Finally, My Welding Table

admin

Keep in mind that I am a weekend welding warrior and a computer geek by trade. I finally am making some progress with my welding table. The fork lift attachment for my Kubota tractor was my first major project which turned out pretty well. I will get some photos of that next weekend. But I used it to move the material around for the welding table.The legs are 4"x4" square with 3" channel between them. The top is 11/16" plate that is 97" x 64". Total cost: A bunch of 6011 1/8 rods, some .035 wire, 4 steel castors, a piece of 3/4" all-thread, some OA for cutting and other assorted consumables. The reason I did not mention steel is because that came courtesy of a friend/neighbor. He is my mentor and a wonderful person. I have learned everything from building my 40x60x16 shop to how to use my JD 310G backhoe from him. People like him are once in a lifetime.Anyway, back to the table. I plan to build drawers for storage but that is down the road. The vice is a brand new 6" Wilton shop vice that I got on sale at Northern Tool for $140. What a deal.Next weekend, I will get the camera out and take some photos. The drawing is below. So, in the computer lingo, I would like to submit an RFC (request for comment).I was thinking about building 6 total drawers, 3 on each side, with ball-bearing slides attached to angle iron mounted to the 3" channel. I have to actually purchase the material for the drawers so I was thinking about 1/8" for the bottoms and 1/16" for the sides. Does anybody have any thoughts on this?Also, the top has some rust because it was stored outside. I have already started to clean it up with a grinder and treat it with phosphoric acid. It is straight all the way across within 1/16" and that is good with me. I am not so good a fabrication and setup that this will be an issue for me. Any thoughts on prepping the top? The legs and drawers will get some Rustoleum rusty metal primer and gloss black.
Reply:drawers on a weling table? not a good idea. welding tables take beatings, extreme heat and about a hundred other types of abuse. anything in the drawers will get tore up or melted. keep it simple. you need a vise, somewhere to hang clamps and a shelf on bottom.
Reply:I want to see lots of photos as you start the process of building this table. How big is this table going to be?Looking forward to see your progress.Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkQualified & experienced at welding scrap metal
Reply:I'd do drawers if they were tough and with those specs they will be OK. All ya need to do is close them and not use them for delicate equipment. I wouldn't stash my digital micrometers in there but welding-related stuff wouldn't get hurtany more than it does on a rig truck.
Reply:You had to make a drawing of that! I guess you didnt want to forget all the detail. Guys, stop playing on auto cad and go build something. I hate clicking on something that turns out to be a cartoon of this is what i wanna build. Just build it. I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Your vise needs to be removable as they can be in the way with some projects. I have drawers on my table and have had no problem. You may also want to add mig gun holders at the corners. Make sure the gun, while in the holders is below the table level so it's not in the way. Shelves under the ends of the table are nice to put grinders on while working. They are handy but out of the way.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeYou had to make a drawing of that! I guess you didnt want to forget all the detail. Guys, stop playing on auto cad and go build something. I hate clicking on something that turns out to be a cartoon of this is what i wanna build. Just build it.
Reply:Bob is right about the vise, make it removable so the whole tabletop is clear when you don't need to use the vise. Most guys on here use 2" receiver hitch tubing welded under the table to mount vises and such on. Then mount the vise to a peice of 2' square tubing so you can slide it in to use and slide it out to store it. You can also mount all sorts of other things to 2" tubing to use like this. Most anything that would normally be bolted down to a bench top can be mounted this way for use, and removed for  storage when not needed.Use the search function at the top right side of the page and look for 2" receiver hitch tubing and you will get many examples. It's a very handy way to mount tooling  for use with out having to have it have it PERMANENTLY mounted to your work table.Use wheels under your table that are at least 3" diameter for easier moving, I see you have plans for the wheels. Bigger wheels roll over stuff better with the weight of the table on them. Post pix of the build and you will get more suggestions on it that you may want to use/incorporate into your build. Also do a search for "welding tables" for more ideas before you set your plans in stone/steel.Last edited by Bistineau; 01-06-2014 at 08:52 PM.
Reply:Hey, Chuck.I guess I'm more like you than I am like Mike. I always make a sketch on a pad, add dimensions, document new ideas, etc. If I could draw like you, I would always make a plan to refer to later if nothing else.I have 1 drawer on my small welding table, and it is the handiest thing. I keep my welding hat, TIG gloves, markers, a measuring tape, and usually a small square in there. Don't shy away from building the drawers. May not need 6 of them, but 2-3 for sure. Besides it is good practice.Also, plan on some place for your clamps and vice grips. I just clamp them on the legs, but you may want to add a bar between the legs. A bottom shelf is great, but it will be covered in dust and grit. A holder for your MIG torch is a must.Welcome to the forum. Post pictures of your build - we love pictures.Last edited by wb4rt; 01-06-2014 at 08:49 PM.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:I am envious of folks who have the space for a table that's over 5' x 8'. That is going to be a killer work surface! I would definitely take up the advice of these guys as there is a lot of experience on this board. I will add to the comments on the size of the casters. My table is about half your size and it sits on 6" casters to be able to move it comfortably with its weight. If you have any surface irregularities in your shop floor I would spend some of the money you saved by not having to buy a top on some quality casters.Looking forward to seeing some pics! Last edited by Duker; 01-06-2014 at 09:22 PM.Lincoln 180 MigLincoln 225 TigHypertherm 65My Welding Table BuildVideo describing the Table
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeYou had to make a drawing of that! I guess you didnt want to forget all the detail. Guys, stop playing on auto cad and go build something. I hate clicking on something that turns out to be a cartoon of this is what i wanna build. Just build it.
