyard, find a piece of rusty old plate you like, cut to the size you want and weld 4 legs on it.  Shouldn't cost that much, plate doesn't have to be very thick, put some 1" flatbar underneath for stiffeners if it is really thin.  Especially for your first table, more important that it is fairly flat.  Add a shelf underneath and some flat bar to hang grinders, clamps and such on.  Grind the rust off the top and oil it up, doesn't need to shine like a mirror either and you are on your way.  Something better will come along if you keep your eyes open or your first table may just be all you need.  Some guys make really neat movable plates on the top of their tables for fancy clamping setups but to me the most important thing is a flat surface, ground enough to make good electrical contact so you can ground to the leg of the bench rather than the parts on it.  Anything I need to clamp in the middle of the table I just tack it there and grind the tack off later.As for putting wheels or casters on your bench, I prefer them to sit directly on the floor, heavier the better.  I have an old pallet jack to move them around if necessary.So just find or build a welding table, sure beats working on the floor "The reason we are here is that we are not all there"SA 200Idealarc TM 300 300MM 200MM 25130a SpoolgunPrecision Tig 375Invertec V350 ProSC-32 CS 12 Wire FeederOxweld/Purox O/AArcAirHypertherm Powermax 85LN25
Reply:I built a very nice (in my opinion) welding table using a workmate and my garage floor. Depends on how bad you want to weld and how creative you are.
Reply:I have been welding on a Workmate knock off and now have 6011 spatter on the clamp screws. the table still clamps a little bit, but have to add a 2X4 shim in to get a grip on a 1" object.  I guess I will have to bite the bullet and pop for a welding table.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor