1/4" vs 3/8" welding table top..

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Hey guys-I'm thinking about finally welding up a table.I'm a hobby weekend welder, and am planning a 28x48" table top.I'm trying to decide if 1/4" will be fine or if the top should be 3/8"?I'm looking at having a table cut with 1/2" slots so I can use clamps.Any advice on table top thickness?  1/4 is $125 and 3/8 is $160..
Reply:3/8" would be a better choice than the 1/4", when in doubt go thicker. I made mine from 3/8", had it given to me though. I used 2x2x1/4" tubing for the legs and 2x2x1/4" angle for the frame. The legs and frame were leftovers from another project.
Reply:Mine is 1/4. I only work on lite schtuff.Go 3/8.It's only a little more. My supplier didn't have a sheet so I grabbed 1/4.No problem.Don't weld the top on. Countersink and four to six 5/16 bolts will do you.It wont fly away !Bubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:Look at it this way.  The price to go thicker now is $35.  The price to go thicker later is $160 for the new top plus you already spent $125 on the old one.  You decide.My name's not Jim....
Reply:I haven't bought the top yet.. I'll just go 3/8..
Reply:Originally Posted by bellyupfishi haven't bought the top yet.. I'll just go 3/8..
Reply:Originally Posted by Burpeebolt it on !
Reply:Have some music to tap the holes to.Bubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:Or you go with a top made of channel and be able to clamp stuff any where and it would be cheaper. Here's a picture of one being made and you can get an idea. It's upside down on top of my 1" table to make sure it is flat. Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by BobOr you go with a top made of channel and be able to clamp stuff any where and it would be cheaper. Here's a picture of one being made and you can get an idea. It's upside down on top of my 1" table to make sure it is flat.
Reply:I bolted my top on so if I need to change it it's simple, I used 1/4 and have had no problems. My tables has three table tops, the top for welding, the middle level to put my grinders on and the bottom level for clamps and other stuff.I almost forgot, I welded on some heavy duty casters so I can move it around easily.Last edited by kctgb; 04-14-2014 at 11:17 PM.
Reply:Hi Burpee... I just build my table frame out of 2" x 2" x 3/16" square tubing and have a 1/4" top. I also want to bolt the top to the frame. I'm not quite sure the method here. Do you countersink from the top and drill all the way through the 2" square tubing? If so, you would have to get a bolt around 3" long to get a bolt underneath? Could you show a pic of the bolt detail?Many ThanksHTP Invertig 221Hypertherm Powermax30 XPPlus other stuff
Reply:Originally Posted by BellyUpFishI'm a hobby weekend welder, and am planning a 28x48" table top.I'm trying to decide if 1/4" will be fine or if the top should be 3/8"?
Reply:Originally Posted by BellyUpFishHey guys-I'm thinking about finally welding up a table.I'm a hobby weekend welder, and am planning a 28x48" table top.I'm trying to decide if 1/4" will be fine or if the top should be 3/8"?I'm looking at having a table cut with 1/2" slots so I can use clamps.Any advice on table top thickness?  1/4 is $125 and 3/8 is $160..
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauDid you ever build this table or is it still in the planning stages?
Reply:Originally Posted by BellyUpFishStill planning.  It's on hold for the time being.  I'm moving from a 24x24 shop to a 30x40 and figured I'd just wait.  I wound up with a couple other projects ahead of it anyway. I've been using the Harbor Freight welding table.
Reply:Be hard to fit this on the table.. I do need get on it though..
Reply:Originally Posted by BellyUpFishBe hard to fit this on the table.. I do need get on it though..
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauNot really, just plan on making the table bigger and stronger. Then a couple of ramps and it will go right up on it. Some members on here have tables big enough to put that on and still be able to walk around it on the table top.
Reply:Originally Posted by BellyUpFishI'd need a 100x100 shop for that.
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauWhat unit of measure are you using? A 10'x20' shop will fit that Bronco in just fine, 15'x20' even better, or maybe a little bigger. Still though, if you need to make other parts to weld up for the Bronco project, it is nice to have a decent table to work off of.