My Heavy Duty Welding Table

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I've been welding for a week with my newly acquired AC225 stick welder.  I'm loving it.   My first project was my welding cart which I have yet to take pics of.  My second project was my welding table.welded it using both 6011 and 6013 rod. frame is made of 2x2x1/8" square tubeCasters are some Heavy Duty aviation casters that my dad has had laying around since the 70's doing absolutly NOTHING.  I decided to put them to good use   Yes its overkill but what the **** lol...Forgot to add that I plan to put a 1/4" plate on top of that that extends 2" around the entire frame.Last edited by RubenZ; 04-12-2006 at 10:54 PM.
Reply:I like it!  It's never over-kill when you can get materials for free to use on a project.  Better over-design/over-build than to have to revisit a job for repairs after a breakdown.Now, how about posting a photo from inside the table, looking out?  Just kidding.  You have every right to be proud of your work.  Good work.  Wish I had room for one like yours.
Reply:Looks like you're getting there. Think about adding some moderate bars or small angle iron pieces across the ends or somewhere for hanging C clamps. You can keep them about half closed (run in) and just drop them over a bar and they swing down and hang themselves with the T handle up. You'll end up with a ton of those and use every one from time to time. Good work.
Reply:There ya go, and Sandys suggestion is definately how the pros do it.  cant say they stay there long lmao...but they start out there.  Ive repaired enough stuff in my time as a fabercadar that I wouldnt bother skimp out on yuour table.  Hoppefully them big wheels will run over cords...but never your mig whip! Id come up with some way to chock your wheels up too...that way table dont move till you want it too.  tehres several ideas....if you have trouble Im sure folks can help to prime the pump.good luckIF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:A 16"- 18' section of old chain (5/16' or better) whipped around the wheels makes a nice way to keep everything in order, two diagonal wheels is good, all four is better. You want the chain long enough to wrap around itself, if you weld a couple hooks (open links) a handy location you'll have them always at at hand when you need them. On another note, if anyone is building a welding table near me, southeastern MA, I have many pieces of 3/4' plate, all of it is 30" wide, in varying lengths 8', 10', and 20'. Most have bad ends, (welded clips or such), all have great long edges. It is all stored outside, it is rusty and has some yellow paint on it. I have a track torch, and can square up the ends, or cut to your requested length. $0.25 per pound, one foot long is about 75 pounds( one square foot= 30# approx) email me with your particulars, I will figure a price. Yes, I will cut in narrower. $Just my  opinion, not from a book, just from the road.Howes Welding Inc.www.howesweldinginc.com
Reply:Thanks for the comments guys.    I do plan to add a bar on both long sides to be able to grab it and move it better.   And I also plan to weld a 2" reciever in there so I can mount a grinder when I need to or other accessories I fix up to fit into a 2" reciever.  As for the wheels locking, I havent yet come up with an idea for it.  I may weld a little bracket that sticks a tad above them, with a bolt that bolts into the rubber a tad and that shoudl lock it up.
Reply:Man nice table I wish I had some concrete so I could roll a table, I am way to old to be working in the dirt.Nice job for sure
Reply:Originally Posted by sunpoweredMan nice table I wish I had some concrete so I could roll a table, I am way to old to be working in the dirt.Nice job for sure
Reply:Your wheels look real BOSS!  I like it.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:I did some additions today.  Added a handle on the long side, which I screwed up when doing the 45 degree cut.  I really need a tube bender, would have looked better and more neat.  I also had some rebar laying around that I cut to 3.5" sections and welded on the legs to hold things.   Tomorrow hopefull the top plate can go on.  I really don't know if I should go with 1/4" or 1/2" top plate.  But thats an update.   Will post pics when this baby is completed.
Reply:Nice work on that welding table .I'm also in the process of building a welding table and that is kind of I had in mind .You can never overkill on a project like that. I also tend to overkill on my projects  One get a good feeling and feel proud just like you .I had in mind using 4"x4"x 1/4' for the frame and using two 1/2' plates sandwiched together or 1" for the top .I found a set of casters thatbelonged to an old comercial refrigerator .If I ever get arround to build it I will post some pics.And by the way I like those casters . Please post some more picts when you finish it .I just have one more thing to say .Can you ask your dad if he has another set of casters like yours  lying arround
Reply:ruben.I dont think the frame needs all that much weight.. 2in sq tube is great. However, the top plate I would recoomend min 3/8in plate.  Perferabley 1/2- 1 inch.Reason, they will bow with heat.You want a table that is as true as possible.  Also, when you add the toppon.Dont go welding that sucker on with big full welds.A few small stiches here and there...keep it a minimum.Just enough to hold it on.   Remember its like a tank the turrent holds its self on with weight.   But the welds should hold it anyway, even just four 2 inch welds or something.Good luckIF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:Originally Posted by RogelioI just have one more thing to say .Can you ask your dad if he has another set of casters like yours  lying arround
Reply:I reread the post just before mine...from rogelio,if you do sandwich them together,  its your shot.  Do like I said before with stiches.  you might do a few more..but keep them aboutan inch.  This will help to keep the heat down.  You might consider using a grinder to bevel out after you get them stacked and exactly how you want them.  This will allow a deeper penetration and you could even grind down if you wanted.  I wouldnt bother personaly, unless they were really hideous.  Good luckIF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:WOW. 1/2" plate is expensive for a 4'x8' sheet .