Reply:Ha ha, I can't either..Tim Beeker.
Reply:Originally Posted by chuckholeKeep in mind that I am a weekend welding warrior and a computer geek by trade.
Reply:Originally Posted by alp2013Chuck, we have similar backgrounds, like the plan.  Only thing I would  change from what I see is using something like the receiver hitch mount for your vise.In most of the country, at least where I live they have these things called building codes. No plans, no building permit so I gotta think this was said in jest??For those of us weekend warriors who have to pick up where you left off one day a week, it helps, at least for me, to keep notes and write things down. There's a member on here, can't remember the name, who designed his welding cart in Solidworks before building it.  I would almost put money down that its few and far between the number of folks that cold build that cart working without any plans or notes.
Reply:Yea, its always better to go cut up all your steel before getting some feedback on your design, makes sense...not
Reply:Tough crowd lol!  You are gonna want some way to clamp in the middle of the table. That makes holes which means bad juju for drawers.  So, drawers, not my favorite option on a table. Those would be on my welding cart. Definitely add some angle attached inboard across the legs to hang clamps, grinders, etc. I like short sections of square tubing welded vertical or at an angle for hammers, brush, safety glasses, mig gun, underneath or on the sides of the table.Top prep - not much to say.  I'm not seeing how you are attaching the top.  If you are building a frame, don't do what I did and weld the top down.  Better to bolt it.  Or at least dont do more than just some short tack welds.Hope you enjoy it.
Reply:It’s a "welding" table.  Just build it already.  You don't need to post pictures of what it “will look like,” just do it and post the pictures of what it “does look like.” -I think that is what Mike was getting at.  My very first welding project, with only a few months of welding experience, was a welding table.  I had a set of plans I drew up for the top only, as it was water jet cut to my specs, and the water jet folks needed something to plug into their cad.  Other than that, I had no plans, and I posted a few pics after it was finished (my first posts in this forum).  So nothing wrong with having a plan, but good grief, we have seen enough (not from you necessarily) “plans” of what "my welding table will look like," and ya know what, I’d be willing to bet there are more “plan pictures” posted than actual completed projects from the same person(s).  Cheers,GarWelding table Part-1:Welding table Part-2:Welding table Part-3:Last edited by Gar; 01-06-2014 at 11:48 PM.Lincoln Electric, Power MIG 256Hypertherm Powermax 45 Miller Dynasty 280DXSmith O/A torchGenesis of a welding table
Reply:Chuck,Do you have a CAD drawing of the frame itself? I am curious how everything is held together underneath that surface and behind those drawers. That is a really nice size work surface to have, and those overhangs will be useful for clamping. I may suggest some additional support of those lower legs. 2 cross members towards the mid to lower legs on the 64" sides then one more going long ways in between those.You can also use that as a frame for a LARGE shelf (expanded steel) underneath the bench for materials/tools/etc. I feel like building/framing 6 drawers is going to be a pain. If it were me I would ditch those and put more time, $$, focus of a solid, straight frame. OH and large high quality casters.good luck we expect lots of pictures! Originally Posted by chuckholeKeep in mind that I am a weekend welding warrior and a computer geek by trade. I finally am making some progress with my welding table. The fork lift attachment for my Kubota tractor was my first major project which turned out pretty well. I will get some photos of that next weekend. But I used it to move the material around for the welding table.The legs are 4"x4" square with 3" channel between them. The top is 11/16" plate that is 97" x 64". Total cost: A bunch of 6011 1/8 rods, some .035 wire, 4 steel castors, a piece of 3/4" all-thread, some OA for cutting and other assorted consumables. The reason I did not mention steel is because that came courtesy of a friend/neighbor. He is my mentor and a wonderful person. I have learned everything from building my 40x60x16 shop to how to use my JD 310G backhoe from him. People like him are once in a lifetime.Anyway, back to the table. I plan to build drawers for storage but that is down the road. The vice is a brand new 6" Wilton shop vice that I got on sale at Northern Tool for $140. What a deal.Next weekend, I will get the camera out and take some photos. The drawing is below. So, in the computer lingo, I would like to submit an RFC (request for comment).I was thinking about building 6 total drawers, 3 on each side, with ball-bearing slides attached to angle iron mounted to the 3" channel. I have to actually purchase the material for the drawers so I was thinking about 1/8" for the bottoms and 1/16" for the sides. Does anybody have any thoughts on this?Also, the top has some rust because it was stored outside. I have already started to clean it up with a grinder and treat it with phosphoric acid. It is straight all the way across within 1/16" and that is good with me. I am not so good a fabrication and setup that this will be an issue for me. Any thoughts on prepping the top? The legs and drawers will get some Rustoleum rusty metal primer and gloss black.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeYou had to make a drawing of that! I guess you didnt want to forget all the detail. Guys, stop playing on auto cad and go build something. I hate clicking on something that turns out to be a cartoon of this is what i wanna build. Just build it.
