Questions about a welding table..?

admin

OK kiddys, here's proof you need to keep scouring those recycle yards. I was all ready to pony up for a 4 foot x 4 foot .250 inch thick plate for a new welding table, $200.00 just for the top ! (made the hemorrhoids act up a little) I had a hunch to check the local recycler first and low and behold what do I see there on the ground? A 39 inch long by 27 inch wide by ONE INCH thick piece of plate, machined on both sides and around all four edges. And, better yet, right beside it is a 27 inch by 27 inch square stand for said plate, made out of 3 inch by 3 inch by .250 angle iron...all welded up professionally and painted to boot. Off to the scales we go and the plate and stand weigh 507 pounds, so out the door I go for $135.00. (They paid Micron Tech $5.07 for it when they scraped it...don't that just frost your muffin.) Anyhow here's my question: The edges of this plate on all four sides have 3/8 inch drilled and tapped holes about every 12 inches. Cool I'm thinking, good for bolting on stuff. However the plate itself also has several of the same holes kinda scattered around on it and they go completely through the plate. (You can tell where some kind of instrument was mounted on it.) Are these of any value for bolting things down to the table top, and if so what? I'm kinda brainstorming the ultimate table and am not sure what all I want to, or can,  put on it. Thanks!
Reply:Nice find!  A deal like that is what good stories are made of.  I hope you didn't irritate the hemorroids trying to get it home?  The holes could be valuable in the future if you need to setup some jigging.  Murphy's Law says that they would probably be in the wrong place 1/2" short of where you wish they would be. They shouldn't interfere with anything though, so leave them.  At least they are "through" holes and you could put a bolt up through the bottom and flush it up if they bother you. Then, you would have them fo later if the need arises.Hobart 140 Handler w/ gasHyperTherm Powermax 380 Plasmaoxy/acetylene
Reply:Keep the holes and look into DeStaco type toggle clamps.   Being able to clamp a project to the table away from the edge is very helpful in keeping assemblies flat.     When I built my table, I drilled a series of 5/8" holes through the 1/2" thick top.   I have a collection of toggle clamps that I can bolt to the table and hold down just about anything I can think of.   I've also built risers and angled bases for the clamps to facilitate welding a few "3D" projects. Attached ImagesThere are no small projects
Reply:Originally Posted by ronnielyons A 39 inch long by 27 inch wide by ONE INCH thick piece of plate, machined on both sides and around all four edges. And, better yet, right beside it is a 27 inch by 27 inch square stand for said plate, made out of 3 inch by 3 inch by .250 angle iron...all welded up professionally and painted to boot.
Reply:Thanks for the ideas. I just got the cart legs cut to length and had to stop to go back to work for 6 days. More later when I get further on the project. Ronnie
Reply:Originally Posted by imagineerKeep the holes and look into DeStaco type toggle clamps.   Being able to clamp a project to the table away from the edge is very helpful in keeping assemblies flat.     When I built my table, I drilled a series of 5/8" holes through the 1/2" thick top.   I have a collection of toggle clamps that I can bolt to the table and hold down just about anything I can think of.   I've also built risers and angled bases for the clamps to facilitate welding a few "3D" projects.
Reply:Originally Posted by DoolittleThat is a cool table, Howed you secure the top to the aluminum?
Reply:Great ideas, all of em.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:If gravity is the only thing holding the table down then ground your work..dont go thru a table leg.. then the ground has to "jump" to the table and then "jump" to your work.. good grounds are happy grounds.. ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:ooo, good point zap.  But, those table legs look too thick to clamp onto, so he must just use the top.  Musta taken forever to drill all those holes (and several bits).  He even has wheels with adjustable feet to keep it in place.  Alot of thought in that one.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterIf gravity is the only thing holding the table down then ground your work..dont go thru a table leg.. then the ground has to "jump" to the table and then "jump" to your work.. good grounds are happy grounds.. ...zap!
Reply:WOW!  That accu-lube must be some good stuff. I figured the feet were to keep the table stationary, I really like that one.  My table is working just fine so far, if I ever get rid of some of my stuff (George Carlin allways pops in my head when I say that), Ill try and make something similar.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.