Reply:yupwhy I say 3/8 will work...nothing thinner though is bestIF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:What I can do is put 2 more 2" tube pieces on the top for more support, to prevent warp in middle or any bowing.
Reply:That looks GREAT-StouffREAL Truks aint gots Spark PlugsNuthin like the Smell of Fresh Slag
Reply:Yea,RubenZ, I hear ya on plate cost. I built mine 3 yrs ago and was $32 for 9 sq ft of 3/8. I had to make mine small due to space limitation. I have a 20x30 garage that we park our rigs in. Any thing too big to lay out on the table has to be laid out on the floor.   That's gonna be a nice table when finished. As Tx said, I wouldn't go any thinner than 3/8. I think if you start doing some serious hammering the table won't be flat anymore.                             MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Those side rails span a fair distance. You might get a slight dip in the top when you put it on. That's what I found. I had to put another couple of legs halfway along.Take heed of the advice re: putting the top on. It's amazing how easily plate will deflect. Gravity will hold the top in place. All the welds do is stop it sliding. Mine is held on by half a dozen one inch tacks. I've got wheels on mine, too. I much prefer welding outside - less fumes and less mess to clean up.Scott
Reply:Originally Posted by mla2ofusYea,RubenZ, I hear ya on plate cost. I built mine 3 yrs ago and was $32 for 9 sq ft of 3/8. I had to make mine small due to space limitation. I have a 20x30 garage that we park our rigs in. Any thing too big to lay out on the table has to be laid out on the floor.   That's gonna be a nice table when finished. As Tx said, I wouldn't go any thinner than 3/8. I think if you start doing some serious hammering the table won't be flat anymore.                             Mike
Reply:Well you know Scott if I had a shed to work in I think Id prefer to weld outside too....I much prefer a shop or a garage to a shed IF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:Well the table is almost complete.  3/8's plate went on today.  I'm going to do some slight mods on the table being as I decided to just put the whole SHEET on top of it .  My table is now 4'x8' LOL...  What I learned today, sliding a 4x8x 3/8 out of the truck is no easy task.  Overhead welding is a B*()*))*tch!!!!  3/8 plate on a 1/8 square tube was very very difficult for me.  I am not satisfied with my welds at all.  Good thing I only had to tack a few sections.I have too much overhang, since decided to keep whole sheet on there. so I'm thinking of putting another middle support on the long sides and some horizontal supports under the plate to keep it from sagging over the edges.  What do you guys think?Last edited by RubenZ; 04-17-2006 at 10:20 PM.
Reply:Well you know Scott if I had a shed to work in I think Id prefer to weld outside too....I much prefer a shop or a garage to a shed
Reply:its hard to tell from pic, but one corner is kind of bent down, it was like that when I bought the plate.   Cost me 250 for plate.  It was teh most level one there.Ruben That is a great looking table.  I'd try table the way it is.  How much overhang do you have?  Just remember where bracing is when bending and hammering.  Some people perfer some overhang because it allows for maximum use of clamps.  My table sits flush with the 2"x2", thus lose 2 inches of clamping range.Be careful with those sharp corners.  With the over hang it looks like a lot of potential for ripped shirts and pants possibly flesh..  I'd radius them, slightly.  I personally do not use the edge of my table for squaring anything so I don't think you'd loose anything by a radiused corner.
Reply:Yup, I'm going to round out the corners. I dont want anyone getting hurt, dog, or kids that come over etc.   The over hang is about 7" give or take.  Its actually strong, I weight 170 lbs and I can stande on edge and not have it give.  So I may just leave it as is. If I notice any bowing etc I can always reinforce.
Reply:The height of my table is about the same height as a five year old kid's forehead. And I've got a five year old. I rounded the table top corners slightly. Then I got a length of old garden hose, put a slit all the way down it, and I stick it around the edge when the table is not in use. Scott
Reply:I am green with envy, I need to get my table built soon.It is a sweet table I see all manner of projects getting worked on that one.
Reply:Just a thought...if you did decide to go ahead and reinforce the overhang, you could just make some triangle brackets that attach to the legs.  You would keep the clamping surface large and provide a good bit of added support at the same time...like I said, just a thought.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:Originally Posted by smithboyJust a thought...if you did decide to go ahead and reinforce the overhang, you could just make some triangle brackets that attach to the legs.  You would keep the clamping surface large and provide a good bit of added support at the same time...like I said, just a thought.
Reply:You will like my cart when its done, I have some 10" wheel casters on it with zerk fittings and everything they are killer. Its 5 wide by 2.5 feet deep. It already weights well over 100 pounds haha and all I have is the bottom done.