Reply:Gar,Where did you get your casters from? How much did they cost?Millermatic 211Dewalt 14" ChopsawDewalt 4 1/2" GrinderCraftsman
Reply:Haha cupcakes! Im calmer in person. Well....... maybe not, but i can explain myself better lol.I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeThat guys a numbskull  apples and oranges guys not my point. I jot stuff down and make drawings all the time. What im getting at is STOP POSTING PICTURES OF WHAT YOU WANNA BUILD AND GO FN BUILD IT! Thats all.
Reply:Originally Posted by chuckholeKeep in mind that I am a weekend welding warrior and a computer geek by trade.
Reply:Nallbright: http://www.castersupply.com/NAV/gd_100.htm  I went with the GD-100s @ $52.14 each.Wb4Rt: I hear ya brother, but the way I see it, if a guy can't take a little spatter from others from time to time, he has no business being a welder. The idea is to encourage folks to get off the drawing table and get busy building something.  The three part video series demonstrates doing, not drawing pictures, that was my point.  GarLincoln Electric, Power MIG 256Hypertherm Powermax 45 Miller Dynasty 280DXSmith O/A torchGenesis of a welding table
Reply:Originally Posted by wb4rtMike - I think you are trying to win the Welding Web Curmudgeon award, since SundownIII went missing. Or are you SundownIII reincarnated as Weldermike? What is the harm in posting a picture and getting ideas/suggestions before starting the project? Seems like he got some good ideas and is adjusting his design. Isn't that the point of the forum? And GAR, really? You're complaining about a guy posting a drawing before he starts but you post a 3 part video series of what you built? Don't take it the wrong way because I liked your videos. I just don't see why you are trying to bust him for posting a picture? Maybe you guys are just jealous of his ability to draw and plan. I know I wish I could draw like that.Just because you don't like to do something the same way doesn't mean you have to criticize the guy. I think he's doing a great job. Please, let's don't go back the way it was on this forum a few years ago when every new guy got beaten up because he asked a question. This has been a great forum the last year or two because guys were quick to help a newby.Hey WelderMike and GAR.All's good. I know your work and abilities. Just don't want new guys to feel they can't ask a question.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:Originally Posted by GravelChuckhole, Sounds like we have the computer geek thing in common.  What part of Houston are you in?
Reply:So may comments to address and great ideas to consider. I will start by saying that NOBODY has offended this newbie in any way. I am pretty certain that won't start until you see my welds.........Ya'll make it look sooooooo easy.Drawings: I am 54+ years old and not a youngster that can not visualize stuff (and I do agree that so many youngsters can not). BUT, I am a COMPUTER GEEK so I draw simply because I can. I agree that a piece of paper and pencil is enough but I am finding that my memory is not as good as it used to be so drawings help me document and remember down the road........even from one weekend to the next.Adding Drawers: I think I am going to keep the drawers idea but cut it down to just two drawers and use the ideas all of you have posted to my RFC and the previous welding table projects. I have to do some programming type scripts for work and the number one rule for scripts is to STEAL where you can. So I plan to steal your ideas.Removable Vice: with an 11/16" thick top, I am going to drill and tap the (4) 1/2-13 attachments for the vice. Also line it up so that the vice will swivel to either side with the inside jaw lining up at the edge of the two sides. That way I can use the height of the table. Lots of good stuff on this site. There was a video of a red welding table (I think by Duker?) that had some cool ideas for the chop saw, etc. Plan to steal those ideas too.......Last edited by chuckhole; 01-07-2014 at 02:24 PM.Reason: Vice info.
Reply:When your ready to build the drawers pm me. I have a case of draw slides, ill mail you out a few sets at no charge. See im not such a dlck after all. I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Damn, chuck! I thought I was going to like you but I'm green with envy!I have some server rails that you can have if you want them. They aren't bearing type but the servers they came from weigh up to 80 lbs.Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I497 using TapatalkGravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:Gar,Great build and videos.  Especially loved the Rocky finale.  Lmfao.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Originally Posted by GravelDamn, chuck! I thought I was going to like you but I'm green with envy!I have some server rails that you can have if you want them. They aren't bearing type but the servers they came from weigh up to 80 lbs.
Reply:Just make sure you have both components of the rail.Jealous of your toys! My wife likes tool/hardware shopping with me. :-)I reduced physical server count by 50% using ESX. Great tool!Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I497 using TapatalkGravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:Originally Posted by chuckhole.... Lots of good stuff on this site. There was a video of a red welding table (I think by Duker?) that had some cool ideas for the chop saw, etc. Plan to steal those ideas too.......